We have just finished celebrating Thanksgiving — the annual holiday that specifically dedicates time for us to express our gratitude and to “give thanks.” Thanksgiving is a very significant day, but most people would agree that expressing gratitude and giving thanks once a year isn’t enough.
Recognition is one of the four elements of Bethany’s Service Excellence design. Phase one of this plan was a redesign of the recognition boards. They are currently being delivered and installed at all of the sites. We are doing this because we believe that praise and recognition are essential to an outstanding workplace.
But do we really need to thank people for doing their job? Perhaps this example will help to answer that question.
Let’s say you have a roommate and as part of your living arrangement, you discuss dividing up the responsibilities associated with having a home. You agree that you will take on the responsibility for making dinner in the evenings and cleaning up the dishes and cleaning the bathrooms weekly. That’s your job in the home. No one forces you, you agree to do it and you dutifully carry out your responsibilities.
Do you think that it would be fitting and nice if every once in a while your roommate said thank you for making the meal and doing the dishes and cleaning the bathrooms? And if occasionally they really applauded you for putting together an exceptionally good meal?
While it doesn’t really seem necessary to expect to be thanked every day for every chore, how do you think you would feel if a significant amount of time passed and you never heard thank you? Do you think that you might feel resentful or taken for granted? It’s important to show your recognition and appreciation for people’s work. It doesn’t need to be overly complicated or tedious. Here’s a suggestion: choose one person and go thank them right now. Let them know that you value and appreciate them and their contribution, and that you couldn’t do what you do without them.
It starts with each one of us setting the example and finding opportunities to give praise. Take a moment every day to find something great to say about your teammates. While it is important for managers to give positive feedback, it’s equally important for all of us to recognize and praise our colleagues. Think about how awesome it could be if everyone was committed to doing this together. Fill up those recognition boards and observe what happens when we all consistently and genuinely thank our team members for doing their work. Practicing gratitude is one of the most reliable methods for increasing contentment and satisfaction. Being grateful for things should not be limited to one day per year. It is something we should focus on every single day because at the very least, it will make you a happier person.
– Val Trotter, Director of Service Excellence & Resident Experience
Leave a Reply