November is a month when we tend to think a little more about gratitude and the people we appreciate.
For many of us, work takes up a significant part of our week. We spend a lot of time with coworkers, supervisors, employees, and the people we serve.
Think about the last time someone genuinely thanked you for something you did at work. Not just a quick “thanks,” but a moment when you could tell they really noticed your effort. It probably felt pretty good.
Sometimes it is the little things that make the biggest difference. Thanking someone for stepping in when things were busy. Recognizing how they handled a difficult situation. Letting someone know you noticed the extra effort they put into a project. Or simply telling them, “I really appreciate what you bring to our organization.”
Those moments matter.
Gallup and Workhuman have found that employees who receive meaningful recognition are more likely to stay with their organization. In one long-term study, well-recognized employees were 45% less likely to have changed organizations two years later.
At the same time, only 22% of employees say they receive the right amount of recognition for the work they do. That is a pretty big gap, especially when recognition can be such a simple and meaningful way to strengthen workplace culture.
And it is not just about retention. Employees who strongly agree that recognition is an important part of their workplace culture are more than 4x as likely to strongly agree that their organization cares about their well-being.
When people feel valued, respected, and connected to the people around them, it helps build trust. That kind of workplace culture can make it easier for people to communicate openly, ask for help when they need it, support one another through difficult times, and feel like they are truly part of a team.
Meaningful recognition does not have to be complicated or expensive. Often, it is the personal and specific moments that make the biggest impact.
So, sometime this month, take a minute to think about the people who help keep your workplace going.
Who has gone the extra mile lately?
Who quietly shows up and gets the job done every day?
Who makes the workplace a little better just by being part of it?
Tell them.
We sometimes assume people already know how much we appreciate them. It never hurts to make sure.
A simple, genuine thank-you can go a long way toward building stronger relationships, stronger teams, and a workplace where people know they belong.
For a broader look at Gallup and Workhuman’s research on recognition, feedback, well-being, and workplace culture, explore their Research Hub.
Good to Know: Creating workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and supported is also part of building a healthier workplace culture. The Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network offers workplaces resources, training, and support to help strengthen well-being and workplace culture.