Why is it that sometimes we will put every last ounce of what we have in to something at work even to the point we may miss out on key family events. However other times we will do the bare minimum at the office and slope off early??

Sure, from time to time there are other things that may play a role in how efficient we choose to be on a daily bases such as our health or family obligations, but could there be just one key factor that effects our work efficiency and commitment in the office on a day to day bases??

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), feeling valued is a key indicator of job performance.  Employees who feel valued are more likely to be engaged in their work and feel satisfied and motivated.

With many companies now having many staff incentives from free gym membership, birthdays off and gift vouchers to make staff feel “appreciated”. While others have pizza days, ice cream vans in the staff car park and fridges in the office with wine and snacks to celebrate the end of an amazing work day. I ask myself is this necessary and does it achieve anything in the long run?

 According to a recent survey three-quarters of the people asked list work as a significant source of stress and over half of those surveyed indicating that their work productivity suffered due to stress.  Nearly half of those who say they do not feel valued report they intend to look for a new job in the next year.

Work stress and unhealthy work environments intensify workers’ sense of being undervalued and can contribute to absenteeism and lack of productivity when employees are at work. With many members of staff spending more time together than the average married couple is it not expected that there is to be conflict in the office could this be more the reason people feel under valued at work and is throwing gifts and perks helpful or making staff members feel cheap??  Is a better relationship with colleagues and a better work environment all the incentive they need??

In my opinion it is a balance of both.

Everyone loves a gift, a free lunch or a special bonus. However, everyone wants a happy and healthy work environment and to feel they are part of team and a “work family”. So, for me I believe the balance is to create a happy office where the “team” is incentivised and gifted together.

Yes, the staff of any company need to feel valued by the CEOs and Directors of a company and sure gift certificates, gym memberships, pizza days and perk box incentives are a great way for the company big wigs to show their “appreciation”. However, I believe it moves further down the line. Each team member needs to feel appreciated and valued by each other.

Why is it that sometimes we will put every ounce of what we have in to something at work even to the point we may miss out on key family events. However other times we will do the bare minimum at the office and slope off early?? In Hein site that’s an easy one it isn’t down to the big incentives of the company it is down to the incentive of helping out a “team member” helping out a member of the “company family”.

There is a direct link between productivity and feeling appreciated, but that appreciation is more impactful from your team than any CEO.

So maybe take a minute today to turn to the person to the left of you and say thank you for all you do. Make everyone a coffee send out an email of appreciation or maybe give someone across the office a knowing smile and nod cos after all we are all in this together. Making the office a happy appreciated work environment doesn’t come from incentives it comes from being a team that is as close as any family, that will want to achieve TOGETHER.