SHOWING APPRECIATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Distracted driving has become much more common in our society since the introduction of the smartphone. But before cellphones were a mainstay, plenty of people ate, drank, and even applied makeup behind the wheel, and drivers still do to this day. These distractions can significantly increase your risk of being involved in an accident, yet many people choose to be distracted while they drive. According to the 2022 Travelers Risk Index, 74% of drivers look at their phones for map directions, 56% read texts or emails, 27% use social media, and 19% shop online. Each of these actions causes you to be visually, manually, and cognitively distracted. You have to take your eyes off the road to look at your phone and your hands off the wheel to use the phone, and your mind is no longer on the task of driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. If you’re traveling at 55 miles per hour, you’ll traverse an entire football field in that time. Accidents caused by drivers who are cognitively distracted have been rising lately. You don’t have to bring out your cellphone to get cognitively distracted, either. Thinking about stressful situations, such as your finances or family problems, can cause you to lose focus. It’s imperative that you do everything in your power to keep your focus on driving when behind the wheel, or you could put yourself and others at risk of a collision. We all have the ability to keep distractions at bay while driving. It will take some mental fortitude and persistence to keep your phone down and away while you drive, but be sure you’re not replacing your phone with other distractions. When you’re behind the wheel, use all of your attention to drive safely to your destination.
THROUGH ENCOURAGEMENT AND CONSIDERATION
Have you ever heard of “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman? It’s an incredibly popular book that identifies different ways individuals prefer to give and receive love. You can communicate more effectively with your partners, friends, and family by considering their personal needs and using the language that speaks to them best. But did you know you can apply these same principles to show appreciation and encouragement at work? When you understand and use your employees’ preferred language of appreciation, your workplace culture will significantly improve. Words of Affirmation A “thank you” note or shout-out from a colleague is quite powerful, but it’s even more effective when it’s specific to an act or moment because it shows that you are paying attention to what matters. For your message to be clear, consider describing the situation you’re referring to, discussing the behavior you are looking to celebrate, and highlighting the impact of the behavior on you, the team, and the organization. Quality Time This language is all about receiving complete and focused attention. This means taking the time for mentorships, checking in meaningfully, and creating moments for teams to connect. For employees who value quality time, having dedicated time to connect and learn from their employers and coworkers can be significantly impactful as they feel seen and heard. Acts of Service Simply picking up an extra coffee for a team member, or alleviating a work task off someone’s plate, shows that you care about their overall well-being and brings them joy.
Tangible Gifts A nice, personalized gift can be a display that you acknowledge your employee’s or coworker’s passions and preferences. The more you converse with them and learn about their personal lives, the easier it’ll be to choose a more meaningful gift and bring a smile to their face. Appropriate Physical Touch This language can be tricky, but it’s about respecting boundaries. A high-five, fist bump, pat on the shoulder, and a handshake are generally acceptable, but it is best not to assume. Everyone’s level of comfort differs, so always ask before initiating any type of appropriate physical touch. If you take the time to understand your employees’ preferred language of appreciation, you can communicate more meaningfully and positively.
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