Beyond the Fish Fingers

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, we often hear stories of seasoned professionals making the tough decision to leave their organisations. It’s not always burnout driving them away; sometimes it’s a profound sense that their efforts are undervalued. Recently, I spoke with one who made such a decision. When asked if they felt appreciated, the response was a stark “no.” Instead of meaningful acknowledgment, they received fish fingers—leftovers from the school’s dinner service.

This peculiar form of appreciation might be one of the strangest I've encountered, but it highlights a broader issue. Consider another story: a senior manager who fell ill and received no personal outreach from his team. When he returned, the first thing he faced was a stack of pending authorisations. Imagine how different he might have felt if he had received a thoughtful card or a small gift during his absence. Such gestures can remind employees that they are valued not just for their work, but for who they are.

These stories are not isolated incidents; they reflect a larger pattern. Gallup reports that global employee engagement has dipped, costing the world economy billions in productivity. Manager engagement, in particular, has declined, affecting team morale and performance. In the UK, employee engagement ranks 30th out of 38 European countries, with a mere 10% truly engaged at work.

The statistics resonate with the daily narratives I hear. So, what can we do to foster better engagement? It doesn’t have to be grandiose. It begins with cultivating a culture of genuine human connection. A simple “thank you” or an acknowledgment that goes beyond a generic message can make all the difference. Engaging with employees on a personal level, understanding their “love languages,” and tailoring appreciation accordingly can lead to meaningful connections.

As we navigate these challenges, I urge us to ask: How can we create workplaces that truly value and appreciate each individual? What steps can we take to ensure our colleagues feel seen and heard in meaningful ways? Let’s strive to do better, for the sake of our teams and the health of our organisations. How will you start fostering a culture of genuine appreciation today?

Full article on Medium here: Beyond the Fish Fingers: Rethinking Employee Appreciation in the Workplace

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About the author: Dele Kehn-Alafun is the founder of Peace Lily Gifts, dedicated to infusing soul into the ways businesses show appreciation and care for their employees, colleagues, and clients. To learn more, connect with us here.