'Thank you' from manager is top gesture that means the most to employees
A “thank you” from a manager or customer, someone making you a tea or coffee – and free breakfasts or lunches, are some of the little gestures that mean the most to employees at work, research has found.
Others appreciate it when a colleague picks up a job for them, or helps them out even though they are busy themselves.
And being able to finish work early to attend family commitments – as well as getting cake or a card on their birthday – also featured among the top 10 kind workplace gestures, that go a long way.
In fact, the survey of 2,000 employees found that six in 10 (61%) believe they perform better as a result of these small actions – with 84% saying this is what makes their job worthwhile.
And the average worker experiences two such gestures at work during a typical week – with one in 10 saying they are left with a positive feeling that carries them through the whole day.
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The research was commissioned by British Gas, which is aiming to recruit 3,500 apprentices during the next decade.
And one in four appreciate being invited out for food or drinks after work (Sky Nesher/Getty Images)And engineer Alison Snowden, who works for the company, said: “For me, it really is the little things that make all the difference in the workplace. I’ve worked in my current job for nearly 30 years now, and those small moments of appreciation are so important.
“One of the many benefits of taking up a trade like engineering is the instant gratification of solving a customer’s problem. Along with developing new skills, practical careers give you the chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives and to the world around you, which can be extremely rewarding.”
The study also found that over half (55%) say that receiving a small act of kindness inspires them to return the favour, which workers will do four times a week, on average. And it emerged that 87% claim it is important for them to “know their worth” when it comes to the workplace.
However, a third of those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, currently feel underappreciated – with a fifth keen to change careers in the new year, to something that will make them feel more valued.
Of those, public services and administration, IT, and energy and utilities, are among the industries they would most consider changing to.
The average 2024 job seeker has been at their current company for seven years, with 46% claiming their next career change will be for the long haul.
Earning a higher salary, helping others, and doing something their family can be proud of, also featured highly on the list of new job goals.
And the study revealed the things that are most valued by employees – including a good work-life balance (53%), quality leadership (20%), and training and development opportunities (15%).
Alison Snowden added: “For anyone considering a new role, apprenticeships are a fantastic option – whether you’re at the beginning of your working life, or looking to retrain.
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“Engineering certainly gives you a lot of rewarding moments, especially working somewhere that has a supportive culture. It’s so satisfying to go into people’s homes and help them in their hour of need, leaving again having fixed the problem, and feeling good about my role in that.”
TOP 10 GESTURES WHICH GO A LONG WAY IN THE WORKPLACE:
- A manager saying “thank you”
- A customer or client saying “thank you”
- Getting a “pat on the back” for a job well done
- Someone helping you out, even though they are busy themselves
- Being able to finish work early, due to family commitments
- Someone offering to make you a cup of tea or coffee
- Getting a cake or card on your birthday
- Someone picking up an extra job for you, to help you out
- Free lunches or breakfasts
- Being included in team activities
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