Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of days dedicated to recognition and appreciation of various sorts. Employee Appreciation Day was observed on Friday, March 6th – a chance to “support, thank and reward workers” for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Sunday, March 8th was International Women’s Day, a “global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women.” And most recently, Wednesday, March 11th was Randon Tweets of Kindness day, an online event created in 2014 by Lars Schmidt, the founder of Amplify Talent, as a way to call out and recognize and thank publically individuals who have impacted or influenced you in some way using the hashtag #RTOK. This year’s iteration was nothing short of amazing, reaching the point of trending worldwide on Twitter as countless folks shared the love for people who have supported them, helped them grow and succeed, or have just simply been there as good friends.
Personally, I’m a little torn on the idea of these “official” recognition-type days. I mean, in theory, we shouldn’t need a specific day to appreciate those around us who make our lives better in some way, right? Employee recognition should be on ongoing process, not a one-time event that happens because a designated day tells you that you should do so. We should appreciate the achievements of great people (not just women) on a regular basis, not once a year. And hopefully we’re thanking the people that help us, impact us, teach and mentor us, and support us as they do it, not just on a day designated for that. Right?
In theory, yes. In theory. But then reality steps in and rears its ugly and hectic face.
I don’t know about you, but my days, weeks, and even years fly by quickly. In the day to day hustle and bustle of life, as the frenetic pace of life is filled with personal and professional obligations, as days and weeks are filled with both the necessary and the fun, sometimes before I know it weeks have passed. And sometimes I realize I haven’t been in touch with this person, or that message I meant to send hasn’t yet gotten sent, or a connection I planned to make hasn’t yet been made. It’s not intentional, but it has happened nonetheless.
In the workplace, sometimes we are so consumed by all of the “stuff” that needs to get done that we forget to take a step back and appreciate those around us that are helping to get that stuff done, helping make projects happen, helping goals to be achieved. We don’t mean to do it, but we plug along and neglect to stop and say thanks in the moment.
So SOULD we need to have days set aside to appreciate those around us? No. DO we need them? I don’t think they’re such a bad idea. But the true key to success is to take the momentum generated by these days and try our best to keep it going…to ensure appreciation doesn’t fade as the sun sets on that day.
What do you think? Are appreciation days a good thing or bad thing? A necessary evil, something that shouldn’t exist in the first place, or an opportunity?
About the Author: Jennifer Payne, SPHR has over 16 years of HR experience in employee relations, talent acquisition, and learning & development, and currently works in talent acquisition and development in the retail grocery industry. She is one of the co-founders of Women of HR, and is currently the Editor of the site. You can connect with her on Twitter as @JennyJensHR and on LinkedIn.
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3 Comments
I do definitely agree that setting aside a specific day is sort of a double edged sword. On one hand, you hope people are being appreciated every day, but on the other hand, setting aside a day makes sure it gets done.
My 2 cents…
For managers – having a day specifically set aside to “remind” you to validate the effort your team puts forth is a major #fail. If you think about it that is the MAIN job of a manager – engaging people. That fact we have to remind them – that just speaks to how bad managers are.
As for the other days you mention – I do think in those cases you have an awareness issue and that needs some sort of PR campaign.
But in general employee appreciation day smacks of elitism from “management” the old … “let’s give them a day – that will shut them up.”
Good points Paul. What about workplaces where there IS a culture of regular recognition and appreciation built in, but there are also these types of days in place as more formal celebratory events? So for instance, a few times per year everyone is recognized/appreciated as more of a thank you…maybe from senior management for a particularly good year, etc.?