Innovation & Insights

How to Show Appreciation in the Workplace

16 September 2025

 

At Providence Health Plan (PHP), we believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. That belief doesn’t stop at our members, it extends to our caregivers, partners, and colleagues. One of the most powerful ways to build a culture of trust and connection is through consistent, meaningful appreciation.

What is workplace appreciation?

Workplace appreciation is the practice of acknowledging and celebrating employee (or as PHP calls them, caregivers) accomplishments and contributions both publicly and one-on-one. It’s more than a thank-you. It’s a way to reinforce our shared values, strengthen relationships, and support well-being.

While many people will first think of a promotion, bonus, or raise, appreciation can take many forms. It could be a personal note recognizing someone’s extra effort, a shoutout during a team meeting, a nomination for an award (like PHP’s Values in Action awards), or extra time off or professional development opportunities.

The most impactful appreciation is timely, specific, and aligned with what matters to the individual and the organization.

So why does this matter?

Gratitude is more than a feel-good emotion, it’s a powerful social connector. Research shows that people who regularly express and receive gratitude experience:

• Improved well-being

• Higher self-esteem

• Less depression and anxiety

• Better sleep

One study even found that gratitude accounts for about 20% of the differences in people’s overall life satisfaction.

Gratitude works because it requires perspective. To feel grateful, we have to recognize that someone else went out of their way. That moment of reflection builds empathy and trust, two essential ingredients for a healthy workplace.

How to build a culture of appreciation

At Providence Health Plan, we know that appreciation isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily practice. Here are a few ways to make it part of your team’s culture:

Lead by example. Model appreciation in your own behavior. Recognize effort, not just outcomes. Celebrate small wins.

Make it personal. Tailor your recognition to the individual. Some people love public praise; others prefer a quiet thank-you.

Connect it to values.Appreciation is most meaningful when it reinforces what we stand for. At PHP, those values are compassion, dignity, justice, integrity, and excellence.

Encourage peer recognition.Create space for team members to recognize each other. It builds camaraderie and shared accountability.

Appreciation supports well-being

Recognizing your team’s contributions isn’t just good leadership, it’s preventive care for burnout. Leaders play a critical role in shaping the employee experience and promoting emotional resilience. Appreciation helps caregivers feel seen, supported, and motivated to do their best work. It’s a simple act with a powerful ripple effect. When we take the time to acknowledge each other, we build a workplace where people feel respected, connected, and inspired to serve our members with compassion and excellence.