A positive working atmosphere, characterised by respect and appreciation for each individual employee, contributes to the fact that we identify with the company and are committed to working on solutions. Studies have shown that employees who experience appreciation on a regular basis feel higher levels of job satisfaction and are more willing to put in the extra effort. And frankly speaking, sometimes it can be very easy to show appreciation to everyone on the team for their work. For example, on World Compliment Day last year, our team received the “Official World Compliment Day Award”

Appreciation plays a crucial role in any company. In a world that is often characterised by challenges and stress, it shows respect and recognition for employees and promotes their motivation. Today, on World Compliment Day, which coincides with Employee Appreciation Day this year, I would like to talk about how we at BENEO live appreciation and why it is so important, every day!

In my research for this post, I learnt that these days are not only aimed at positive words, but also at how important recognition and appreciation are in interpersonal interaction. That is why today I want to dive into the world of compliments and appreciation with you. To do this, I have researched their meaning, analysed the role of appreciation, and would like to show you how not only companies but also individuals can use the power of positive words. So today, let us shift the focus away from negativity and create more space for positive words.

Meaning of Compliment-Related Celebrations: A Deeper Look

In the colourful palette of curious holidays, there is not only World Compliment Day, which is celebrated on March 1, but also National Compliment Day, which takes place every year on January 24. The only difference – apart from the date – is that the national variant on January 24 is an American invention and World Compliment Day on March 1 has its roots in Europe. In addition, there is Employee Appreciation Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday in March and thus falls on the same day as World Compliment Day this year. It reminds us that gratitude and appreciation are important in all areas.

What are compliments and what role does appreciation play in compliments?

Compliments are more than just kind words. They are an expression of recognition, praise and appreciation for a person’s qualities, achievements, or nature. A compliment can boost self-esteem, deepen connections, and improve mood. It is a simple yet powerful tool that releases positive energies and strengthens relationships.

Appreciation is the breeding ground on which compliments thrive. It goes beyond superficial politeness and expresses a deep understanding and respect for an individual’s uniqueness. When we value someone, we acknowledge their merits and take the time to communicate that. Compliments thus become a tool of appreciation that strengthens relationships between people and creates a positive atmosphere.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998)

The Importance of Appreciation @BENEO

Appreciation should play a vital role in any company. It is important that employees and managers alike recognize the importance of appreciation and actively integrate it into everyday work. Celebrations such as World Compliment Day or Employee Appreciation Day provide a perfect opportunity to remember, celebrate and emphasise this appreciation. Recognition and praise are essential for the well-being of employees and contribute to motivation and satisfaction. An appreciative corporate culture creates trust, respect, and cohesion in the team.

At BENEO, we see appreciation as an important part of our corporate philosophy. In the context of “Improvement”, “Inspiration” and “Care”, it is deeply anchored in our BENEO corporate values. After all, an appreciative corporate culture helps to ensure that employees enjoy coming to work and are committed. That is why we regularly take time to express our appreciation to each other and to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of our colleagues. This is not only about great successes, but also about small advances or creative solutions in everyday life.

Through an open feedback culture, we give ourselves the feeling that our work is valued and that everyone makes a valuable contribution to BENEO’s success. For us team meetings are seen as good occasions for giving (positive) feedback and supporting each other with words of praise. This not only strengthens the team spirit, but also motivates everyone to give their best.

An open feedback culture is the key to a positive working atmosphere.

But giving feedback is not so easy. That is why, for example, the entire ASPAC team took part in a workshop “Developing a High Performing Team – Implementing a feedback culture” in September 2023 to avoid problems in internal communication and to teach employees how to give each other recognition and critical feedback. It was found that a solid feedback culture is important for a team to work together efficiently.

So, we have learned that an honest feedback culture and a culture of appreciation not only improves the working atmosphere, but also leads to better results. Every single person at BENEO is important and deserves respect and recognition for their achievements. Together, we can bring about positive change and establish an appreciative corporate culture.

The Science Behind Appreciative Words

Celebrations such as World Compliment Day or Employee Appreciation Day are special days to remind us of the importance of appreciation in interpersonal interactions. While researching for this post, I found out that positive words have a measurable impact on our well-being. Compliments stimulate the release of endorphins, the so-called happiness hormones, and promote an overall sense of well-being. The psychological benefits of compliments range from boosting self-esteem to strengthening social bonds. In this post from Psychology Today you can read more about the psychological aspects of compliments and their effects.