My workplace follows a peer-to-peer recognition program for every quarter wherein you can express gratitude for your peers. This was my first time giving recognition to my manager and mentor for helping me in this newly entered professional journey. It is then I realised:
Once you step above hunger, clothing, and shelter, humans seek more.
I researched and found out, according to SHRM / Globoforce and Psychometrics, companies with recognition programs have:
Recognition is more than a thank you, it is something that is wired down in our brain which tends to release dopamine and provides gratification. But this dopamine wears off fast so it is made as a recurring event. This reminds me of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Having fortunate enough to have fulfilled the basic needs for myself, my brain constantly searches for psychological needs. Every time I receive appreciation for my work, it increases my productive and work rate 10X but the effects lasts not that long. That is the reason I prefer working in public. Even small little achievements or work when put out, leads to social accountability and when received appreciation helps you boost you work.
Get over the initial hiccup and put it out for the work to see the sort of gem you're ✨.