Janelle E. Wells, Ph.D., and Doreen MacAulay, Ph.D.
Our (In)visible Work
What if the secret to a thriving workplace wasn’t just better pay or perks but something as simple as heartfelt appreciation? It turns out those two simple words, “thank you,” can go a long way in fostering happiness, productivity, and connection.
In the realities of our fast-paced world, where distractions and stress dominate our daily lives, appreciation may seem like a nice gesture rather than a necessity. However, research reveals regularly expressing appreciation benefits not just those around us but improves our own well-being, too. Appreciation is particularly powerful when tied to invisible work, the often-unnoticed efforts that keep our lives and workplaces running smoothly. By acknowledging these contributions, we bring them to light in meaningful ways.
The Science Behind Appreciation
Appreciation is more than saying thank you. Author Paul Zak of The Moral Molecule reveals appreciation can trigger the release of dopamine and oxytocin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters associated with trust and social bonding. This not only improves mood but also enhances interpersonal relationships. Fagley and Adler’s article in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion defines appreciation as “acknowledging the value and meaning of something—an event, a person, a behavior, an object—and feeling a positive emotional connection to it.”
Examples of appreciation include:
- Gratitude: Recognizing and being thankful for what one has.
- Awe: Recognizing the greatness or uniqueness of something.
- Presence: Being fully engaged in the moment.
- Self/Social Comparison: Realizing one’s advantages by comparison.
- Loss/Adversity: Appreciating things after experiencing loss or hardship.
- Interpersonal Appreciation: Valuing and expressing appreciation for others.
Scholar Langione expanded on this framework with three dimensions of appreciation: gratitude, focus (awe and presence), and interpersonal appreciation. People often think gratitude and appreciation mean the same thing, but they are a little different. Gratitude is usually about a specific moment (e.g., thanking someone for opening a door), while appreciation is broader and involves recognizing the good things in life all the time. In practice, how we express appreciation can change depending on where we are – whether volunteering, serving our partner dinner, or leading an (HOA) Homeowner’s Association meeting.
