Thank You is Free

Between M and me, we've seen a whole bunch of different workplaces and we've observed that the happiness quotient in the office or laboratory is directly proportional to stress levels of the worker bees. Similarly, the stress levels of the workers are directly proportional to the quality of their relationship with their supervisors. These are hardly unique observations. Bosses who are respected AND liked have the happiest employees. Happy workers = productive workers that stay. Sure, you can ratchet up productivity by micromanaging and hounding, but it's only a short term gain. Life is too short to waste in a workplace where you labor away and don't feel appreciated. Sooner or later, unhappy worker bees will leave.

Great bosses provide leadership and vision, give constructive criticism, can admit a mistake, know when to ask for help, and can say 'thank you'. The last quality may seem a little trivial but, you know, it's not. Showing appreciation to those you work with is utterly, completely and totally FREE and the returns are many. It lifts people's spirits, let's them know that they are not toiling in anonymity, and it makes the thanker feel good too. Of course, sincerity counts too. An empty 'thank you' is worth about as much as that expired cereal coupon in your kitchen drawer. I don't know why we don't hear it more often. Sure, a hike in salary would be great, but that's not always an option. Showing your appreciation with a few words? It's no skin off your back and it's an investment that pays forward.