MERRITT SHARES KEYS TO A THRIVING WORKPLACE
In today’s fast-changing work environment, fostering a culture of appreciation is more critical than ever. National Employee Appreciation Day, observed annually on the first Friday in March, serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing employees. At Alabama A&M University, this commitment goes beyond a single day – it’s an ongoing effort to celebrate those who contribute to the institution’s mission and success.
Sonya Merritt, Director of Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELO) in the College of Business and Public Affairs (COBPA), emphasizes that appreciation should be an integral part of workplace culture rather than a once-a-year event. “When employees feel valued regularly, occasions like Employee Appreciation Day become meaningful celebrations rather than obligatory gestures,” says Merritt. “If employees only receive recognition once a year but feel overlooked the rest of the time, the impact of the day diminishes.”
Demonstrating appreciation doesn’t have to be extravagant. Small, thoughtful actions can have a profound impact. “A workplace thrives when leaders genuinely care about their employees,” Merritt explains. “Simple acts such as verbal recognition, acknowledging hard work, and fostering a positive and supportive environment contribute significantly to employee morale and productivity.”
For organizations looking to cultivate a culture of appreciation, Merritt offers a key piece of advice: pay attention to the workplace atmosphere. “How does it feel in offices – distant, distrusting, cold, unconcerned, unmotivated, or indifferent? If so, start by directing leaders to change that dynamic,” says Merritt. Begin the shift with giving words of affirmation coupled with developing a work climate where people’s emotional wellness and professional accomplishments are recognized by those who lead the charge in the organization. Encourage this at the team level, which is ground zero. It is not only the responsibility of employees to protect a healthy emotional environment, it’s also the responsibility of employers to nurture a healthy climate.”
To create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported, organizations can take several practical steps:
· Create a Culture of Recognition – Encourage regular expressions of gratitude at all levels of leadership.
· Provide Growth Opportunities – Support employees’ professional development through training, mentorship, and career advancement initiatives.
· Foster Workplace Wellness – Ensure a healthy work environment by addressing emotional well-being, stress management, and work-life balance.
· Offer Personalized Tokens of Appreciation – Small gifts, public acknowledgments, and incentives can enhance employee satisfaction.
Alabama A&M University demonstrates its commitment to employee appreciation through various workplace wellness programs and resources that prioritize student, faculty and staff well-being:
· The Student Health and Wellness Center offers fitness programs such as Zumba, Aqua Zumba, and Dance Aerobics to promote physical health.
· The Health and Counseling Center provides essential mental health and wellness support.
· The Employee Assistance Program and competitive insurance benefits ensure that employees have access to necessary healthcare services and support.
How can employers ensure workplace wellness? “Workplace wellness must be determined, not assumed,” says Merritt. “Distributing surveys are very effective ways to get the pulse on the heartbeat of an office, department or organization,” says Merritt. “Ask the hard questions. To learn the undercurrent of the workplace, ask the people that are affected by the atmosphere where they work. It should become the vision and mission of employers to develop, maintain, and protect a healthy culture in the workplace.”
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