June is team member appreciation month. All of our content will focus on different ways supervisors and peers alike can show appreciation and recognition. It's simple to ignore the importance of acknowledgment and gratitude in our fast-paced and frequently demanding world. The impact of taking a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the work and contributions of others, however, can be significant. By fostering a supportive work and social environment that encourages motivation, morale, and a sense of belonging, appreciation and recognition go hand in hand.

The act of praising someone involves acknowledging and respecting their efforts, traits, or accomplishments. It entails accepting the contribution they have made, no matter how small. By expressing gratitude, we give people the sense that they are seen and appreciated for their accomplishments. This honor can go beyond outward displays of accomplishment and encompass qualities like perseverance, commitment, ingenuity, and the capacity to overcome obstacles. The feeling of merit that appreciation produces boosts self-esteem and fosters a positive self-image. When employees feel valued, they are inspired to keep pursuing excellence, which boosts productivity and promotes an excellence-oriented culture.

The acknowledgment of someone's accomplishments or contributions is known as recognition. It entails not just complimenting people but also highlighting their successes in a way that is meaningful to them (use the appreciation form on the MO Appreciation site to learn more!). Verbal praise, certifications, trophies, or even simple actions like a handwritten note are all examples of ways that someone might be recognized. A culture of healthy competition and development is fostered as others are motivated to imitate their achievement. Additionally, receiving public praise improves team relations by encouraging cooperation and collaboration because everyone feels proud of the shared successes.

The 2023 Learning Framework’s theme is “Fostering a Sense of Belonging through Learning.” You will find curated content each month focused on a designated outcome with ties to belonging. Each month will feature a new topic related to Quarterly Pulse Survey outcomes and features content from The Missouri Way Training Series, MO Learning, and many external resources. The Learning Framework was created to save time researching development opportunities on your own and provide common learning opportunities for all team members. Now, you have more time to focus on your day-to-day work. Use this monthly guide to help you reach your professional goals throughout the year!

Don’t forget – we offer monthly live training opportunities as part of the Learning Framework. Reserve your spot today by registering here. Looking for more learning content on celebrating diverse teams? Find out more on the June page of the Learning Framework. The ENGAGE team is always here to help. If you have any questions, please email the Talent Management Help Desk at engage@oa.mo.gov or 573-526-4500.