The IOFM Finance & Accounting Appreciation Week is an annual acknowledgement of the contributions of the dynamic community of finance professionals.  In addition to the IOFM activities this week, it is the perfect time for leaders and co-workers to recognize team members by showing appreciation in the way that they want to feel appreciated. IOFM's Debra Richardson shares her tips and tricks below to understand and identify the unique ways team members prefer to be recognized.

Understanding the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Gary Chapman, the author of “The 5 Love Languages”, a book meant for personal relationships, co-authored another book with Paul White called “ The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People”.  This book is directed towards improving workplace relations by learning team members’ language of appreciation. 

The book identifies five distinct languages of appreciation that cater to different preferences among team members.

1. Words of Affirmation

This language involves verbal praise and acknowledgment for accomplishments. Words of affirmation can be expressed one-on-one or publicly, such as during team meetings, in the company newsletter or on professional platforms like LinkedIn. For example:

• Praising a colleague for successfully completing a challenging project.
• Sharing their achievements on social media to inspire others.

My Language of Appreciation:  After 20 years and multiple employers, I still remember when I drove through a snowstorm to get to work.  The president of the company came to my cubicle and personally thanked me for coming in on an inclement weather day.   

2. Quality Time

For some team members, giving them your focused attention can speak volumes. Quality time involves engaging in meaningful conversations and spending time together without distractions. Suggestions include:

• Hosting a lunch outing to discuss recent projects.
• Taking a walk or scheduling a video call for remote workers where you give them undivided attention.

When practicing this language, avoid multitasking and ensure the interaction feels personal and intentional.

3. Acts of Service

Acts of service center around helping team members in ways that ease their workload or make their tasks more manageable. To make this language effective:

• Offer to assist with a challenging project.
• Ensure you follow through to completion and respect their preferred methods.

This is often a preferred language since it demonstrates genuine support and teamwork.

4. Tangible Gifts

Physical gifts don’t need to be expensive to have a meaningful impact. Here are some creative suggestions:

• Providing a favorite snack or candy during busy periods.
• Granting an hour or two of time off for rest or personal errands.

Handwritten thank-you notes serve as a thoughtful accompaniment. Being specific in your message adds depth, such as: “Thank you for staying late to ensure the refund checks were sent on time.”

5. Physical Touch

This language may be the most challenging to navigate due to workplace boundaries. However, simple gestures like handshakes, high-fives, or fist bumps can effectively convey appreciation. For major accomplishments, having it come from a senior leader can enhance the significance of appreciation.

How to Identify Your Team Member’s  Language of Appreciation

Recognizing someone’s preferred language of appreciation can make your efforts more impactful. Leaders and co-workers can adopt strategies such as:

• Having conversations with team members about how they wish to be appreciated.
• Using questionnaires during goal-setting sessions to learn their preferences.
• Encouraging open discussions to better understand their needs.  

My Leadership Identification Method: As a leader with both direct and indirect reports, here is an effective method I used to determine each team members’ language of appreciation while conducting quarterly one-on-one conversations.

1. Question on Whiteboard:  You have just completed a 90-day project. How would you like to be recognized?
2. They then selected between five written options:

3. Depending on the option selected, I knew which language of appreciation they preferred. Some team members asked if they could select more than one, I said yes and asked them to rank them those they selected. 

Conclusion

Recognition of team members using their language of appreciation should be done not only throughout the year, but also during dedicated appreciation weeks such as the IOFM Finance & Accounting Appreciation Week, taking place June 9-13, 2025. By learning and applying the 5 Languages of Appreciation, leaders and co-workers can ensure their recognition efforts resonate deeply with team members. Whether it’s through words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, or physical touch, tailoring appreciation to individual preferences creates a more inclusive and motivated workplace.

Sources

·       Gary Chapman and Paul White, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

·       IOFM’s Finance & Accounting Appreciation Week