employee appreciation day, 2023

Today is employee appreciation day, and on this day, I sit here in awe of the team that I have been leading for more than 20 years. I am overwhelmed by their commitment to the mission of our ministry. The compassion they demonstrate to our patients and the service excellence mentality that flows through them. A designated day for employee appreciation is tremendous, and the tool kit our ministry put together is impressive. Still, it is my hope that our employees arrive and leave work feeling valued and appreciated every day. 

Merriam-Webster defines appreciation as a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude. 

Demonstrate appreciation by loving your team members. It may sound ridiculous or counter to anything you have heard but loving your co-workers is the ultimate way of showing appreciation. Let's look at a Biblical description of love:  

Love is patient, 

love is kind. 

It does not envy, 

it does not boast, 

it is not proud. 

It does not dishonor others, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs.  

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, 

always trusts, 

always hopes, 

always perseveres. 

Love never fails. 

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Appreciation can come in many forms. It can be a simple thank you or a gift card. It can be pure vulnerability or a shared table. John F. Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." Living by them means showing appreciation by walking with people. We demonstrate appreciation by showing up for people, celebrating with them, and being for them. It's remembering the details that matter to them, not just their latest contribution at work; it truly is a form of love. 

How do we show love at work? It's easier than one might think. We can do this! Remember 1 Corinthians 13, let’s apply it to workplace behaviors: 

Be patient, 

be kind, 

don't be jealous of your peers

Be humble and not arrogant, 

stop speaking poorly of people, 

look out for others instead of yourself,

don't lose your temper,

stop pointing to previous mistakes,

don't celebrate when people mess up,

tell the truth,

protect the vulnerable,

trust others,

hope for good outcomes,

don't give up on people, 

always try your best

To my team: I love you! You are the greatest, and I am so proud of your work every day. You inspire me, and I am beyond privileged to be your leader.