Celebrate "Bring Your Manners to Work Day" by showing gratitude to your coworkers

When it comes to recognizing employees or coworkers, it appears that the value of a compliment surpasses money as a prime motivating tool.  In a recent study at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Japan, research showed scientific proof that employees perform better when they receive a social reward after completing an exercise. Further, the study indicates that giving compliments proves to be an even more effective social reward than receiving money.

The truth of the matter is, we all love to be acknowledged for good work and to feel valued for our contributions. It’s not just a management strategy, it’s simply good manners. To encourage a more cohesive and collaborative environment, the Protocol School of Washington is encouraging workplace compliments as part of its annual “Bring Your Manners to Work Day,” that will be recognized Friday, September 2.

“In our current social climate, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of negativity, where snark and sarcasm are the norm,” said Pamela Eyring, President of The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW). “From the current presidential race to everything from online yelp commentary to movie reviews, a lot of people seem to be empowered by concentrating on what’s bad in the world. That sort of negativity sours the public consciousness, spreading into the workplace. But at The Protocol School of Washington, we like to be an agent of change and spotlight good behavior like manners and compliments that promote positive relationships.”

Eyring says that “Bring Your Manners to Work Day” was created by PSOW to establish more decorum in the workplace and to create a more civilized approach to employee relations. “As more and more people recognize the importance of good manners, we wanted to take our theme further and encourage the art of the compliment,” said Eyring. “When you take the time to publicly praise a colleague in the workplace, you help create a more collaborative environment—one that promotes cohesion among your colleagues.”

To jumpstart the conversation and to give examples of ways to recognize your coworkers on “Bring Your Manners to Work Day,” PSOW offers some simple ways to give praise and say, “Thanks for a job well done!” 

Great brainstorming session today! —Collaboration is key to creating a harmonious workplace. By thanking a colleague for their contribution to a group project, you make someone feel part of the team.

Thanks for listening today! —Listening is a true art form and when someone takes the time to actually hear a complaint or legitimate concern, you establish a more familiar relationship. So thank the ones that lend an ear!

Hope you are feeling better! —From stress related illnesses to seasonal disorders, it’s nice to know if you are missed on the occasional sick day. So take the time to tell a coworker you noticed their absence and wish them well on their return.

Thanks for your timeliness! —Time is money as we all know and when someone meets a deadline, it can speed the success of a shared project. So congratulate your coworker on embracing accountability to the company and coworkers.

I’m glad I work with you! —Sometimes it’s just good to know that a coworker or boss simply appreciates your very presence. So say thanks to someone who is an important part of your team.

Thanks for making it happen! —Execution is one of the most valued commodities of any worker. Getting the job done effectively is something to celebrate, so thank the ones who make it happen for you!

Thanks for making me laugh! —Without humor, the workplace can be a sad and bleak environment. A good sense of humor can alleviate stress, build good relationships and simply be a relief from all that we do.

Glad you are on our team! —Again, just letting someone know they are valued can make someone’s day. Make someone happy by expressing you truly appreciate their contribution.

The Protocol School of Washington invites you to Thank a Coworker!