A recent article in Simply Psychology discussed Workplace Love Language. The definition used in the article is: “Workplace love languages refer to ways employees feel appreciated and valued at work. They include words of affirmation (praise and positive feedback), acts of service (helping with tasks), tangible gifts (bonuses or tokens of appreciation), quality time (one-on-one meetings or mentorship), and physical touch (appropriate gestures like a pat on the back or handshake). Recognizing these can enhance team cohesion and morale.
Love languages are not solely focused on romantic relationships but can be incorporated into anything from friendships to family and even workplace professional relationships.”
According to article; Many people unconsciously use their preferred love language at work to showcase their appreciation of someone, as that is how expressing care comes the most naturally to them. Hence, by reflecting on your actions and behaviors, you may be able to identify your love language through this method.
For example, your love language at work may be words of affirmation. Subsequently, you may be one of the first to congratulate someone on an achievement or thank them if they did something nice for you.
Here is a list of questions you can ask yourself to help identify your team’s workplace love languages:
- How does this person treat others?
- How do they communicate with others?
- What are their biggest complaints?
- What do they request most often?
- Which type of recognition do they usually respond to the most positively?
- What type of feedback do they seem to value the most?
Advice to managers!
Do not treat love languages as a tick box exercise; this should instead stem from a genuine place of wanting to motivate your team.
Consistency is also important, so do not just incorporate positive praise only during significant events, but aim to make it a part of the team’s culture instead.
Lastly, ensure you are inclusive and respectful of employees’ personal and/or cultural preferences when it comes to workplace love languages. This can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment.
You can read the article in detail at this link.