It’s been an intense week at work, as we’ve been fully focused on watching and visualizing the TED talks. (Side note: you can see the awesome deliverables and insights from this event on the Duarte blog! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed 🙂 )

One of the core components of this culture is appreciation. People here love to say, “thanks” to their co-workers and clients, and it yields a positive atmosphere. Here’s the thing: it’s not some forced behavior, like when your parents made you apologize after you took your sibling’s toy (and, let’s be honest, who was REALLY sorry they took the toy?), but genuine appreciation for the hard work and skill that others bring to the table. Those two little words make such a difference in employee morale, and I would argue, productivity.

When people notice the hard work, it makes you want to work harder. When someone says, “Thanks for a job well done”, it makes you want to keep doing your job well. It’s this loop that goes round and round to create good work that creates a positive environment that leads to more good work. Sometimes we think that it’s silly or superficial to tell a colleague that you appreciate their time, effort, and talent, but who doesn’t like a pat on the back every so often?

So, next time someone does a great job on a project, let ’em know. It might feel a little forced or awkward at first, but as people start recognizing and appreciating each other, it will naturally spread, leading to increased morale and productivity.