Much of your adulthood is spent with your colleagues. Yes, the time might even be more than the time spent with your life partner. Your co-workers are the ones who support you and make the work-life enjoyable. Some become best friends too. But how to thank colleagues? How to show your appreciation for them?
Appreciating colleagues isn’t a tough task. You can gift something they love, celebrate their achievements, or just leave a “thank you” on their desk. By showing appreciation, you develop a positive working environment.
So, in this article, I’m giving 7 ideas on how you can thank your colleagues and appreciate their support without inviting any trouble.
Let’s dive in.
What Does the Word Colleagues Mean?
Merriam-Webster defines “colleague” as a person who works with you; a fellow worker; an associate.
But in common terms, colleagues are people with a similar professional rank or status as you. They can be working with you, or they might be in a different team. Someone from a different organization, with whom you worked together, can also be considered a colleague.
So, essentially, managers are your colleagues if you’re a manager. All salespeople are your colleagues if you’re in the sales team. And cashiers; if you’re a cashier.
Now, let’s move on to check how to thank colleagues affectionately.
7 Ways to Thank Your Colleagues
The following are the easy ways to thank your colleagues and make them feel appreciated.
1- Bring Handmade Thank-you Cards
A handmade thank-you card is the quickest way to show appreciation to your co-workers. These cards are versatile. You can present these to someone for their help. And you can give one just to appreciate them for making the office a fun place to work.
From colorful paper cuttings to irregular wooden sticks, you can use many things to design handmade cards. Try taking creative ideas from kids, and make your cards as vibrant as you can.
Add a touch of your personality to your cards. And you won’t have to wonder how to thank a coworker.
2- Appreciate Them in Team Meetings
Showing appreciation in team meetings goes a long way in building a strong relationship with your co-workers. They will feel great, no doubt, when their efforts are being recognized in front of others.
By appreciating someone’s contributions, you give them enough motivation for the day. You make them feel valued and extra special. Now, you don’t need to go overboard and shower praises. A mention that they know their job well and helping you in the project, is enough.
So, when the manager asks for a project update next time, speak up.
3- Celebrate Work Anniversaries and Milestones
Celebrating work anniversaries is a part of the office culture in most companies. But you can make it even more special for your colleagues.
You can publicly recognize their anniversary or achievement by mentioning it on the office bulletin board. Dropping a message in the team’s Slack channel or Teams group will also work. And when you do, remember to mention the characteristics you admire the most. That’s how to thank colleagues who are close to your heart.
You can even gift a custom t-shirt to make the moment memorable. Let them know that you remembered.
4- Give Them Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts create an emotional connection between two people. Your co-workers will love that you took extra pain to gift them something custom-made.
But what gifts are best for office colleagues?
Well, you can consider gifting them coffee mugs, sippers, or comfy chair cushions. Then, you can gift personalized accessories like leather wallets or power banks too. Print a thank-you message along to make your gift more personal.
A framed image of you two vibing together during an office trip is also perfect as a thank-you gift.
5- Buy Something Related to Their Hobby
A gift to help your colleagues pursue their passions will forever have a special place in their hearts. To begin with, if they love gardening, you can buy them some gardening accessories. A fishing kit or even a mini toolset can be a memorable gift, depending on what their hobby is.
And if they’ve been waiting to learn something, you can gift them online courses too. You will find plenty of courses on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare. So, go help them pick a new hobby and refine their skills.
Buying gift card for an art class, dance coaching, or gym session is also a good option.
6- Plan a Surprise Lunch or Get-together
Taking colleagues for a surprise lunch is another nice way to thank them. Such meals with team members, are an opportunity for recognition while having celebration and fun. These also take the office work stress off. And they’ll thank you for that.
If arranging a lunch isn’t possible, you can plan a surprise get-together in the conference room. Just buy a few cupcakes or donuts and you’re prepared with your surprise.
The idea is to gather people together and make the colleague feel special. Everyone can bring some gifts, but that’s entirely optional.
7- Get Them Books and Subscriptions
Books as gifts are perfect for the book-nerds. A book is probably the only gift they want. So, if you know what your co-worker loves to read, gift a book in that genre. You can even buy them a gift card or a coupon from a bookstore.
Gifting book subscriptions or music subscriptions are other suitable ways to appreciate a colleague at work. You’ll find many themed subscriptions online to choose from and gift.
Give them something they will feel connected with and not what you like for yourself.
Wrapping up
Now you know how to thank colleagues well and show gratitude for their help. The thing is you don’t have to be flashy with your attempts. Simple things like a thank-you note, recognition in meetings, or a free meal does the job. Just be honest and feel genuine appreciation.
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