In pediatric therapy settings — whether in clinics, schools, or home health – feeling appreciated at work is becoming a must. Cultivating a supportive workplace culture rooted not only just in recognition, but in appreciation is the key to growing healthy and thriving organizations.
We often hear about the importance of recognizing employees for their hard work, but recognition and appreciation are not the same. Understanding the difference is essential for creating a workplace where therapists feel valued, connected, and committed for the long haul.
Recognition: Performance-Based Praise
Recognition is the more familiar concept in most healthcare organizations.
It usually looks like celebrating achievements, meeting productivity goals, or being acknowledged for great outcomes – ever hit your 5 year anniversary and you get a fancy pen for all your hard work over the years?
- Focuses on what someone does
- Tied to performance, milestones, or achievements
- Often transactional in nature
According to Workhuman, “Companies that employ this business strategy see an average productivity increase of $1,737 per employee”. While being recognized with gifts or shout outs for reaching goals can be great, it sometimes doesn’t make you feel truly recognized and valued in your workplace for simply being who you are.
Appreciation: Seeing the Person, Not Just their Performance
Appreciation, on the other hand, is more personal, and much more powerful.
Have you ever had someone comment on who you are as a person? Did it feel surprising someone noticed YOU (and not just your achievements) in a work setting? Our patients show us appreciation all the time (and let’s be honest — it feels amazing!). So why not follow their lead and show some love to our coworkers too?
- Focuses on who someone is, not just what they produce
- Values the unique contributions, personality, and presence of a team member and takes into account us being multi-dimensional and always evolv
- Communicates respect, belonging, and care
- Builds deeper connection and retention
Appreciation helps prevent burnout by reinforcing that people matter beyond their output.
Have you ever wanted or had a coworker truly listen to you after a difficult day in the field or help you problem solve juggling all the things in life while continuing to focus on being your authentic self personally and professionally?
Those shared experiences go much further than a gift card or shout out for exceeding productivity. We all deserve to be seen and known!
Why It Matters in Pediatric Therapy Settings
If recognition is the only message therapists hear, it can begin to feel like their value is tied solely to productivity or outcomes. This mindset can lead to disengagement and even turnover.
But when therapists feel appreciated for who they are, they’re more likely to feel seen, respected, and committed to their work and team.
Small Ways to Show Genuine Appreciation at Work
You don’t need grand gestures. Start with these simple but meaningful actions:
✅ Remember small details they share — birthdays, hobbies, goals
✅ Follow up on personal or professional milestones
✅ Ask about their day, their weekend, their challenges
✅ Be present, interested, and available
✅Be kind and meet colleagues where they are that day
These moments of intentional connection go a long way in building a culture of appreciation that supports your team and strengthens outcomes for the children and families you serve.
Want to Learn More?
Explore this topic further in our inspiring course:
The Art of Appreciation at Work with Elizabeth Bryant, PT, DPT
This session dives into how leaders and colleagues can foster a culture that energizes and empowers everyone in the room.
Elizabeth Bryant graduated with her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008 from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She has been a PT in the pediatric home health setting and obtained her Pediatric Specialist Certification in 2013. At her current agency she has landed in a variety of leadership roles being a discipline specific mentor and manager, and an agency Division Director for over 200 therapists of all disciplines. Currently, Elizabeth is serving her agency as the Director of Employee Engagement with the primary goal to enhance the employee experience.
Creating a thriving workplace isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about the people. Let’s appreciate each other like it matters — because it does.
Citation: Workhuman Editorial Team. “How to Create a People-First Culture Through Recognition” Workhuman. 7 Nov 2024, https://www.workhuman.com/blog/people-first-culture/
