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These 5 languages of appreciation can help you work or learn from home

With the new series of Covid-19 safety measures starting this week, many more people will be working from home in Singapore.

A combination of the “five languages of appreciation” and suitable technology will enhance emotional and social well-being, as well as contribute to physical wellness and positive interaction.

A combination of the “five languages of appreciation” and suitable technology will enhance emotional and social well-being, as well as contribute to physical wellness and positive interaction.

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With the new series of Covid-19 safety measures starting on May 16, many more people will be working from home in Singapore. 

This is also the situation in many parts of Asia and the world. After this period, even if there is an improvement, it is likely that many will still work from home on some days of the week. 

This hybrid approach to work and even learning could become the new normal. How can we promote well-being and quality interactions in this hybrid world?

A combination of the “five languages of appreciation” and suitable technology will enhance emotional and social well-being, as well as contribute to physical wellness and positive interactions. 

The five languages of appreciation are discussed in a book by authors Gary Chapman and Paul White.

As we work at home, away from our colleagues, we can use the first language of appreciation which is words of affirmation.

We may not be physically near our colleagues but we can still express words of affirmation. 

A short text message or a kind message conveyed in a call or Zoom meeting can help in boosting morale and strengthening relations.

It could be affirming a person’s contributions or character, or praising an accomplishment and expressing appreciation.

Other than video conferencing, there are platforms that promote written collaboration and interaction. 

For instance, HeyHi is an online-interactive whiteboard with video conferencing capabilities. 

Developed by a Singapore-based company, HeyHi can be used by itself or with other platforms such as Zoom.

Participants can write positive words of affirmation for each other simultaneously and share their views on the collaborative whiteboard.  

Platforms such as Microsoft have a sticky notepad feature that allows participants to write virtual notes and paste them concurrently on the virtual whiteboard.  

Hearing and reading the affirmations can have uplifting and empowering effects on individuals and teams. This can be done not just for colleagues and classmates but also for friends and family members.

The second language of appreciation is quality time and the giving of undivided personal attention. 

We may not have chats at the water coolers or along the corridors with colleagues but we can consciously set aside catch-up time with specific colleagues to connect with each other. 

With the accessibility of phone or video calls on WhatsApp or other e-platforms, we can easily provide the gift of quality time. One can also set aside time after or before official online meetings for brief chats.

The third language of appreciation is providing acts of service, which means pitching in to help get things done. 

In addition to talking during meetings, the simultaneous use of visuals such as a collaborative e-whiteboard can assist in keeping track of the services required and subsequently rendered. 

After a large group meeting, the use of breakout rooms or small group follow-up discussions can also facilitate these acts of service when individuals discuss and help each other.

The fourth language of appreciation that motivates and encourages people is giving tangible gifts. 

Thoughtful, non-monetary gifts that are apt can be a powerful way of expressing appreciation.

During this time when dining-in is not allowed, you can arrange a food delivery from a favourite restaurant for the recipient. If you order the same dish for yourself, the two of you can have a tasty meal together, connected on a virtual platform.

Tangible gifts can also be virtual in nature. For instance, the sharing of useful links, helpful online tools and uplifting information can be valuable gifts. 

ClassIn created an engaging online classroom environment where teachers can use a variety of tools to enhance teaching and learning. Teachers can also give students gifts of virtual trophies in recognition of their effort. 

Not surprisingly, these virtual gifts can be much sought after by students, just like gamers who value their virtual rewards. 

ClassIn is being used by Oxford University Press, Pearson, Harrow School as well as educational institutions around the world.

The fifth and final language of appreciation is expression through physical touch. It could be a pat on the back, a handshake or appropriate physical expression of appreciation. 

Of course, during this period of Covid-19 pandemic, direct physical touch is not encouraged. Fist bumps or elbow bumps have replaced handshakes in some instances.

However, it is still possible to express appreciation through body language and physical expressions that may not have direct contact with the recipients.  

For instance, over a video call, one can show a thumbs up or double thumbs up. 

Furthermore, one can even give a virtual hug or virtual high-five. The expression of appreciation by one party online can still be expressed physically, received visually and experienced emotionally through video calls. 

In this new normal, this fifth language can be adapted creatively and applied effectively.

In terms of application of these languages, it will be beneficial to know the recipient’s preferred modes of appreciation and to express them appropriately. This can vary from person to person, or from one context to another.

A combination of these languages of appreciation expressed thoughtfully and meaningfully through technology and other means can be powerful ways to touch lives, encourage people and motivate each other.  

Let us continue to support and uplift one another while working and learning from home or wherever we are, through the effective use of the five languages and available technology.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Edmund Lim has served as a senior vice president in an education company, group academic director of an international school chain overseas and in various education roles in Singapore.  

Related topics

work from home Covid-19 appreciation well-being relationship friendship

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