The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Book Summary - The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace summary

Gary Chapman Paul E. White

Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

4.1 (32 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace identifies five key ways to express gratitude in professional settings, enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering a positive work environment. Chapman and White illustrate practical applications for diverse workplace dynamics.

Table of Contents

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
    Summary of 6 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    Key idea 1 of 6

    What is a language of appreciation?

    Before we get to know the five languages of appreciation at the workplace, let’s deal with the most pressing question: what’s a language of appreciation, anyway?

    Imagine this: you’re at an important business meeting, with your English-speaking colleagues and your clients, who only speak Finnish. You’re trying to close a major deal. You and your clients both want the same things. You both share the same values and long-term goals. But there’s a problem. You don’t have an interpreter. This meeting is pointless – you can talk and talk, but you’re never going to get anywhere.

    Studies across multiple workplaces have shown that the number one thing that happy employees like about their jobs is the feeling that their work is seen and valued. Unhappy employees, on the other hand, are likely to cite feeling undervalued as their top reason for wanting to leave their current job, no matter the perks or salary.

    We spend, on average, one-third of our lives at work. We want to feel our work has meaning. When colleagues and managers show their appreciation for our work, they create that meaning. But here’s the part where you might feel like you’re talking in English and everyone around you is speaking Finnish: everyone expresses their appreciation differently. These expressions can be categorized into five different groups: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, and physical touch.

    Once you’re fluent in each of these five languages, you’ll be able to show your colleagues your appreciation for them and recognize when they’re showing appreciation to you.

    Want to see all full key ideas from The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    Key ideas in The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace about?

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (2007) outlines the keys to cultivating value, recognition, and appreciation at work, by tapping into the deeply personal ways workers wish to be recognized at their best.

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Review

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (2012) is a book that sheds light on the importance of expressing appreciation in the professional setting. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides practical strategies and tips for effectively communicating appreciation to colleagues, resulting in improved work relationships and increased productivity.
    • Combining extensive research and real-life examples, the book offers insights into the different ways individuals perceive and express appreciation, helping readers understand and connect with their coworkers on a deeper level.
    • With its engaging narrative and practical tools, the book sparks curiosity, making the topic of workplace appreciation not only informative but also captivating.

    Who should read The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    • Employees who feel undervalued and dispirited at work
    • Managers who want to tailor their approach to get the best out of all their employees
    • CEOs and founders keen to create an atmosphere of ownership and appreciation

    About the Author

    Gary D. Chapman is a marriage counselor and personal relationships expert who has authored over 20 books including the New York Times best seller The 5 Love Languages.

    Paul E. White is a consultant, speaker, and writer who has been helping workplaces improve staff motivation, morale, and management practices for over 20 years.

    Categories with The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

    Book summaries like The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace FAQs 

    What is the main message of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    The main message of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace is understanding and expressing appreciation in different ways to improve workplace relationships.

    How long does it take to read The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    The estimated reading time for The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace is worth reading as it offers practical insights and strategies to foster a positive work environment and enhance employee satisfaction.

    Who is the author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    Gary D. Chapman and Paul E. White are the authors of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.

    How many chapters are in The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace consists of several chapters. The specific chapter titles are not mentioned in the book.

    How many pages are in The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace contains a specific number of pages, which is not stated in the book.

    When was The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace published?

    The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace was published in a specific year, which is not indicated in the book.

    What to read after The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Positive Communication for Leaders by Julien C. Mirivel & Alexander Lyon
    • The Corner Office by Adam Bryant
    • The Leader In You by Dale Carnegie
    • Bringing Up the Boss by Rachel Pacheco
    • The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
    • Psychological Types by Carl Jung
    • No Ego by Cy Wakeman
    • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
    • Effective Decision-Making by Edoardo Binda Zane
    • The Unspoken Truths for Career Success by Tessa White