Encouragement in the Workplace
Affirmations, commonly known as mantras are statements that are used to provide encouragement. What better place to feel encouraged and motivated than in the workplace!
Positive affirmations have many benefits. Affirmations can help in the following areas–
- Overcome self-doubt
- Boost self-esteem
- Increase feelings of being capable
- Enhance productivity
- Improve self-confidence
- Motive & energize
- Minimize negative thinking
- Regulate emotions
- Improve healthy habits
- Focus on strengths
- Shift your mindset
Words of affirmation are considered 1 of 5 Love Languages. The author of The Five Love Languages applies words of affirmation in the workplace within his book: The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Verbal encouragement lets others know they and the work they do is valued. Verbal affirmation can help reinforce these beliefs. Awareness, feedback, and self-reflection will help identify these.
- What is a quality or trait of yours that is a strength?
- What is a quality or trait that your colleagues or supervisors identify as a strength?
Affirmations in the workplace can help support progress with career goals.
For example: “I am passionate about my career goals and am surrounded by people who care about my personal development”.
A supportive peer or supervisor may notice qualities and speak these out verbally. For example: “I love your passion and enthusiasm about working with ______”. I see this as one of many strengths. I notice [share examples that support this]. “I’m impressed by how you ______”. These verbal affirmations can be incorporated into your own affirmations/ mantras to support and encourage.
Setting affirmations in the present and personalizing are ways to make them effective.
- Write it down.
- Repeat it often, daily.
- Share this with someone at work who can repeat and reinforce this.
Encouragement in the workplace goes a long way!
- Verbal affirmations from peers and supervisors help build rapport and strong working relationships, focusing on strengths.
- Verbal affirmations are important to professional development and overall well-being.
- Verbal affirmations help recognize and celebrate the unique traits and talents of employees.
Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC

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