And just like understanding your partner’s preferred love language, by understanding your colleagues’ preferred mode of communication and working style, you can motivate one another, enhance productivity and create healthy relationships too. In fact, you’d be surprised to know that many of these Love Languages are closely associated with the co-operative values of caring for others and social responsibility.
Read on to find out what is your love language at work:
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Are you someone who often encourage your coworkers and cheer them on at work? Or are you always working in silo and contributing silently? Think about the last time you cheered your colleague on at work, if at all. If you haven’t, you might consider giving your coworkers some words of affirmation to express your appreciation. Some of the ways you can include words of affirmation in the workplace setting include celebrating team wins in meetings, thanking someone for their ideas or inputs, and even giving positive emoji reactions in your text or email conversations!
ACTS OF SERVICE
People with Acts of Service as one of their Love Language often let their actions speak louder than words. They are likely to go above and beyond to ensure that things get done. Their working style involves close collaboration, and they often want to be involved to better help others. Simple acts, such as offering to buy the team coffee before a meeting or volunteering to help out with a project, constitute this Love Language. It is likely that he feels most fulfilled when others involve him to circumvent or solve tough problems.
Sometimes, even the simple act of anticipating and going out of the way to procure the resources your coworkers need for their tasks can be an Act of Service. Giving colleagues a lift to the nearest train station during a storm is also an Act of Service too!
QUALITY TIME
For this Love Language, it is all about giving someone your undivided attention. In a relationship, you spend more time with your partner. But in a workplace context, this could mean making time your coworkers on their projects, spending time to proofread their reports and materials, and even engaging them with some of your insights and ideas.
So yes, you do not necessarily need to spend more time with your colleagues outside of work. And you do not always have to discuss work with your coworkers too. Casual social activities, such as team lunches or random ice breakers, constitute to aspects of Quality Time. You can still make an impact on your coworkers’ psyche by simply being present and encouraging. According to web-based productivity application Trello Enterprise, positive work culture is an aspect of quality time, where social activities, such as company outings or random banters, can help folks become more comfortable with one another.
RECEIVING GIFTS
Do you always shower your colleagues with gifts? Whether it is replenishing your pantry’s snack supply or bringing over a box of your weekend bakes for your coworkers to share, if you find yourself doing so frequently then it’s likely that your Love Language is Receiving Gifts. If this is your love language, you work hard stay at the top of your game in order to receive "opportunities" to perform.
If you are a manager, the best “gifts” you can offer your colleagues include new opportunities to perform. If you are in HR, one of the best incentives you can gift your coworkers some generous employee perks.
PHYSICAL TOUCH (APPROPRIATELY)
This Love Language requires some tweaking and adjustments in the workplace context. Besides a fist bump, a pat on the back, or a high-five, it can be difficult to translate Physical Touch at work. But it’s not impossible! You can interpret Physical Touch as emotional intimacy, by offering words of encouragement and by demonstrating empathy at work.
