Using “The Five Love Languages” in the Workplace

One of my favorite parts of writing these blogs is when I come across an idea that truly resonates with me. That’s exactly what happened when I read a recent article in the Daily Herald,  How to use the “Five Love Languages” to do good in the workplace by business writer Mary Lynn Fayoumi. In the article, Fayoumi provided examples of how to use each of the five love languages in the workplace.

The five love languages that Fayoumi is referencing is from the book, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Chapman’s book outlines five distinct ways people give and receive emotional connection: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. It stands to reason that if the 5 Love Languages can foster deeper and more meaningful personal relationships, they can also strengthen our connections with our work teams—enhancing communication, building stronger teams, and increasing engagement and motivation in the workplace.

How to Use the 5 Love Languages in the Workplace:

One of the key benefits of applying the concept of love languages in the workplace is gaining a better understanding of how colleagues prefer to be recognized and appreciated. When gratitude is expressed in a way that aligns with an individual’s preferred recognition style, it ensures that praise is meaningful and impactful—focusing on what resonates with them rather than what feels natural to the giver. Research consistently shows that effective employee recognition enhances engagement, motivation, productivity, and retention. A quick search on workplace recognition statistics reveals compelling data:

• 81.9% of employees agree that recognition improves their engagement

• 92% of employees are more likely to repeat an action if they receive recognition for it

• 53% of employees who left their jobs say that a lack of recognition was a key reason

• 45% well-recognized employees are less likely to have turned over two years later

• 84% of employees say the simple act of giving recognition inspires them to think about better ways to get things done

• 66% of employees would quit their job if they felt unappreciated 

Acknowledging and celebrating employees’ contributions isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s essential for fostering a thriving, engaged, and high-performing workplace culture. 

To discover your colleagues’ love language, you can ask them to take The Love Language Quiz or simply inquire about their preferred recognition style during onboarding, a one-on-one meeting, or a performance review. With this insight, you can tailor your praise and recognition to align with their preferences, ensuring it feels meaningful and impactful.

Ways to Use the 5 Love Languages in the Workplace:

Taken from Fayoumi’s article, here are simple and easy ways to deliver praise, recognition, and gratitude to your colleagues using the 5 love languages:

Words of Affirmation: Send someone a personal thank you note or give them a shout-out at a team meeting.  Be specific with your praise and gratitude to make a larger impact. 

Acts of Service: Take a project off of someone’s plate when they are carrying a heavy work load or share a “trick of the trade” that you do that has helped you perform your work more effectively.  

Receiving Gifts: Give someone an extra day off after working long hours on a recent project or send a team member a gift card on their work anniversary, birthday, or after accomplishing something out of the ordinary.

Quality of Time: Spend time with your colleagues at lunch, whether that be joining them for lunch or taking them out. Schedule a team outing or volunteer together.

Physical Touch: High five or give your colleague a fist pump. Even a “way to go” pat on the back will work!

What are other ways you have used the 5 love languages in the workplace? Let us know by sending us an email at thelab@findreverie.com

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