Acts Of Service To Brighten Your Workplace

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Each one of us has a primary appreciation language that speaks to our souls, that touches our being. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace are: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and Appropriate Touch.

This week our focus is on the language of appreciation called “Acts of Service”. Many of you may be questioning this one. Some of you may be thinking, “Acts of service… I work all day for my boss. Isn’t that service enough?”

We all get a paycheck and, in return for that paycheck, there is a certain level of expected effort from us to complete tasks on a daily basis. Acts of service is everything outside of the expected. Acts of service happen after we do what we are expected to do.

At home, I find it easy to complete acts of service. I might do the vacuuming, the dishes, the laundry, the DUSTING (my least favorite), car washing, and cooking.


However, in the office, an act of service may look like this:

  • Helping a co-worker or employee finish a task that is keeping them from getting home to see their family.

  • Being willing to clean up a restroom or take out the trash.

  • Helping with a fundraiser for an employee or co-worker who has a sick child and can’t come to work.

  • Being willing to do a task that is not something you love, but you do it to help out the team.

  • Wash everyone’s cars in the parking lot (my personal favorite).

It is important to note that, while these are all great ways to help others by serving them, make sure that:

  • You ask if you can help. You could create a situation if the person you are serving really doesn’t want help.

  • Your tasks and responsibilities are completed first or you plan to stay late to accomplish them.

  • Serve with a smile and willingness – do not look for anything extra in return – serve unconditionally.


Many people have days where they feel overworked and underpaid. By helping make someone’s burden lighter, you can touch their heart and make them feel appreciated. We all want that.

Look for service needs in your workplace today. If you are the boss and there is a big deadline and you assign huge tasks to your team, be willing to roll up your sleeves and join the effort. Nothing says you appreciate your people like working alongside them in a crunch.

Has someone shown you appreciation through an act of service recently? Be sure you recognize them and let them know you are grateful.

Till next week… remember your co-workers and employees need to feel appreciated. What are you doing today to communicate that to them?

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!


Jim Brangenberg