Working in the tech industry is like solving a series of intriguing puzzles. As engineers, we’re tasked with addressing complex problems and crafting efficient solutions. It’s a job many find fascinating, yet it demands going the extra mile to overcome challenges. While solving these problems can be immensely rewarding, it’s no secret that the journey often comes with its fair share of frustration.

Recently, I had the privilege of being part of our company’s End-of-Year (EOY) performance evaluation cycle. This process, which involves recognizing team members’ efforts through promotions and salary adjustments, gave me a unique perspective as a manager. It was both an exciting and humbling experience to share the outcomes with my team. The majority of my colleagues were pleased with the results, while a few took the opportunity to share constructive feedback.

This experience taught me something profound: how important it is for people to feel that their work is recognized and appreciated. Recognition isn’t just a reward — it’s a powerful motivator that inspires individuals to excel and contribute to their fullest potential.

Why Recognition Matters

In the fast-paced world of tech, where challenges are constant and burnout is a looming risk, appreciation becomes a critical currency. A simple acknowledgment of someone’s effort can have an extraordinary impact. It boosts morale, fosters a positive work environment, and motivates individuals to push through tough situations.

This is especially true in remote work settings, where isolation can make it harder for team members to feel seen or valued. Surrounding yourself with colleagues who appreciate your contributions and offer support during tough times can make all the difference.

Appreciation Beyond the Workplace

As I reflected on the importance of recognition in the workplace, I began to wonder: If appreciation plays such a vital role in our professional lives, how does it translate to our personal lives?

Coming from an Asian background, I grew up in a culture deeply rooted in family values. Our lives often revolve around our loved ones — parents, siblings, partners, and friends. But how often do we pause to express gratitude to the people who have sacrificed so much for us?

Take our parents, for example. They devote their entire lives to ensuring we have everything we need. Mothers cook meals for us daily, fathers provide stability, and their sacrifices often blend into the background of our lives. When something happens regularly, it becomes normalized — so much so that we stop seeing it as extraordinary. It’s only when these actions are no longer there that we realize their true value.

Equally important is the relationship we have with our spouse or partner. A wife or girlfriend often plays a pivotal role in our lives, offering emotional support, encouragement, and unconditional love through life’s highs and lows. Their acts of care — whether it’s listening to us vent after a tough day, celebrating our achievements, or quietly supporting our dreams — can become so seamlessly woven into our everyday existence that we may forget to acknowledge them. Yet their contributions are invaluable, and showing them appreciation isn’t just about saying “thank you” but about creating moments that make them feel seen, loved, and cherished.

A home-cooked meal, a supportive call from a friend, a helping hand from a colleague, or the unwavering love of a wife or girlfriend may feel like part of life’s routine. These acts of care often become so seamlessly woven into our daily lives that we stop noticing their significance. But when these small acts disappear, the void they leave makes us wish we had expressed our gratitude while we could. This realization reminds us: even the most “normal” gestures of care are worth recognizing and appreciating in the moment

A home-cooked meal, a supportive call from a friend, a helping hand from a colleague, or the unwavering love of a wife or girlfriend may feel like part of life’s routine. These acts of care often become so seamlessly woven into our daily lives that we stop noticing their significance. But when these small acts disappear, the void they leave makes us wish we had expressed our gratitude while we could. This realization reminds us: even the most “normal” gestures of care are worth recognizing and appreciating in the moment

A Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way

Whether it’s in the workplace or at home, appreciation is a universal need. It’s a small gesture that can have a lasting impact. A heartfelt “thank you,” a warm hug, or even a simple acknowledgment of someone’s effort can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging.

As we navigate our busy lives, let’s make it a point to appreciate the people who matter most — be it our team members, parents, spouses, or friends. Let’s recognize their contributions, both big and small, and make sure they know how much they are valued.