Think about the last time you felt truly appreciated at work.

Was it someone saying “thank you” in a meeting? A message after a long day? Someone stepping in to help without being asked?

Now think about how you usually show appreciation to others. It might not look the same.

That’s where things get interesting. Because while everyone values appreciation, we don’t all express it the same way.

It’s Not Always Said Out Loud

In some places, appreciation is very direct. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s normal to give a shout out to someone in a meeting, say “great job,” or give public recognition. It’s clear, immediate, and meant to motivate.

In Japan, it’s a bit different. You might hear “otsukaresama desu” – a phrase that recognizes effort and hard work. It doesn’t single someone out or go into detail, but it carries meaning. It says, I see what you’ve put in.

In Germany, appreciation is often more specific. It tends to show up when something is done well, tied to a clear outcome. It’s not overused, which makes it feel more intentional when it is.

Different styles, same message. What you did mattered.

Sometimes It’s in What People Do

Not all appreciation is verbal.

In many Middle Eastern cultures, it often shows up through generosity. Inviting someone over, offering food, making sure they’re taken care of. It’s less about saying thank you and more about creating a sense of warmth and welcome.

In parts of South Asia, appreciation can look like stepping in quietly. Helping someone with a task, taking something off their plate, making sure things run smoothly without drawing attention to it.

In many Latin American cultures, it often comes through tone and connection. The way someone speaks to you, checks in, or keeps the relationship going over time.

You may not hear the words directly, but the message is still there.

Not Everyone Wants the Spotlight

Even something as simple as recognition can land differently.

In some workplaces, public praise is motivating. It shows visibility, impact, and progress. In others, being singled out in a group can feel uncomfortable. In places like Japan or South Korea, it can draw attention in a way that doesn’t feel natural. Appreciation might be better received one-on-one.

So the same action, calling someone out in a meeting, can feel encouraging to one person and awkward to another.

Where It Gets Tricky

In global teams, this is where things can get misread. Someone might feel unappreciated because nothing is said directly. Someone else might feel overwhelmed by constant praise. Another might question whether it’s genuine.

It’s not that appreciation isn’t there. It’s just being expressed differently. Once you start noticing that, things shift a bit. You begin to see effort in places you might have missed before.

What We All Have in Common

No matter the style, the need is the same. People want to feel seen. They want to know their work matters. That what they put in is recognized in some way. That part doesn’t change. Only how we show it does.