How to show appreciation, even if you are the office Grinch

AN older business owner once pulled me aside to express her bewilderment that young people apparently all want a pat on the back for doing a good job at work.

"But isn't that what they are hired for?" she asked me, baffled.

I am no spokesperson for Millennials out there, but I seriously doubt that workers - regardless of age - expect praise for simply doing what is required of them.

We might work like dogs, but we certainly do not wag our tails waiting for a treat after performing a trick.

But that being said, there is definitely a missing culture of appreciation in the workplace as people are often regarded as a means to an end.

Appreciation is not about stroking the supposed fragile egos of young workers though. It really boils down to some basic human kindness that is certainly welcomed by everyone in the workplace, regardless of age or seniority. H…