Review: The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

In The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (Northfield Publishing/Moody, 2011), authors Gary Chapman and Paul White identify five specific "appreciation languages"-based on Chapman's well-known "5 Love Languages"-to help employers retain employees, encourage productivity, and improve workplace morale.

Chapman and White take a sentimental concept-love-and put it in appropriate terms for the workplace. Although they never use the word "Christian" or talk about God, believers can use their system to become more effective witnesses no matter where they work. Knowing an employee's primary appreciation language can reveal previously hidden opportunities to communicate God's love.

The authors concede that "physical touch" is the least transferable of Chapman's five languages. They acknowledge that using appropriate touch-high fives and pats on the back-is risky in today's workplace and encourage readers to use discretion when using this language.