20 Positive Feedback Examples To Motivate Your Employees

Simply hearing "That was a fantastic presentation" or "I appreciate all the extra hours you've been putting in to meet the deadline," makes you feel good, doesn't it? Positive feedback helps you to better yourself. It empowers you to learn from your mistakes and grow. 

When employees receive positive feedback, they feel appreciated and encouraged to continue giving their best at work. Giving personalised, specific, and meaningful feedback is impactful and shows you value them and their contributions. You can learn how to effectively motivate your employees from this article. Here's what we'll cover: 

• What is positive feedback statement?
• What are the benefits of positive feedback?
• 20 positive feedback examples
• Tips on giving feedback
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is a positive feedback statement?

Positive feedback is a type of feedback that focuses on the strengths, skills, and accomplishments of employees. It's an excellent way to recognise your team's efforts, leadership skills, and attitudes. Providing feedback helps team members to improve themselves and make better contributions. It acknowledges and reinforces what you see your employees doing well.

What are the benefits of positive feedback? 

Here are several benefits of affirming your team members: 

• Boosts motivation: Positive feedback can make employees feel a greater sense of job satisfaction. It increases their level of motivation and engagement. It also strengthens their commitment to the company and their work.
• Increases productivity: Highlighting your team members' strengths can help them to master their skills and excel at their job. This enables them to be more productive and meet the team's goals.
• Builds rapport: Giving positive feedback helps develop trust between you and your team. It also strengthens your relationship and allows you to create a supportive and nurturing environment. If you share feedback, others could feel more comfortable sharing, too. 
• Improves employee retention: With a greater commitment to the company, employees are more likely to stay for the long term. They might want to stay put because they enjoy the positive work environment and healthy relationships with managers and colleagues.
• Attracts people: Existing employees might share their good work experiences with friends and family or on social media. They may post positive feedback on websites that review companies. When people know your workplace for its supportive culture, it attracts top-quality individuals to work there. 
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20 positive feedback examples

Explore these 20 positive feedback examples so that you're equipped to affirm your employees in different situations:

1. Being a good team player

Recognise your employee when they're working well with others. This shows that they have a positive attitude and leadership skills. For example, suppose there's a new hire and an employee steps in to show them how to operate certain machinery or use the accounting software. They invite them for lunch to get to know them better and make them feel like part of the team. Here's how you can encourage them:

"I appreciate you helping onboard the new team member. Thank you for taking the initiative to make them feel welcome to the team. It's great that you're modelling the collaborative values of our company. You're an amazing team player! I hope you'll continue to help our new teammate grow."

2. Learning a new skill

Celebrate your employee for making the effort to learn a new skill, as this shows their growth mindset. For example, suppose they enrol in an online course to improve their intercultural communication skills. Recognising that they're taking time outside of work to better themselves can motivate them to learn more new skills. Here's an example you can use: 

"I'm proud of you for learning a new skill to perform your duties better. It's great that you're challenging yourself and wanting to grow personally and professionally. I'm confident that you can use your new skills in your role. You're a great learner and a role model to others!" 

3. Reaching a milestone

Congratulating your employee on reaching a milestone can help them feel valued. For example, suppose they set a goal to hit their sales target. At the end of the quarter or year, they impressed you by exceeding their target. Seize the opportunity to recognise their achievement. Here's a feedback example:

"I know this goal wasn't easy. I'm really proud of your accomplishments this quarter! You've shown determination and resilience to meet your goals. Thank you for your hard work. I'm so glad to have you on my team!"

4. Learning from a past mistake

We all make mistakes, but it's important to bounce back from setbacks and learn from them. Imagine your direct report overpromised a client or failed to fix a bug during the testing stage before launching a new product. But later, they show that they've listened to your constructive criticism and learned from their mistakes. Encouraging them helps them stay positive and boosts their confidence. Here's how you can affirm them: 

"I know that the mistake you made in the last project was demoralising. But I'm impressed that you listened to what I said about client relationship management and handled the client meeting so well today. I appreciate that you applied my feedback and are willing to learn from your past mistakes. You're heading in the right direction!" 

5. Completing a difficult task

Giving positive feedback when your employee finishes a difficult task can encourage them to take on more challenging assignments in the future. This helps them further develop their skills and reach their full potential. For example, if they used a coding language they weren't familiar with, here's an example you can use:

"Congratulations on completing this project! I know that this was outside of your comfort zone and that you worked overtime to master that programming language. You didn't complain while working on this project and stayed positive. You showed grit and determination to complete all your tasks. Your can-do attitude tells me you can take on more challenges and grow with us!"

6. Approaching you for help 

It takes humility and courage to ask someone for help. Reinforcing this positive behaviour can help you build trust. It's good for employees to be comfortable approaching you or other team members for help when they need it. For example, if they're stuck on a task because they're unfamiliar with certain software or equipment, here's how you can encourage them after they come to you:

"I admire you for being upfront about being behind on this project. If you'd stayed quiet, we might have missed the project deadline and disappointed the client. Let's work on this task together. I'm committed to your success." 

7. Receiving praise from a customer or client

Customers or clients may compliment a specific employee in writing. For example, imagine your employee is a guest relations officer. A guest writes an email to the hotel about their exceptional customer service. Relaying this feedback and recognising their performance can encourage them to continue providing excellent service. Here's an example you can use: 

"A guest wrote to the hotel to commend you on your kind and caring nature and your attention to detail. I'm proud of you for looking after the guest so well. You understand the company's mission to provide outstanding service and have fulfilled it. I look forward to hearing more positive feedback about you!" 

8. Taking on additional responsibilities

Suppose an employee goes on maternity or hospitalisation leave or quits their job. While you're in the process of recruiting a new team member, another employee takes on extra work to cover the gap. Show that you appreciate their efforts and commitment to the company's success. This can motivate them during the period of heavy workload. 

"I understand that you've taken on more work recently. I really appreciate you stepping up to help the team stay on track towards our goals. I can see that you know what it means to work as a team. Thank you for your commitment to this company!"  

9. Undergoing a personal development programme

Imagine your employee attends a workshop or networking event to improve their personal development. Acknowledge the steps they're taking to grow and develop their career. Their efforts can help them gain valuable soft skills and become a well-rounded employee. Here's some employee feedback you can use: 

"I'm pleased that you signed up for the industry workshops and attended that networking event. I believe you've gained valuable and up-to-date information about the industry. I think the connections you made at the event will also help us secure more clients. I'm impressed by your initiative and ambition."

10. Simplifying a process 

Employees may find ways to streamline existing processes. This can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings for the company. For example, they might identify redundant steps or devise a way to automate certain tasks. Encouraging this mindset of continuous improvement can be advantageous for the company. Here's how to recognise your employee in this aspect: 

"I'm impressed with how you eliminated a few steps in the manufacturing process. Because of this, our company can produce higher output in the same amount of time. It has also helped to reduce production costs significantly. Having innovative people like you on our team helps the company grow and succeed!"

11. Meeting a deadline

Being deadline-oriented helps the team meet production deadlines and achieve client satisfaction. Employees may work overtime and sacrifice time with family and friends to meet deadlines. Show that you appreciate their commitment to the company. Encourage them to continue submitting their work before the deadline. Here's how: 

"I know that it's been a busy season this past month and that you've been putting in extra hours. Even though it's been stressful, I'm pleased that you've been meeting all your project deadlines. The client was very happy that we completed the work on time. I'm really proud of you."

12. Going above and beyond 

Some employees put in extra effort to meet their goals. Suppose you asked an employee to create an event proposal and they developed three proposals with different themes and costings. Recognising that they went above and beyond their duties can encourage them to repeat their efforts. Here's what you can say to direct reports: 

"I'm amazed at the initiative you took to develop multiple proposals. I know you put in extra hours and effort to create these highly detailed proposals. I'm so pleased with your dedication to this project and am going to mention this at our team meeting tomorrow. Keep up the fantastic work!" 

13. Feeling burnt out

A staff member might feel burnt out because of the peak season at the workplace, extra responsibilities at home, or both. For example, they may have elderly parents and young children to care for. Showing that you understand their situation and reminding them of their past accomplishments can help them become more productive. You could also offer to lighten their workload for a certain period. Here's how to encourage them:

"I understand that your elderly parents recently moved in with you and that you're feeling fatigued. But I also know how committed you are. Remember how you exceeded the sales targets last year? Let me know if you need some time off or if there's anything else I can do for you. The team can also help you with some tasks to lighten your load."

14. Proposing a great idea 

Imagine your team is brainstorming ideas for a campaign. A team member shares a creative idea that they thought of before the meeting. Praise them for thinking outside the box and for their courage to share their ideas. This can have a positive impact on the rest of the team to contribute interesting ideas. Here's an example of giving positive feedback:

"I'm impressed by that fantastic idea you suggested this afternoon! It's clear that you've been giving a lot of thought to this campaign. I'm confident that the client will love this idea. You've shown your teammates what it means to think outside the box. Keep up the good work!"

15. Responding well to change 

Imagine your company has organisational changes, such as a company merger, a hybrid work arrangement, or a new business management software. Changes can cause a sense of uncertainty. Encouraging staff members can help them feel more at ease. It can also assure them that things will stabilise soon. Here's how you can encourage direct reports:

"I understand that there have been some significant changes to the department these past few weeks. Thank you for being positive and showing great team spirit. This has helped make the transition a lot smoother for everyone. It has also boosted your team's morale." 

16. Modelling company culture 

Employees help to build a positive company culture. Recognising those who model the company values can improve the work environment. Give them regular feedback to affirm their actions. Here's an example of feedback: 

"I'm pleased that you've been modelling the company value of respect. I've seen you speaking with people from different backgrounds and levels with kindness and respect. Thank you for modelling this behaviour and encouraging your colleagues to do the same. We can strengthen our company culture of support, inclusion, and respect with your actions."

17. Being proactive

Imagine a team member takes the initiative to make cold calls to get new clients or begin researching campaign ideas ahead of schedule. Being proactive in the workplace can encourage other team members to do the same. Affirm this behaviour and share the benefits. Here's an example: 

"I really appreciate that you made cold calls and arranged meetings with prospects this week. I can see that you're committed to the company's success and are passionate about your job. You're setting a good example for the rest of the team. I hope you'll continue being proactive!" 

18. Showing improvement

Suppose you've been giving constructive feedback to your team member over a couple of months. For example, you shared some tips on improving their presentation skills. Noticing that they've made significant improvement and praising them can motivate them to continue developing their skills. Here's how you can encourage them: 

"I see great improvement in your presentation skills compared to a couple of months ago. You spoke more confidently and engaged the client a lot better. I'm pleased that you took my feedback seriously and worked on your communication skills. I'm sure you'll continue to pitch the team's ideas and answer the client's questions well."

19. Getting a promotion

Promotions usually involve new responsibilities. This may be quite challenging for employees, so encouraging them can help them with the transition. Here's how you can give positive feedback: 

"I'm so glad we decided to promote you. I'm pleased to see that you're taking on new responsibilities and challenging yourself. You're making great progress, and we're here to help you achieve your full potential. Let me know if you need any help with your new duties. I'd be more than happy to help!" 

20. Handling conflict well

Imagine an employee successfully resolved a conflict between two team members during the dinner rush. They had different opinions about solving a design flaw or pitching a campaign to a client. Recognising the employee's conflict resolution skills can encourage them to continue maintaining peace and unity in the team. Here's some positive feedback:

"You did a great job in resolving the conflict in your team and finding a solution that satisfied both parties. You made them feel heard and understood, which helped to diffuse the tension. I know that it wasn't an easy situation to handle, but you exceeded my expectations. I'm so glad to have you on the team!"
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Tips on giving feedback

Here are some useful tips for giving effective employee feedback:

Be observant

Before giving feedback, you need to identify the positive behaviour. To do this, be attentive of your employees. Observe how they interact with their team members and clients. Monitor their progress on a project without micromanaging them.

Be specific

Giving general employee feedback can be confusing, as the employee may not know what they did right. Being specific can show that you cared enough to notice their efforts. For example, instead of saying, "Good job," you can say, "Good job on following up with that client promptly." This helps them continue doing what they're doing well. 

Explain the impact

On top of praising them for what they did, make it more meaningful by sharing why it matters. You can explain the outcome of the actions on the team, company, or client. For example, if an employee secured a deal with a prominent client, you can share how it benefits the reputation of the company. This helps them understand the impact of their work and motivates them to continue working hard. 

Recognise them publicly 

Develop a habit of recognising your employees in front of their colleagues. Highlighting their performance in front of the entire team can help team members understand your expectations better. It also gives the team the opportunity to celebrate the employee's actions or work. The employee may feel more valued when they receive public recognition.

Give feedback often 

Make giving positive feedback a part of the company culture. As employees take on new responsibilities and grow in their roles, acknowledge their efforts. This can help to maintain employee morale. For example, you can simply say, "I appreciate all your hard work on this project recently." 

Conclusion

Knowing how to encourage your employees with positive feedback can help you build a winning team. Don't wait for the annual performance review to share your feedback. Constantly look for opportunities to praise them and acknowledge their accomplishments no matter how small they may be. 
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do I give effective feedback? 
   ⁠Make your feedback actionable and future-focused for it to be effective. Share positive actions or behaviours that you observed in employees and encourage them to continue. Give tips on further actions they can take to improve a skill or perform the task better. 
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2. When should I give feedback? 
   ⁠It's best to give feedback immediately after an accomplishment or a positive behaviour. Delayed feedback can lose its impact and be less effective. Be prompt in recognising employees' efforts for maximum impact. 
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3. How does positive feedback impact the team?
   ⁠Praising a team member for their accomplishments, positive behaviour, or extra efforts can encourage the rest of the team to do the same. It also creates a supportive culture. Team members may model your behaviour and encourage each other more often. 
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4. How do I prepare to give feedback?
   ⁠Before giving feedback, think about the purpose of your feedback and the intended outcome. Consider the details to make your feedback more specific. Decide if it's more appropriate to give feedback one-on-one or in front of the rest of the team.