In 1992 Gary Chapman published his timeless classic book, “The 5 Love Languages.” Many millions of copies later that book and Gary are still blessing marriages and relationships all over the world. The average American will spend 67,424 hours at their workplace in their lifetime. This speaks to the importance of being in a healthy workplace. A healthy workplace extends beyond the mere absence of harm; it's an environment that actively contributes to the well-being, health, and productivity of its employees. As a leader you are in charge of building a culture that fosters a healthy environment. As a leader you should know that money is NOT the purest form of motivation in the workplace. Here are 9 love languages to know and value in the workplace.

I. Needed

This employee or team member is energized and motivated by feeling needed. They need to hear words that imply the value of their job to the overall success of the organization.

II. Recognition

This team member is really moved by being recognized in public. It does not have to be on a regular basis, but it does need to happen several times a year. It also goes a lot further when the recognition is creative and detailed as opposed to generic.

III. Praise

This differs from recognition that it speaks more directly to the individual. These people may have a level of comfortability of being in the limelight and really feed off of praise.

IV. Direction

These team members are best set in motion by taking the time to communicate clear direction. When they are given a well spelled out plan for their role they feel most valued.

V. Vision

When you provide the big picture to these staff members they feel included, wanted and inspired.

VI. Involvement

These team members need to feel involved in the plan, process and execution. They are jazzed by being in the meeting and the conversation.

VII. Challenge

These individuals are not driven by money. They need to be constantly challenged. They thrive off of being part of difficult tasks and goals.

VIII. Listening

These staff members just want to feel heard. They need leadership to spend weekly time with them just listening to their thoughts and perspectives. When they feel genuinely heard they work harder and faster.

IX. Dreams

These are the day dreamers. They don’t work for your organization to pay the bills. They believe that working for your organization is the pathway to accomplishing their dreams. They need to constantly feel that you know and are making some kind of contribution towards their dreams.