When people are offered consistent, actionable feedback, they can gain better insight into their successes and opportunities for improvement. Positive feedback is especially important because it increases morale, encourages good work and helps provide a sense of purpose.
In this article, we discuss the importance of positive feedback with 10 examples of positive feedback you can use for your next employee performance review. We’ll also discuss how to give positive feedback effectively for happier employees and a more productive work environment.
Positive feedback is a form of evaluation that focuses on an employee’s strengths, talents and accomplishments. When you provide positive feedback, you are telling your team members what they’re doing correctly and should continue to do. Negative feedback is the opposite, as it focuses on what they did wrong or need to improve. Positive feedback examples.
Here are several common workplace scenarios you can use to provide positive feedback to employees:
Example 1: Employee is working overtime
Example 2: Employee is contributing to meetings
Example 3: Employee is submitting high-quality work
Example 4: Employee needs a boost in morale
Example 5: Employee has new responsibilities
Example 6: Employee finished a difficult assignment
Example 7: Employee helps their coworker
Example 8: Employee does additional tasks outside of their role
Example 9: Employee handles a conflict well
Example 10: Employee meets their goals
In the sections below, we’ll offer specific examples of positive feedback you can give in each of these 10 scenarios.
Example 1: Employee is working overtime
To meet the client’s needs, Sam has worked overtime. She does this with a positive attitude and understands it will benefit her team. Give her feedback that shows how much you appreciate her extra efforts.
Positive feedback you can give: “Thank you for putting in the extra effort during this busy time at work. I understand that staying late isn’t easy, but the team truly appreciates it. You are a valuable member of our team, and your positive attitude has helped us all continue to feel motivated.”
Example 2: Employee is contributing to meetings
During meetings, Tom has shared many new ideas and insights that are helpful for the team. Let him know how this is benefiting your team.
Positive feedback you can give: “Thank you for being prepared for our meetings, Tom! By coming to each meeting with well-researched and thought-out ideas, you’re helping us move forward in our process. I look forward to our next meeting.”
Example 3: Employee is submitting high-quality work
Ava finished all of her work on time and paid attention to the details. Make it clear she is meeting your company’s expectations.
Positive feedback you can give: “Ava, your work looks great! It’s clear that you care about your work and take the time to do it correctly. I especially liked that you asked the client about their design preferences before creating their website, and I’m excited to see what you do next.”
Example 4: Employee needs a boost in morale
You can tell that Nathan has been lacking confidence lately. Tell him what he is good at and that you’re here to make his work experience a positive one.
Positive feedback you can give: “Hey Nathan! You’ve been doing a great job lately. You’re so talented at staying flexible on any project, which helps everyone on the team. You have grown so much in your role since starting here. Thank you for your hard work, and let me know if there is anything I can do to make working here better.”
Example 5: Employee has new responsibilities
Devon recently got a promotion and is handling his new responsibilities well. Give feedback that lets him know he was the right choice for the position.
Positive feedback you can give: “Promoting you to lead graphic designer was the best choice for our company. I am glad to see you are challenging yourself and are open to more responsibilities.
Management especially thought your strong attention to detail made you the right candidate for this role. All of your hard work has paid off and will continue to in the future.”
Example 6: Employee finished a difficult assignment
Raquel has been struggling to finish a task she has never done before. Throughout this challenging process, she has maintained a positive attitude and continued to try her best.
Let her know that you were confident she could handle the challenge and this will help her career growth.
Positive feedback you can give: “I’m really happy with your determination to finish this project. I know it wasn’t easy, but I knew you could do it. Your helpful attitude makes it clear that you can continue to take on new challenges and grow with the company. Thank you for your extra effort.”
Example 7: Employee helps their coworker
Jessie has been helping the new intern, Rico, with his training. He has been responsive to all of Rico’s questions, helping him feel comfortable in his new role. You want to tell Jessie that he is helping both Rico and the entire team by being such a great leader.
Positive feedback you can give: “All the training you have done with Rico has been very helpful. You’re giving him a great start to his internship. I have taken notice of your leadership skills and will keep this in mind for future projects.”
Example 8: Employee does additional tasks outside of their role
After all her work is done, Morgan arranges events for her coworkers to attend. Everyone enjoys going to these events, which boosts company morale. Show Morgan how this extra work is appreciated and not overlooked.
Customer Feedback Management 