What helps you feel appreciated at work?

Being given ever increasing responsibility ... Good feedback on what went right and what needs work ... Not being micro managed!
Oh, and pay day!

Friendly exchanges with other workers (including the boss) and being left alone to do my job.

Mind you, there have been times when I've had to wonder about some of those friendly exchanges. Working in the Sydney office of a big Japanese import-export company I made an error that, while not too serious in itself, caused some inconvenience to one of the Japanese managers. He came to see me and said, "If you ever do that again I will bring a ceremonial knife into this office and watch you ritually disembowel yourself."

I hoped he was joking but, guess that ... I never did it again. :)

The simplest of things, a sincere "Thanks you." 

People taking the time out to say thanks, people complementing my work, gifts, $$$$$$$$$, compliments on my beard. 

Back when I did work - staff and students happy to see me when I arrived.
People keen to work in a team together.
Students gradually growing into their talent and confidence.
Honest feedback for any achievement from anyone.

When co-workers or managers asked for my input because they respected my expertise. This post was edited by Jane S at December 9, 2016 5:48 PM MST