Every role, every soul deserves gratitude
Published: 04:05 PM,May 04,2025 | EDITED : 08:05 PM,May 04,2025
In the quiet of early morning, when the city is still yawning awake, a different kind of rhythm begins. It is the clang of hammers on steel, the vibration of tractors across golden fields, the steady sweep of brooms on tiled floors. It is the rhythm of labour, quiet, steady, and too often skipped.
These are our blue-collar champions; the hands that build, mend, clean and carry the weight of society’s progress. They work on scaffolds that kiss the sky and in fields that stretch beyond the horizon. They are the janitors who keep our spaces welcoming, the factory workers who keep the world running, the farmers whose mill becomes our daily bread.
They rise before the sun and often rest only when the moon is high, their work etched into every brick, every blade of grass, every functioning system we take for granted. Without their resolve, cities would stall, and comfort would fade. They are not just labourers; they are the architects of everyday life in this universe.
They are not to be undervalued, but to be treasured. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied, 'A man’s work with his hands and every lawful business transaction.'
As our world leans more into the glow of screens and the efficiency of automation, we must remember: it is still human hands, hard and strong, that hold it all together. With every drop of sweat and act of persistence, these individuals teach us what true dedication looks like indeed.
However, appreciation should not stop at the edge of the construction site or the end of the workday. Inside every office building, behind every goal achieved and every report completed, are employees giving their all. Some draft plans late into the night; others greet clients with warmth that sets the tone for the entire company. Too often, their efforts become routine, hidden.
True leadership is not just about vision or strategy. It is about seeing people, not just their roles, but their impact. It is about recognising that behind every graph that rises and every customer satisfied, there is a person who showed up, not just for a paycheck, but for purpose and passion.
Appreciation doesn’t need to be a grand stage or a corporate budget. Sometimes, the most powerful rewards are the simplest; a heartfelt “thank you', a moment of genuine acknowledgment, a small celebration of a work anniversary or a kind word in front of workmates. These gestures create a culture where people feel seen, heard and valued — not just as employees, but as human beings.
When appreciation flows not only from the top down, but across the team, it becomes more powerful. Stress eases, bonds grow and teams transform into communities. In such workplaces, people don’t just work, they belong and consider it home instead.
Recognition, when made part of a daily chore, it is contagious. It sparks pride, inspires loyalty and fuels innovation. People don’t need to be told to go the extra mile, but they want to because they know their efforts matter.
The truth is, most people don’t jump out of their beds everyday just for the paycheck. They show up for something deeper — meaning, connection, and yes, even a little bit of praise. Whether it is the designer refining a logo or the receptionist brightening someone’s day, everyone requires that emotional paycheck that says, “Your work matters.” Hence, at workplace, it is not always the paycheck or fancy job title, it is appreciation!
So let’s say it more often for colleagues and friends. Let’s say it louder. Let’s build workplaces — and communities — where appreciation is more than a policy; it is a practice. Because when we honour labour in all its forms, we honour the spirit of humanity itself. After all, appreciation costs nothing. But its value is absolutely priceless.
These are our blue-collar champions; the hands that build, mend, clean and carry the weight of society’s progress. They work on scaffolds that kiss the sky and in fields that stretch beyond the horizon. They are the janitors who keep our spaces welcoming, the factory workers who keep the world running, the farmers whose mill becomes our daily bread.
They rise before the sun and often rest only when the moon is high, their work etched into every brick, every blade of grass, every functioning system we take for granted. Without their resolve, cities would stall, and comfort would fade. They are not just labourers; they are the architects of everyday life in this universe.
They are not to be undervalued, but to be treasured. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied, 'A man’s work with his hands and every lawful business transaction.'
As our world leans more into the glow of screens and the efficiency of automation, we must remember: it is still human hands, hard and strong, that hold it all together. With every drop of sweat and act of persistence, these individuals teach us what true dedication looks like indeed.
However, appreciation should not stop at the edge of the construction site or the end of the workday. Inside every office building, behind every goal achieved and every report completed, are employees giving their all. Some draft plans late into the night; others greet clients with warmth that sets the tone for the entire company. Too often, their efforts become routine, hidden.
True leadership is not just about vision or strategy. It is about seeing people, not just their roles, but their impact. It is about recognising that behind every graph that rises and every customer satisfied, there is a person who showed up, not just for a paycheck, but for purpose and passion.
Appreciation doesn’t need to be a grand stage or a corporate budget. Sometimes, the most powerful rewards are the simplest; a heartfelt “thank you', a moment of genuine acknowledgment, a small celebration of a work anniversary or a kind word in front of workmates. These gestures create a culture where people feel seen, heard and valued — not just as employees, but as human beings.
When appreciation flows not only from the top down, but across the team, it becomes more powerful. Stress eases, bonds grow and teams transform into communities. In such workplaces, people don’t just work, they belong and consider it home instead.
Recognition, when made part of a daily chore, it is contagious. It sparks pride, inspires loyalty and fuels innovation. People don’t need to be told to go the extra mile, but they want to because they know their efforts matter.
The truth is, most people don’t jump out of their beds everyday just for the paycheck. They show up for something deeper — meaning, connection, and yes, even a little bit of praise. Whether it is the designer refining a logo or the receptionist brightening someone’s day, everyone requires that emotional paycheck that says, “Your work matters.” Hence, at workplace, it is not always the paycheck or fancy job title, it is appreciation!
So let’s say it more often for colleagues and friends. Let’s say it louder. Let’s build workplaces — and communities — where appreciation is more than a policy; it is a practice. Because when we honour labour in all its forms, we honour the spirit of humanity itself. After all, appreciation costs nothing. But its value is absolutely priceless.