Last week, I was working with a client on a very familiar topic — employee recognition. This particular organization is reviewing their organizational culture, and examining processes to determine if there are any improvements that can be made to boost employee engagement.

Currently, it’s not uncommon for the business to provide bagels on Fridays, bring in a lunch for the staff frequently, and plan group outings like golfing or boating. This seems generous and genuine, but one of the leadership team members commented that “it seems like no matter what we do, it just gets taken for granted….sometimes I wonder why we even bother.”

Now I know this organization very well, and compared to many, they have a really terrific organizational culture. They’re a dynamic team of creative individuals who work hard, play hard, and have a brilliant reputation for impressive work.

However, regardless of how secure the employment opportunity, or how intentional a business’ efforts to reward and acknowledge everyone’s contributions, there’s still this little thing called “human nature.”

You see, in our society of instant gratification, it can be challenging to see past our immediate “want” to concede the existence of so much that we could (and should) be grateful for.

This was never as evident as in my own family this past weekend. On Saturday, my husband took our seven-year-old daughter to Kansas City to watch the Royals-Twins baseball game, and I planned a fun afternoon out with our five-year-old son. We shopped at his favorite store. He got a new ball. We went to a movie. And we had dinner and ice cream at one of his favorite restaurants…….where he got to redeem ten visit cards for a prize. Can’t get much better than that, can it? Well, apparently not, because as our day was winding down, his focus went to the reality that his sister was getting (Nintendo) DS time today, and he had not.

Seriously???? 

As I fought back the urges to (1) wring his spoiled little neck and (2) laugh in his face, a light bulb turned on. It seems ridiculous (and it is), but how often do you and I do the same thing?

To our employers?

Or team members?

Or friends?

And loved ones?

We all struggle with myopia from time to time…failing to see how good we have it, or the value of what has been provided or done for us. A healthy dose of perspective is often needed.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop finding ways to delight my children. Or that organizations should cease to reward and show appreciation to their employees.

Keep at it.

Human nature exists.

You can’t fight that reality any more than you can gravity.

But organizational culture is a long-term investment strategy. You may not see growth today, but managed correctly, a dividend will be forthcoming.