How to reply to Appreciation emails

Many of us have found ourselves racking our brains over how to reply to appreciation emails that we receive at work.

Image Source: AI-Generated

All kinds of questions pop up in our minds.

How do I start my email?

On what note do I end my mail?

How do I express sincere gratitude?

How do I avoid going overboard with my thank you?

Two Simple Steps to help you frame your reply to an appreciation email.

Have a look!

Step 1. Acknowledge the appreciation

Yes, that’s the first thing you should be doing at the very beginning of your email.

Sample this-

  • Thank you for your encouraging words.
  • It is very thoughtful of you to appreciate my efforts and nominate me for the Employee of the Year award.
  • Thank you very much for recognizing my contribution to the team. This means a lot to me.
  • I am humbled by your public appreciation for my work. Thank you.
  • Thank you for your feedback. Glad I could be of help.

Step 2. Add- how their words of appreciation would help you better your performance

Here are some examples to word it.

a) If there is a compliment- return the compliment

  • It was a wonderful learning experience working with you. I look forward to implementing this knowledge in my next ABC task.
  • It was a pleasure assisting you with the assignment. I hope to work with your QA team again.

b) If there is feedback- acknowledge and say how this would benefit you

  • Thank you for taking the time and letting me know the team’s views on my Sales prediction presentation. I am glad my work made sense to everyone. This feedback has motivated me to dig deeper into the analytics of my market research.

A few handy tips for that perfect reply to an appreciation email

  • Keep it brief â€“ Too wordy a mail loses its purpose. People don’t have the patience and attention span to read long emails. Keep your emails under 100 words.
  • Give due credit– Attribute your success to your boss’s guidance & support and your co-workers’ cooperation.
  • Avoid going overboard with your display of gratitude.

Eg. How will I ever repay this debt! [X]

Let me take you out for lunch for the favor that you have bestowed upon me. [X]

I am forever indebted to you for nominating my name for the Employee of the Year award! [X]

  • In an attempt to sound humble, do not downplay your achievements. You might come across as saying your efforts are not worthy of appreciation.

Eg. Thank you but it’s no big deal. [X]

Thank you but I didn’t go out of the way for that. It was nothing. [X]

  • Never dismiss a compliment/words of appreciation. It reflects low confidence.

Eg. I don’t think I have reached that great a level. [X]

I don’t think I am anywhere close to those standards. [X]

Thank you but I am not in that league yet. [X]

Sample email-

Image Source: AI-Generated

Dear Emiko,

Please accept my sincere thanks for your encouraging words for my contribution to the Xyz account.

My entire team lent me strong support on this. Without that, a smooth completion wouldn’t have been possible.

Thank you for your continuous guidance and support.

Regards,

Jessica Watson

– Neha Srivastava, Content Media Professional and Corporate Skills Trainer