What’s Your Work Love Style?

Romantic relationships are not the only time that we give and receive love – we do it at work as well.

This might sound a little out there, but think about it. For better or worse, you’re in a relationship with your coworkers, bosses and the clients and customers you deal with every day.

Although they are professional relationships that ought to have many more boundaries than your romantic one, it’s still crucial that you know how you want to be treated and cared for at work and similarly how your colleagues and coworkers want to be treated and cared for by you. 

That's where the seven love styles come in. Though you're (hopefully) not going to be wearing your heart on your sleeve at work, there are some ways to figure out what love style you prefer to use at work, and also what love styles your colleagues are using. Then you can use knowledge to make sure everyone’s getting what they want and need from the workplace.

Activity: You plan the best events for everyone

The Activity love style is similar to the Quality Time love language, but it is more focused on doing something that brings joy to the other person. If your work love style is Activity, you're going to jump on every opportunity to plan events and surprise your coworkers with some special team-bonding time. You know that a little bit of fun now and then is essential for employee morale, so you make sure everyone has something to look forward to during their work day.

You know Activity is your work love style when:

• You plan a group bowling outing for Jim's birthday because Jim loves bowling. 
• You plan a board game night after talking to a coworker about their favorite games. 
• You convince your manager to throw a party to celebrate the team's wins.

Appreciation: You’re quick to share a meaningful compliment

Appreciation is the act of letting people know that they are seen and valued in the workplace. It’s never an empty or automatic act, it’s always thoughtful and meaningful. If you throw around vague compliments like “good job,” you’re not exemplifying this love style. True words of appreciation are backed up with facts and details that the person can point to and appreciate. 

You know Appreciation is your work love style when:

• You only share intentional and meaningful compliments with your coworkers, you don’t just offer up empty and flowery words. 
• You go out of your way to send a follow-up email after a presentation about how well your coworker performed and what you liked about their work.
• You write a thoughtful letter to Jim on his birthday about how much you’ve enjoyed getting to know him and the value he adds to the team. 

Emotional: You offer comfort during difficult times

Emotional love styles often come out in stressful times. When emotions are running high, you let people know that you’re not only there for them, but you’re also willing to help them. People with an Emotional work love style will often be the first to step away from the computer and actually listen to someone. 

You know Emotional is your work love style when:

• You are the first to say a kind word and go out of your way to lend your support after a co-worker has suffered a loss or an emotional hardship. 
• You ask what your colleague needs, whether that’s food, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, and then you provide it for them. 
• You’re ready and willing to take action steps to help the person feel better, but you’re mostly there to be a pillar of support for your co-worker to lean on. 

Financial: You take the team to lunch

Those who identify most with the Financial work love style use their finances to make others around them feel special. They like providing for others and will put effort into birthdays, anniversaries, and other special gift-giving occasions.

You know Financial is your work love style when:

• While someone might plan an outing for Jim’s birthday at the bowling alley, you decide to cover a game for everyone. 
• You’re always willing to pick up the tab for group lunches or happy hours. 
• You surprise your coworkers with cakes, flowers, or other treats to show your appreciation.

Intellectual: You take time to help others learn

The Intellectual work love style is about helping people learn and grow. It's not just about being a teacher, but also taking the time to share and impart wisdom on your colleagues. If you’re an Intellectual type, questions, debates and sharing knowledge is something that comes naturally to you.

You know Intellectual is your work love style when:

• You love a good debate and often play Devil’s advocate, just to argue a different side and make sure the point is fully debated. 
• You are an excellent listener and never shut down anyone’s ideas or diminish the power of their voice. 
• You spend your lunch break helping Jim learn a new skill or understand a concept better.  

Physical: You make time to connect in person

People with the Physical work love style have an innate need for touch and closeness, not in any kind of romantic way, but just the desire to be present with someone. This is why these folks tend to like having face-to-face conversations and actually prefer physical contact to an email. Day-to-day, you may express appreciation through a high five, a clap on the shoulder or a warm handshake.

You know Physical is your work love style when:

• You like sitting next to Jim in the office rather than miles away from him. 
• You put a reassuring hand on someone’s shoulder when you deliver bad news.

• You love to socialize with your colleagues and occasionally give a firm handshake or pat on the back to someone.

Practical: You keep your coworkers supported and informed

If Practical is your work love style, you are likely helping out or doing something to take the pressure off someone's plate. Chances are, you are a great communicator and find it easy to keep everyone on the same page. This means regularly checking in with your colleagues and making sure they know what’s happening and everyone has the support they need.

You know Practical is your work love style when:

• You stay late to clean up after a work event.
• You are the first one to jump in to help a co-worker finish a task that’s overwhelming them. 

• You spend time researching solutions to problems your colleagues have encountered.

Understanding your work love style can help make your work environment more harmonious and productive, and it can enable you to build deeper connections with your colleagues. Discover your work love style today – take our free quiz and find out!