There’s no other way to put it. Your employees are an integral part of the success of your brand. It is their unique skills, education, experience, and creativity that keeps processes flowing and customers happy. Essentially it is safe to say that without your team, your vision would not be where it is today. Letting them know this on a regular basis, is very important to their overall happiness and the continued collaboration to help make your brand great.
You may say “great work” or give a round of applause when your team has pulled something off, but do you go above and beyond to let them know that they’re appreciated? If not, here are some ways you might start showing your staff how much you care.
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Office Snacks
Taking initiative to show your employees how much they’re valued doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive – just thoughtful. If you’re proud of the work your team has been doing as of late, say thanks by bringing in office snacks. Some donuts, pastries, or bagels and coffee are always appreciated and a simple way of saying, “keep up the good work”.
Employee Of the Month
Here’s a common practice that has proven to work for many industries, the employee of the month. Start paying attention to your team or asking management and HR to be mindful of employee performance. Perhaps even come up with criteria that would warrant recognition like timeliness, collaboration, meeting deadlines, pursuing more, etc. At the end of each month, decide which employee did their best to meet that criterion.
You can reward them with their photo on a wall, a plaque, a free lunch, or even some free time off. It gives them the chance to be seen as valuable before their peers which boosts their confidence and performance.
Holiday Gifts
You might not be able to afford those big bonuses at the end of the year but that doesn’t mean you can’t give thanks to your team for a year of good work. A great way to do this would be to hand out corporate gift vouchers for turkeys or hams for the holiday. Your employees are happy because it’s one less thing they have to get on their shopping lists and it’s a token of appreciation from their boss.
Company Trips
Traveling for business is one thing, but traveling as a reward for good performance is even better. Once a year, consider planning company trips for your team. Often businesses can get discounts on everything from hotel stays to airline tickets when traveling in groups. Even if you don’t travel far, it can be a great way for you to say thanks and really connect with your team outside of the office.
Time Off
Time is something everyone wishes they had more of, but don’t. If your staff has been working really hard all week to meet a deadline (and done so), why not say thanks by letting them go home a few hours early or taking the next day off?
Host Family Events
Just as your family is important to you, it is to your staff. While they’re working several hours out of each day to help run your business, this is time they’re taking away from their families. Though they need jobs to survive, as an entrepreneur you know all too well how difficult it can be to balance the two. You can show you understand and appreciate their hard work and sacrifices by hosting family events. Have a company picnic or holiday party where employees are allowed to invite their families for free.
You hired your staff because you believed they had what it took to help you bring your vision to fruition. As your company progresses it is important that you always remember to give thanks to those who are helping you get there. When your employees feel appreciated, they are more inclined to work harder and push further to help continue building on your dreams.
About Carson Derrow
