With Thanksgiving this week, I thought that it would be appropriate to share different ways that you can show your team that you are appreciative of them. I did some research on the internet and found articles, posts and pictures all about team and employee appreciation. Research shows that feeling appreciated is one of the top three drivers of employee engagement. The following are what I thought to be the top ten:
- Praise something your coworker has done well. Identify the specific actions that you found admirable.
- Say ‘thank you’. Show your appreciation for their hard work and contributions. And, don’t forget to say ‘please’ often as well. Social niceties do belong at work. A more gracious, polite workplace is appreciated by all.
- Offer staff members flexible scheduling for the holidays, if feasible. If work coverage is critical, post a calendar so people can balance their time off with that of their coworkers.
- Know your employee’s interests well enough to present a small gift occasionally. An appreciation gift, and the gesture of providing it, will light up your employee’s day.
- Almost everyone appreciates food. Take coworkers or staff to lunch for a birthday, a special occasion or for no reason at all. Let your guest pick the restaurant.
- Create a fun tradition for a seasonal holiday. Have a Secret Santa gift exchange, or do something charitable as a team for a charity they would like to support. We have donated food and served at a soup kitchen and the Ronald McDonald House in Long Beach.
- Feature the employee in the company newsletter. Not only does this let your team know how much you appreciate a specific person, it lets your clients and newsletter readers know as well.
- Arrange to have their home cleaned or their car washed and waxed.
- Send a thank you note and gift basket to their spouse and let their spouse know how much they are appreciated at work.
- Handwrite them a thank-you note or letter. As simple as this may seem, receiving a hand written thank you always lets someone know just how appreciated they are.
Those are my top 10 picks to show your employees and team that they are appreciated. If you have any that you would like to suggest to add to the list, please let me know.
