Tips for thanking your employees who make you the best in the biz
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Businesses recognized as the best — through awards, nominations, or customer feedback — tend to have one thing in common: great employees. But it’s not always easy for business owners to find the right way to show employees how much they’re appreciated.
According to the O.C. Tanner Network, an employee recognition platform, 40 percent of employees say the recognition they receive at work feels like an empty gesture. This is compounded by the burnout that Deloitte says affects 77 percent of respondents. Employers may be missing the mark when it comes to developing techniques to help employees feel valued and satisfied.
Improving employee morale can start with various techniques to help staff feel more appreciated. The following are some ways employers can do just that.
- Pass along a work perk. Employers can share a particular work benefit they have received with an employee. This may include a first-class upgrade for a flight or tickets to a hot sports game. Hard-to-get reservations at a trendy restaurant also can be passed on to a hard-working employee.
- Create a work trophy. Trophies often indicate victory in sports and other events, so employers can follow suit in the workplace. Create a trophy that is a recognized symbol of staff appreciation and give to those who have accomplished something good.
- Let employees choose their gifts. Put together a catalog of appreciation gifts and let employees choose their own rather than thinking you know what is best.
- Go public with appreciation. Let your customers know how much you value your employees by taking out an ad, sharing on social media, or creating signage in the office that shares tales of exceptional employees. Speak about what staff did and how much they are appreciated.
- Stay current with salary increases. One of the easiest ways to show employees they’re appreciated is through periodic reviews and pay increases. These increases can go beyond just the cost of living increases many companies provide.
- Go out for lunch. Take employees out individually or in small groups for lunch or dinner. Use this opportunity to get to know them better and engage in conversation regarding what they believe will benefit the company. Employees may feel more valued if their ideas are heard.
- Celebrate various milestones. As a company, you can celebrate milestones that are not necessarily work-related, such as when an employee has reached a certain wedding anniversary or if they have welcomed a child.
Showing employee appreciation through creative means can help staff feel valued — and keep your business running as one of the best in Maine.
