The leaves are changing, the air is cooling, and the holiday season is just around the corner. One thing that has become synonymous with autumn is thankfulness. Whether celebrating with friends or family, Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to think about what you are thankful for and to count your blessings. However, Thanksgiving isn’t just a family holiday, it’s also a great time to show your appreciation for your employees and to focus on employee recognition.
According to a study by the Aberdeen Group, 60% of successful businesses say employee recognition drives individual performance. So, if having a productive and engaged workforce is something you want for your organization, check out these tips to show your appreciation and things to consider this holiday season.
Give the Gift of Time
If possible, consider showing thankfulness to your employees by offering flex schedules or an extra day off. Not only will it boost morale, but it may help with productivity. According to a report released by the U.S. Travel Association, 80% of managers believe using paid time off is important to maintaining team energy levels and helping with employee production.
Share a Handwritten Note
In today’s digital society, the art of handwriting thank-you notes has seemingly been lost. But putting your thoughts to pen and paper will always mean more to your employees than shooting them a quick email. Take the time to write each of your teammates at least once a year—if not once a quarter—explaining what they mean to you and the company as a whole.
Throw a Holiday Party
Everyone has a busy life, and it’s difficult to balance life’s demands with those from work. A way to not only thank your employees for work done well, but also help ease stress during deadline crunch times, is to throw an office party. Letting your team blow off steam while enjoying togetherness will go a long way in showing how you feel about team members.
Offer Public Praise
Giving your employees one-on-one affirmation is a powerful tool, but sometimes praising employees in front of their peers isn’t just a morale booster for those who receive it, but for the entire team. Speaking out goes a long way. And keeping an updated spreadsheet of projects and occasions where your employees have gone above and beyond will give you the ammunition you need to set them up as the target of your appreciation.
PRO TIP: Don’t know which way to show employee appreciation? Just ask. The easiest way to know what your employees need to feel appreciated is to inquire with your team. Create an open line of communication so you can be sure you’re giving thanks the way your team will respond best.
How do you show appreciation to your employees? What do you do to ensure your team feels appreciated? Let us know in the comments section below!
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