3 Unique Ways to Show Employee Appreciation
If you work as a manager or supervisor, you undoubtedly have a lot on your plate every day. You’re in charge of so many employees all at once. You have a busy daily schedule full of diverse tasks and responsibilities. These things are just the beginning, too. Professionals who work in management positions generally have to be sensitive, detail-oriented and attentive individuals. They have to communicate with so many kinds of people day in and day out. They have to consider their feelings and needs. If you want your workplace to run in an efficient and organized manner, you have to do whatever it takes to keep your employees happy. That often involves a focus on employee appreciation. Managers and supervisors who are looking for fresh and innovative employee recognition ideas don’t have to worry, though. There are actually a handful of interesting ways to show workers that you care and that you see that they’re doing great work for you and for the rest of the company.
1. Give Them Birthday Days Off Each Year
People love taking it easy on their big days. It can be a hassle to have to deal with a long work day when you want nothing more than to have a little birthday fun. If you’re serious about showing your employees that you appreciate them, you should encourage them to take relaxing and pressure-free days off on their birthdays every year. They can employ floating holidays for this purpose.
2. Put Together a Special “Recognition Day” for Your Finest Employees
Human beings aren’t a big mystery. They naturally love recognition. They like knowing that other people admire their abilities, skills and talents. If you want to do something good for your best employees, put together “recognition days” that are chock-full of fun. You can recognize a hard-working secretary on your staff by sending out an email newsletter that announces her honor. You can then turn the afternoon into a party for the entire workplace. Serve delicious finger foods and desserts to your team members. Set up activities and games for everyone to enjoy. Hold a few contests. The options are plentiful. The best part is that everyone can benefit from the festivities.
3. Give Your Employees Random Treats
Employee appreciation doesn’t always have to be an elaborate and sophisticated affair. It can also be a casual and low-key thing. It can even be spontaneous. If you want to let a great worker know that you acknowledge his excellent work, you can put a bag of candy on top of his desk. Do this when he’s not around to see you. Try to get your employee something you know he likes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a box of chocolates or if it’s a bag of trail mix. Little gestures can mean so much. Who couldn’t benefit from a little tasty enjoyment in the middle of a tough and grueling work day, anyway? Delicious treats can be great for tired and busy professionals who are always doing their best.
Make Employee Appreciation a Common Thing
According to Challenge Coins Limited, employee recognition shouldn’t be something that’s a rarity for you as a manager or supervisor. It should actually be a big part of your daily work life. If you want to run a smooth, efficient, pleasant and happy working environment, you need to prioritize employee satisfaction. It’s important to do this all year long. Employee recognition techniques can be so easy and simple, too. You can show a worker that you appreciate her just by giving her a bit of occasional positive feedback. Tell her that she did a great job planning and orchestrating a big company meeting the other week. Talk to her about the recent excellent work she did closing a major project. Look her directly in the eyes as you do this, too. It’s important to make sure you come across as sincere and truthful. That counts for a lot. Strong employee recognition practices should never be an afterthought. They should be a big part of your approach to daily management. Kind and thoughtful gestures can be so easy and subtle. They can have great impacts on other people, however.
