Showing your employees that you are thankful for their contribution doesn’t have to come solely in the form of bonuses and expensive perks. There are intangible – and affordable – ways to show your employees you appreciate them. Here are a few ideas.
- Give them technology that makes their job easier. Nothing says thank you like the gift of time. Save your employees valuable time by providing them with technology that can automate some of their basic tasks. Look for technology that will boost their efficiency and allow them to focus more on what they enjoy about their job.
- Offer flexible scheduling. This will show your employees that you care about their work-life balance and will also show them that you trust them to get the job done even in nontraditional hours.
- Have a thank you meeting. Bring your employees in for a meeting and focus on their achievements. Make this the agenda for the meeting. Only bring up the positives. Your employees will feel seen and valued.
- Reward them with a sweet – or savory – treat. You know the saying that the way to the heart is through the stomach. There’s some truth to that! Almost everyone loves free food. Bring in donuts once a month. Plan monthly employee lunches. The team will bond over the shared time together and they will feel appreciated.
- Offer rewards to employees that go above and beyond. These don’t have to be expensive- it could be a trade magazine subscription, movie tickets, or a restaurant gift card. These small tokens of appreciation will go a long way.
- Create a culture of gratitude. Encourage employees to publicly thank each other for help on projects. At team meetings, make it a point to recognize and thank a department or individual. Make it so that giving thanks is a standard part of your operations.
- Create fun traditions in your workplace. Maybe it’s a Thanksgiving potluck or secret Santa. Showing that you care about the morale of your employees is a great way to say thank you.
- Write it down. A simple thank you note is an easy and inexpensive way to show your employees that you recognize the hard work they are putting in.
These are just a few ideas. I hope you’ll try a couple out and give thanks for your employees.
