Beyond Thank You: The Power Of Employee Appreciation

Employee Appreciation Day is right around the corner! As slow seasons come to an end and workloads are picking up for many employees nationwide, it’s important to voice your appreciation for the people that ensure your company runs smoothly. 

Team Morale

Creating a positive work environment is one of the biggest keys to success as a manager or business owner. One of the easiest and most effective ways to retain your star employees is by consistently showing your appreciation for their hard work. A large percentage of industry employees expressed that they had not received recognition for their work in the past 7 days. This is a huge issue for employers with low retention rates, and may be the reason why their staff turnover rate is so high. Often, employers that make an effort to regularly praise their workers see a lower percentage of employee turnover. Being positively recognized triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and increasing levels of happiness. Being rewarded can also create a habit of consistency in the behaviors they were praised for. Reminding yourself to spread kindness in the workplace and encouraging others to do so as well can substantially change the overall tone of the work environment. 

Positive Influence

Not only does recognition improve team morale, it may also increase productivity by up to 12%. When you uplift team members, they are much more likely to be motivated, happy, and adaptable. Encouragement and positivity go a long way in promoting team collaboration and employee engagement. Because the base of any successful business is teamwork, this is a vital practice for business owners and upper management. Manufacturing a healthy work environment takes time, effort, and of course, consistent appreciation. 

Telltale Signs Your Team Needs Recognition

• Poor attendance: If employees are regularly dreading work, this can show up in poor attendance rates.
• Silent meetings: If staff meetings usually only include one or two members of management speaking, and team members aren’t comfortable sharing their input, this could mean they don’t feel as if their opinion is of importance to their higher-ups. 
• Changes in work behavior: If you notice a staff member has taken a nosedive on positive vibes, energy, or motivation, this could be due to a lack of recognition.
• Negative attitudes: If it’s a trend for the majority of your staff to come in with poor moods and lack of enthusiasm for the day, this is almost always a solvable issue with the correct management. 

Easy & Effective Ways to Show Appreciation

• Friendly Competition: Create a fun & inclusive competition & encourage participation from your staff members
• Personal Thank You: Write a short card outlining the qualities you appreciate the most in your employees, schedule phone calls to show thanks, or give a shoutout over email.
• Team Building: Hosting a team building event or having designated time during the work week to get to know your team is a great way to understand your staff on a more personal level.
• Incentives & Rewards: This could mean giving raises where you see fit, showing thanks with gift cards, lunch, or even extra time off.
• Employee Feedback Programs: Create an outlet for your staff to share their thoughts on business strategies & personal growth in the company, Be a safe space for staff to feel heard.
• Growth & Development: Offering mentorship programs or promotion incentives allows employees to gain new skills and become a more valuable asset to your company. This also encourages personal growth and shows that there is opportunity for advancement in the company.
• Celebrate Milestones: Work anniversary, birthday, and achievement acknowledgements help staff feel seen for their hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Preventing low productivity and high employee turnover can be as simple as showing kindness on a regular basis. Being proactive and understanding what makes your staff members feel seen, appreciated, and supported is key to building rapport in the workplace. Leave a comment below and describe your ideal qualities in a boss or employee!