Your organization is successful because of your employees, which means their engagement is everything. After all, an engaged employee is a happy employee.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is a time to give thanks. Are you showing appreciation to your employees besides just paying their wages?
Employee appreciation is about acknowledging a person’s inherent value. It’s not all about accomplishments, but rather their worth as a colleague and a human being. As stated by Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Ashley Whillans,
“Cash matters in people’s lives, but it’s not all that matters. What really matters in the workplace is helping employees feel appreciated.”
In fact, IBM found that monetary compensation alone may actually reduce an employee’s natural inclination to complete a task and have any pleasure doing so. And, employees who feel valued and whose contributions are recognized are twice as likely than average to go the extra mile by putting in more “discretionary effort” into their work.
Therefore, here are six less conventional ways to show your employees some appreciation this holiday season:
1. Say “Thank You” and Do it Often
Verbally expressing your thanks is an underappreciated and undervalued action. Simply taking the time to thank your employees for their work can go a long way. It’s not just about recognizing the positive outcomes such as meeting certain goals, but rather about supporting them throughout everything they do.
2. Reward Them for Meeting Goals
Besides simply saying thanks, rewarding your employees for meeting their goals is extremely important. Employees who meet and exceed goals want to be recognized for their hard work and everything they do.
3. Provide Professional Development Opportunities
While unconventional, providing opportunities that show you are willing to invest in the growth of your employees is a great way to show appreciation. Are there any courses, workshops, or webinars that interest your employees? Find programs that motivate your employees to learn and consider offering those.
4. Think Beyond Cash Rewards
What is the first thing you like to do after receiving an award? For most, the answer is to tell somebody. Humans are naturally inclined to brag about our accomplishments, but that can’t always be done with a cash reward without coming across as unprofessional. Gift cards, a half-day at work, a free car wash, or some other tangible rewards are all great alternatives!
5. Offer the Right Benefits
One of the best ways to show your appreciation to your employees is to provide them with accessible benefits wherever they need them. There are a number of benefits that employees don’t even know they need, but that can change their lives for the better. For example:
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- Employer-sponsored loans (ask us about our no cost small-dollar loan program)
- Pet insurance
- Student loan pay downs
- Ridesharing options
- Monthly office treats (coffee, lunch, breakfast bar)
6. Celebrate Work Anniversaries
While work anniversaries may seem small compared to completing goals, throwing a tiny celebration for someone’s one-year work anniversary can go a long way. Celebrating small milestones, such as this, is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work. Here are some great ideas for celebrating years of service.
Showing employees appreciation comes in all different shapes and sizes. This Thanksgiving, and throughout the rest of the year, what will you do to show your employees you appreciate them and their hard work?
To learn more about how you can actively show your employees your appreciation and build a happier workforce with useful benefits, contact us today.
