It’s no secret that everyone wants to feel appreciated. Whether it’s for a good meal they cooked, a fine speech they gave, or wanting a simple “thank you”, appreciation can go a long way into improving someone’s day. Even a small or simple gesture to reward employees can let them know they are appreciated.
This idea of appreciation and support eventually morphed into the idea of love languages (which one are you?) and how people would like to be appreciated.
Now, we’re not saying that you have to send the love languages quiz to everyone of your employees or colleagues, but it is important that you show appreciation for your colleagues on a regular basis. You may already be building up strong relationships with them through actions or words, but if you want to take a bigger step, we have some ideas on how you could show more appreciation.
Reward employees: 6 ways to show appreciation
Keep reading below to find out how.
The time idea
Work schedules can be pretty consistent, but one way you can show your appreciation is by being a bit more flexible or generous on times. Some easy ways to be generous with your time is to let them head out an hour early the day before holidays, cut the Friday work day off by half an hour, let them take a long lunch break, or giving an extra day off during the year.
If the job allows it, you could see what are the options for allowing flexible schedules. Letting employees come in and depart at flexible times is a surefire way to increase employee satisfaction.
Gifts
While the joy of waking up early on Christmas and storming the tree may be lost on those that grow older, everyone still likes receiving gifts as a way to reward employees.
These gifts could be something simple, like a bonus every six months or a gift card to a local restaurant. You don’t have to break the bank or company budget for a few small gifts. It could be something for the whole workforce at once, like bringing in breakfast or catering lunch. Food is always a fantastic gift!
Alternatively, you can get them a fun graphic tee to lift their mood. Choose funny prints that will cheer them up. Your employees could use a fun gift to perk them up and let them know that the company is making an effort to uplift their people.
Simple notes
Sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most when you reward employees. People may not always remember what you said but they will certainly remember how you made them feel.
Send an email thanking them for their hard work or follow up with them about the presentation they gave this afternoon. Stop by their cubicle and let them know that they’re doing a great job. Even a quick “good work on this” can go a long way. It’s also a great way to help build up employee loyalty. It doesn’t take a lot to be encouraging and instill confidence in others, so make sure you’re practicing it regularly.
Give shout-outs
Similar to the idea of passing out notes, it can also be a great idea to reward employees by publicly recognizing the work of some of your employees at meetings, functions, conferences, etc.
If you have a company-wide newsletter, make sure to mention their name from time to time about their recent work and any accomplishments. Give them a mention on social media as well. Even though they may not like the attention, it can always be something to show their friends and families once they get home.
Outings
From shout-outs to outings, business retreats or night outs are not only a great way to bond with your coworkers but to also to reward employees and show a bit of appreciation. Now, you don’t have to making hats like Andy Bernard did in The Office, but you could definitely take them out on an excursion of some kind of multi-day retreat. As an added bonus, make sure and do it on a work day so you’re not taking away from their weekend.
It could be something as simple as a night out at a local restaurant or bowling alley. It’s a time to forget about all the sales calls or projects coming up and just have some fun together as a team.
Customized Plaques or Award
Another way to reward employees, recognize their efforts and boost motivation is by giving them awards or customized plaques. This will help bolster their self-confidence and motivate them to work harder. You can have it designed like a formal award or something unique and quirky that they can display on their desk or cubicle. You may want to go the extra mile by finding out what they like, so you have an idea of how to customize the plaque you want to give them.
Hold feedback sessions
Everyone wants to feel like their voice is being heard, so make sure you’re regularly holding feedback sessions with employees. They don’t have to be obligatory, but they can be open-door times when employees feel welcome to giving feedback.
Statistics show that businesses that regularly engage in employee feedback have higher retention rates as well as higher employee satisfaction. It’s a win all around!
