Happy employees are the key to a successful business. Employees that are happy tend to look forward to coming to work, which doesn’t just boost morale among coworkers, it also make the customer look more favorably upon an establishment. That’s why it’s important that, every so often, you show your employees that you appreciate them. An employee that feels appreciated is typically happier, and a happy employee is a generally a more productive employee. Here are five relatively inexpensive ways to show your employees your appreciation.
Compliment Them
A small gesture goes a long way. If you want your employees to feel appreciated, create a comment board. Anytime someone does something worthy of appreciation, write it down on a card and tack it onto the board. Employees and management can shower one another with compliments. Not only does this boost one’s morale, it makes employees try harder, since there is public recognition on the line.
Say ‘I Appreciate You’ with Food
It’s no secret that people love food, even more so when it’s a surprise. According to Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, catering food to your employees is a great way to say “thank you” and “job well done.” An easy way to do this is to get platters with a variety of salads and sandwiches to ensure that every employee is well fed and everyone gets to eat something that they enjoy.
Celebrate Birthdays and Accomplishments
You obviously do not want to interrupt workflow, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t recognize employees for special things. If it’s someone’s birthday, give them a simple card just showing that you didn’t forget. If it’s someone’s work anniversary, take the time to pull them aside and tell them how much you value their time with the company. This will show them that they are being noticed and therefore, they just may continue to strive harder, knowing they’re catching the attention of the higher-ups.
Have an Employee of the Month Program
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. This is especially true in the workplace. Many people love to work for a reward. If employees know that “Employee of the Month” is up for grabs, most will try their hardest to achieve it. This is especially true if it comes with some sort of rewards. Depending on the type of business you run, offer things like gift cards, a plaque, or an extra lunch break.
Start a Suggestion Program
Employees who don’t have an outlet for their questions, concerns, and comments will start to gossip. Create a place where they can positively channel all their thoughts about the business. A suggestion box is a great way for employees to slip a note, whether anonymously or not, about all that is going on inside their head. It’s not healthy to hold everything in, especially not in the workplace.
It’s truly the little things that go a long way when running a business. If you keep employees feeling appreciated, they will keep coming to work with a positive and can-do attitude. Your employee retention rates will also be better, which will speak volumes about your company and how great of a place it is for people to come to work. But the bottom line is, your employees make your company go, so treat them well.
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