Statistically, employees who are rewarded and commended for their work are happier and more productive. Although Employee Appreciation Day was on March 3rd, you can show appreciation for your employees every day. At Cornerstone Executive Search, we believe every employee should be valued and respected to maintain a healthy company culture and stay competitive in a candidate driven market. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of six specific ways companies and managers can celebrate your employees and communicate your appreciation for them.
1. Implement Incentives
According to the Harvard Business Review, having fun at work positively impacts engagement, creativity, and purpose. Planning incentive trips, celebrations, and experiences is a creative way to motivate your team to achieve their goals. Consider implementing annual incentives such as a company barbecue in the summer or an ugly sweater competition at Christmas time. Employees appreciate giving input on incentives, so consider allowing them to create a company event calendar with outings they would enjoy. If your team has a guaranteed reward on the other side of a goal, they are more likely to pursue and achieve it.
2. Give Personalized Thank You Notes
A handwritten thank you note expresses your genuine appreciation for employees within your company. The note is a tangible reminder of an employee’s value to the company and appeals to the human desire for connection and recognition. A personalized thank you note shows you took time to process and articulate what you appreciate about that person.
3. Mentor Monday
If you want your employees to expand their skill set or meet with a mentor in their field, consider implementing a “Mentor Monday.” Depending on your company schedule, this could be a weekly, monthly, or quarterly session. You can address the company, invite guest speakers from your industry to speak, do a workshop, or conduct a culture index survey. You may also use this time to allow employees to sit down with business leaders in your company for a one-on-one mentorship session. These sessions will enrich the employee experience, demonstrate your care for their well-being, and grow them personally and professionally.
4. Feature Employees On LinkedIn
Consider featuring your employees on LinkedIn through a “Meet the Team” or birthday celebration post. This gives team members a chance to feel appreciated and valued. It also familiarizes your customers and followers with the people behind your brand. The features can boost your reputation among job seekers and potential clients because they see how you celebrate people at your company.
5. Gift Them Your Favorite Book
Consider gifting your team leaders or employees your favorite book for business, education, motivation, or enjoyment. Reading the book will give them a glimpse into what topics excite and motivate you. This is a practical way to pass on helpful tools and to communicate you are invested in and committed to their growth.
6. Create A Suggestions Box
If you wonder what your employees think of the workplace environment, consider creating a suggestions box. Employees can anonymously submit feedback on the environment, leadership, events, and incentives. Their suggestions will help you gauge the overall atmosphere of the office and identify areas that need improvement. If you give them the freedom to submit their recommendations, you will demonstrate humility and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
