How to Show Your Employees Your Appreciation

If you show your employees that you appreciate their efforts, your company will be rewarded with increased production and loyalty. Make it a practice to continually demonstrate the high esteem in which you hold the people your work with.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Publicly praise something your employee has done well. Identify the specific actions that you found admirable. Single out the person and lead the other employees in a round of applause for their contribution. Public praise is much more effective than private recognition.

2. Offer staff members flexible scheduling for the holidays. If work coverage is critical, post a calendar so employees can balance their days off with each other. Offer this flexibility to everyone or don't offer it all all.

3. Give money. End of the year bonuses, attendance bonuses, quarterly bonuses and gift certificates say “thank you” quite nicely. Award smaller checks throughout the year for "suggestion box" entries that bring value to your business. Have an Employee of the Month cash award for meeting clearly defined objectives.

4. Create a fun tradition for a seasonal holiday. Have a Secret Santa gift exchange or have a cultural day on which employees can showcase dishes from their native countries. An Appreciation Week would be a great idea.

5. Order cake for each employee's birthday or take a group of employees whose birthdays fall in the same month out to lunch. Or give the employees gift certificates.

6. Provide opportunities for growth. Pay for additional training for your staff and support their efforts to acquire more skills. Let them participate on special committees on which their talents may be noticed. Let them represent the company at professional association meetings and civic and philanthropic events.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring in guest speakers to motivate your staff.