Thanksgiving is a time we give thanks for family and friends and it’s equally important to show employee appreciation. Although you should express gratitude to your staff all year, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to boost your attempts to show them how much you are grateful their contributions.
And, as one of the Southeast’s top staffing agencies, Flexicrew Staffing knows that saying ‘thank you’ is much more than just a feel-good exercise. It can make a measurable impact on productivity, worker engagement and profits. Also, the way you show employee appreciation is frequently the way they will treat your customers.
Equally, It’s important to define how employees want to be recognized, given their work environments and their job roles.
6 Ways to Show Employee Appreciation at Thanksgiving
To help you get started, here are six ways to show employee appreciation:
1. You’ve got to express your thanks
Each member of your team wants to know they are appreciated and that there is meaning and purpose to what they do. And a simple ‘thank you’ for efforts or contributions or even going the extra mile is the easiest, fastest and least costly way to show employees you care and notice their contributions. So get into the habit of saying ‘thank you.’ When was the last time you thanked an employee for a job well done? And realize that recognition is best when it is specific and timely.
Another good way to show employee appreciation is in writing. A simple way say ‘thanks’ is to jot a handwritten note. Just be specific with your employee and add at least one mention of a major strong point, behavior or completed assignment that you really appreciated and why.
2. Shine light on top performers
Send out an email to your entire staff recognizing certain employees for their excellent performance. You can promote their performance, too, in your company newsletter to customers. Don’t hide their success under a bushel basket.
3. Casual conversations
Schedule a casual meeting with each employee to talk more about performance. But don’t simply talk about your goals and expectations.
Keep it low key. Attempt to get to know them better. Ask about their career hopes and aspirations and how you can help them achieve more. Find out how they think things are going on the job and find out what you can do to give them more support.
4. Describe opportunities for career or job growth
Show your employees how much you trust and respect them by offering growth opportunities. By expanding access to opportunity, not only will you enhance their skills, but their loyalty as well. Whether you recommend a stretch assignment, you can enhance their personal growth while also rewarding employees.
5. Employee appreciation day
By all means, if you want a formal event, plan an employee appreciation day once a month. Then you would highlight one or two staff members who have made an especially big impact that month. Not only will you recognize a top performer, but you’ll also stimulate others to work harder and expand their performance. Look at it as a meaningful way to foster employee engagement, thank employees for their hard work and build employee camaraderie.
6. Reward system
Develop a program where every time an employee meets a goal or completes a project, they can earn points towards prizes.
Start to Show Employee Appreciation
In short, don’t assume your staff knows how much you value and appreciate them. Your responsibility is to show it – and these six suggestions are useful ways to start. You will strengthen the emotional relationship between your organization and the people who deliver your results.
Do you need more help finding top performers for your team?
Call Flexicrew. As one of the Southeast’s top staffing agencies, we have years of experience serving employers – and helping them find truly exceptional people. Contact us today to learn more!