With today’s fast-paced marketplace and high rate of turnover in some industries, it’s common for employees to feel unappreciated and taken for granted. That’s why it’s important for employers to take the time to express a message of thanks to those hard-working individuals who make a company’s wheels turn smoothly. Here are five powerful ways to thank your employees for their hard work.
Employee of the Month
The traditional, tried-and-true method of showing gratitude by posting a “wall of fame” for outstanding associates will never go out of style.
Gift Card and a Thank You Note
Gift cards have sometimes been a maligned present in social situations. In the workplace, however, a gift card with a written note of thanks is generally perceived as a thoughtful touch, especially if it’s to one of the person’s favorite establishments. It shows that the employer pays attention to the associates as individuals instead of faceless worker bees.
Company Sponsored Trip to an Amusement Park
Roller coasters, waterparks and fun in the sun! Present the gift of a good time by giving family passes to employees after a great financial quarter. Cost need not be a barrier to offering this as a prize; companies can often get prices slashed when purchasing tickets in quantity.
Offering tickets to employees at a steep discount can also ease the burden of paying some of the exorbitant fees of popular amusement parks.
Extra Time Off
Even a person who loves their job longs to make more space in their schedule for work/life balance. What better gift to give an employee than a little time away from the job? Spouses, kids, and pets will rejoice at the opportunity to get to hang out with their loved one on an unexpected free day. Even allowing employees to leave early on a workday would be a wonderful break from the norm.
In Office Feast
The way to employees’ hearts is through their stomachs; who doesn’t love copious amounts of free, delicious food? Setting up a potluck—or better yet, calling in catering is a sure-fire way to get an employer’s gratitude across. The feeling of a satiated appetite and a full belly is always a rewarding experience in the workplace.