Employee Appreciation: Why It Matters
One of the best ways to keep a company running efficiently is by showing appreciation to its employees. Investing in the happiness and well-being of your employees can have a tremendous impact on the overall performance and functionality of a business. Not to mention, it’s just the right thing to do. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a huge difference in attitude and loyalty.
For the most part, employees put forth their best efforts on the job. It’s human nature to be a part of something that makes a difference in society, and the workplace is no exception. The motivation of pursuing a common goal and the satisfaction of accomplishment is what we all strive for. When an organization recognizes its employees, it routinely boosts morale, improves performance, raises employee engagement, and even decreases employee stress, absenteeism, and turnover.
Employee appreciation can be expressed in a variety of ways. The following list is just a few ways that management can show their appreciation for those who make business success possible.
7 Ways to Express Employee Appreciation
Employee appreciation can be shown to the group as a whole or on an individual basis.
#1 Give Special Recognition
When an individual goes above and beyond for a client, or if you receive a positive note from a customer, give them recognition with anything from a handwritten thank you to a gift card. The little things go a long way.
#2 Acknowledge Personal Events
Let employees know you have a vested interest in them by acknowledging personal events such as birthdays, weddings, the birth of a child, and so on. This communicates that you view them as an individual, rather than merely an employee. Whether you recognize them verbally, with a gift, or on social media, your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
#3 Showcase Employees Monthly
Create a program that recognizes a specific employee each month. This can boost a positive work culture or give employees the opportunity for some friendly competition. There are multiple ways to incorporate this. For example, set up specific criteria and have employee nominations. The tried and true monthly recognitions of a reserved parking space or hanging a photo of the employee of the month are always a hit.
#4 Give Cash or Swag
Another option is developing a rewards program where points can be redeemed for company swag, gift cards, or charitable donations made on the employee’s behalf. And, of course, the gift of money is never a disappointment if it’s in your budget to offer a financial bonus to your hardest workers.
#5 Award Time Off
There are always staff members who routinely work overtime and surpass the call of duty to meet a deadline or help a customer. Give them some of their time back by offering additional paid vacation days to enjoy with their families.
#6 Provide Health Club Memberships
Consider collaborating with a local fitness organization and offer employees complimentary memberships. Set up a fitness incentive program that inspires healthy eating and exercise habits. Giving the gift of fitness not only helps improve the wellness of staff members, but it also often improves overall productivity and attitude.
#7 Celebrate with Free Lunches
You can’t go wrong with food, and everyone loves a free lunch and a break from the usual packed or microwaved meal. Recently, Suppose U Drive showed appreciation for their entire staff with a day of food trucks, provided by the Habit Burger Grill. Food trucks showed up at all of the trucking leasing company’s locations for a lunch filled with chargrilled burgers and golden fries for staff members, clients, and vendors to enjoy.
Show Your Appreciation for Your Team
All too often, in the process of running a business, management can get so caught up in the day-to-day to-do lists that they forget to acknowledge just how hard everyone is working to get things done. When things are running smoothly, and especially when they aren’t, taking some time to show appreciation for your employees’ hard work will boost morale, improve productivity, and remind everyone that the job they’re doing has a big impact.
With 86 years in the trucking leasing industry, Suppose U Drive knows all about keeping clients and employees happy. By offering a variety of services—including long-term and short-term leasing, maintenance contracts, and a large inventory of used trucks — Suppose U Drive makes customers a top priority. What started as a family-owned company has grown and changed, but we have always stayed true to our values and morals, especially when it comes to showing gratitude for the hard workers that have helped Suppose U Drive get to where it is today.
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