As we close the chapter on the month of giving thanks, we have reflected about appreciation within our work environment here at Franklin Professional Associates. We asked each team member the question, “How do you know that you are appreciated?”. Like many businesses, we strive to foster a positive and productive work environment, where people feel good about themselves and their results. Recognizing and acknowledging your team’s hard work not only boosts morale but also contributes to a more motivated and engaged workforce. In this blog post, we will explore the top ten ways to show your employees appreciation based on insights gathered from employee feedback and successful workplace traditions.
1.Real-time Acknowledgment
A key aspect of making employees feel valued is acknowledging their accomplishments and ideas promptly. By doing so, you demonstrate that you are actively aware of their efforts and contributions. This immediate recognition not only boosts morale but also reinforces the idea that their work is essential to the company’s success.
2.The Written “Thank-You”
Taking the time to express appreciation through a personalized thank you note, or email adds a distinctive touch that employees genuinely appreciate. Whether it is a handwritten note or a thoughtful email, this gesture not only acknowledges their hard work but also creates a lasting memory for the employee, making them feel seen and valued.
3.Public Recognition
Public recognition goes a long way in making employees feel appreciated. Do not let your team go too long without hearing that their efforts are recognized and valued. Whether it is in team meetings, company-wide announcements, or through a public platform, acknowledging your team’s hard work fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment.
4.Celebrate Traditions
Create traditions within the workplace that employees can look forward to. Whether it’s themed game days, social activities, or competitions, these traditions contribute to a positive work culture. Sharing experiences such as monthly Lunch N Learns, quarterly or annual outings, holiday celebrations, times for games or trivia and family days, fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging among employees.
5.Break Bread Together
We have a cherished tradition here at Franklin Professional Associates of monthly Lunch N Learns. Each month, we meet to kick off our featured Value of the Month, participate in a one to two-hour training session and close with an off-site lunch. Taking the time for people to connect on a personal level is invaluable. This simple gesture strengthens the employer-employee relationship, peer relationships, and fosters a more open and communicative work environment.
6.Be a cheerleader in good times and not-so-good times
Disappointments and losses are par for the course in life and in business. As they say, “it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond”. As a leader, your response to setbacks and disappointments is a huge opportunity to show how you value and appreciate your team. While a result may be disappointing, expressing your appreciation for their hard work, embracing lessons, improvements for the future and your employee’s commitment despite the obstacles is how you show your appreciation for them and not just their wins.
7.Personalized Gestures
Taking a personal interest in your team gives you countless opportunities to do things that are particularly meaningful in demonstrating your appreciation for them. Personalized gifts or gestures show that you are paying attention to them as an individual. Sometimes, it is as simple as taking extra time from your day to talk with them about what’s on their mind.
8.Peer Recognition
Being a leader who is committed to showing appreciation goes beyond extending gratitude from the top down. Encouraging employees to recognize and support one another is the foundation of creating a culture of appreciation and feeling valued. When employees are cheering each other on, collaboration and cross-learning is enhanced. This leads to a self-learning and self-motivating team.
9.Investment in Employee Development
Providing employees with opportunity to grow professionally and personally is a powerful way to demonstrate that you value them enough to invest in them. Encourage employees to bring learning opportunities to you in which they are interested. Seminars, courses, and certifications can be valuable for them and for the company, but investments do not have to be large. If your budget is limited, offering them the opportunity to get involved in a project that is outside of their expertise can be a great learning opportunity and shows them that you see they are worth investing time and energy to help them grow.
10.One-on One Time
One of the simplest yet often overlooked ways of showing employees appreciation is giving them your undivided attention. A standing one-on-one meeting with employees every week gives your employee the opportunity to celebrate their wins, talk through challenges, establish goals with you, or simply air what is on their minds. Asking regularly for their feedback is a constant message that you care what they are thinking and feeling.
Showing appreciation to your employees goes beyond occasional gestures and extends into creating a workplace culture that fosters genuine support, acknowledgment, and personal growth. By implementing these top ten ways to show appreciation, you will contribute to a positive and motivated workforce that is not only productive but also deeply connected to the success of the company.
