We have written about thanking
employees many times over the years, simply because it is the easiest method we
can all use to start the process of building and maintaining an engaged
workforce. When you are cognizant of all
the things going on around you and observant for opportunities to thank someone
for their efforts, it’s hard to be negative or critical or uncivil. Our brains aren’t wired that way.
Earlier in the year we came
across an article entitled “39 Employee Recognition
& Appreciation Ideas" by SnackNation, a company that
supplies healthy snacks to businesses as a benefit for their employees. I won’t
list them all here, you can check the article out for yourself, but wanted to
list a few of the ones that we have used or seen used by our clients…..ones
that are easy to integrate into your company…ones that have had great effect
and helped to build positive cultures:
- Initiate
a peer to peer program encouraging your employees to recognize one
another. Get some “Thank You” note
pads to use to reinforce it.
- Personally
ask your employees what kinds of recognition they’d like
- Do
shout outs on social media
- Recognize
your team or individuals by highlighting those performances that directly
impact your company mission
- Dedicate
a section of your website to your employees
- Encourage
customers to thank employees for great customer service
- Celebrate
more - highlight employees who have made a spectacular effort
- Try
random acts of fun – hold company themed adventures
- Don’t
always focus on group performance, make sure to recognize personal success
or celebrate personal talent
- Take
time to know your staff, learn something about them and their family
- Recognize
the value of helping others – let staff select community service ideas
- Go
visit – give your employees facetime with you
Creating
an “Attitude of Gratitude” can be the most rewarding thing you can do as
management. It’s not necessarily costly,
and can bring enormous dividends, but it should be a full time job. If incivility, lack of respect or
appreciation is an issue at your company, just remember that it is very hard to
be negative
or critical when you’re looking for ways to thank someone.
Test
yourself and your own culture. At the
end of the workday ask yourself how many times you gave sincere thanks to
someone in your organization, and conversely how many times it happened to you?
For more information on
Ultimate Choice Inc.’s products or services that can help you thank your
employees, contact us at Ultimatechoiceinfo@cox.net
