I thank the Employees
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our thoughts turn to giving thanks. But why limit such kindness to the holiday season?
Try these 10 ways to thank your employees for a job well done throughout the year.
1. Offer employees flexible scheduling, especially during the holidays. If coverage is necessary, post a calendar so employees can balance their time off with their coworkers.
2. Give bonuses when you can. Bonuses usually come at the end of the year, but it may make more sense to reward an employee immediately after they’ve done something that deserves an extra thank you. If your resources are limited, give gift certificates in affordable denominations.
3. Take staff members to lunch for a special occasion or no occasion at all. As an added bonus, you’ll get to know employees as people and not just as employees.
4. Get to know your employees well enough to buy small gifts related to their interests. For example, if one of them is an avid chef, buy the latest kitchen gadget.
5. Give the gift of time. If business unexpectedly slows down for a day, avoid the temptation to give employees busy work. Instead, send people home a few hours early, with no dockage pay.
6. Take a chance. Buy your staff some scratch tickets. Who knows, if they win a million, they might be willing to split the pot!
7. Support the growth and development of your employees. Compensate your staff for trade association meetings, which can benefit both the individual and your company.
8. When you catch employees doing something wrong, say something. Identify the specific action you found enjoyable and remind them to keep up the good work.
9. Give employees small perks like tickets to a local sporting event. If your budget allows, throw in a few bucks for a hot dog and a soda.
10. Remember, everyone can benefit from a thank you every now and then. If you haven’t thanked your boss recently, or if you’re the boss and haven’t thanked your family in a while, anytime is a good time to say thank you.
Thanking employees for a job well done doesn’t have to put your organization in the red. Sincere thanks throughout the year can be just as effective in motivating employees as a one-time bonus at the end of the year.
