This week, we commence the season of giving thanks not only with our families and friends, but also of showing gratitude to our vendors, customers, and employees.
Many of us forget to say “thank you” to all of the people that make our organizations successful, but it’s important to step back and acknowledge their contributions, accomplishments, and hard work. This season, in particular, is an ideal time to show thanks to all of your employees and let them know how much you appreciate them and how valuable they are to you.
There are countless opportunities to show your thanks to others in the workplace. Here are some ideas for recognizing people during this upcoming holiday season:
- Personally call or visit each employee between now and the end of the year. Thank and acknowledge them for their specific and unique contributions.
- Write notes or deliver cards of appreciation to employees, especially if you are a manager or leader. Old-fashioned words of kindness never lose meaning.
- Offer extra time off. Allow employees to leave work early, attend a child’s school event, and/or provide an extra day off to celebrate the holidays.
- Release your staff early on Christmas Eve or the Friday before so that they can spend extra time with their families.
- Take an employee or group of employees out to breakfast, lunch, or even dinner to say “thanks” for their accomplishments.
- Provide a gift to each employee, perhaps a gift card, tickets to a local event, or other valued type of recognition like a personalized gift.
- Host a luncheon, party, or gathering with your employees. Create an opportunity for employees to enjoy time together.
- Post or communicate employees’ successes publically, through newsletters, interoffice mail or email, at staff or department meetings, or directly to the CEO/other leaders.
- Give extra positive attention. Some employees enjoy quality time with their manager or leader. Stop by an employee’s desk to talk informally or spend more time with them.
- Reward employees with a bonus, above average merit increase, promotion, or even a change in job title. These rewards are highly valued and round out the year very positively.
Whatever the form, giving a sincere, thoughtful thank you for the hard work and dedication of your employees is an important part of being a great workplace. We all know employees whom we owe appreciation and thanks to for their efforts, and this holiday season provides a great time for us to do it. Don’t miss your opportunity to “give thanks.”
