With the holidays just around the corner, everyone is thinking about showing their loved ones how much they mean to them. But showing appreciation doesn’t have to be limited to family and friends! During this time, you should also think about how you can show your appreciation to your employees – it doesn’t have to be a big year-end bonus! Here are just a few ways you can celebrate and thank your employees this holiday break.
1) Be flexible
Many employees will be trying to balance holiday schedules and end-of-year work tasks. If you can, letting your employees work remotely or allowing them to adjust their schedules can go a long way toward relieving holiday stress. With an increase in the number of remote workers (with 70% of people working remotely at least once a week), this initiative might be one to keep year-around and not just for the holidays.
2) Put your gratitude into writing
People want to feel appreciated for their hard work. Numerous studies have shown the power of gratitude on individual happiness. And a happy workplace is a productive workplace. Personal thank-you cards are an inexpensive way to show appreciation. Concentrate on the employee’s specific strengths and achievements. If you want to go the extra mile, send it to their home address and thank their whole family for being a support system for the employees.
3) Throw a party, big or small
Many companies host an annual holiday party. Use this party as an opportunity to announce special recognition, highlight successful initiatives, and/or broadcast a year-in-review slideshow. What goes better with a glass of wine than a dose of recognition? Moreover, the holiday party also creates a fun environment to build rapport with your employees and build your company culture.
4) Host a lunch
Parties are too expensive and/or time-consuming? Why not host a team-wide or company-wide lunch? Everybody eats! Lunches are budget-friendly and extremely effective at fostering meaningful relationships in the workplace.
5) Special company-swag
If your company is into swags, get some special holiday-themed swag (e.g., coasters, hats, earmuffs, etc.)! Try to find products that are unique and useful!
And of course, don’t limit your recognition efforts to just the holiday season. Engage your employees by recognizing them year round for the good work that they do!
Let us know what other ways you will be showing your staff how much you appreciate them :).
