It’s no secret that expressing gratitude to others can positively impact their mood and well-being. But did you know that gratitude can also have a positive impact on the workplace? When hard working employees feel appreciated and acknowledged, they are more likely to work harder and be happier. Research has shown that gratitude is one of the key ingredients for creating a positive work environment.
So how can you express gratitude to your employees? There are many different ways, but here are seven of the best.
Give a small gift
A small gift is always appreciated, and it shows your employees that you are thinking of them.
You can give a gift card to a local restaurant or store, or you can give a small physical gift, like a pampering care package or chocolate gift set. Whatever you choose, make sure that your thank you gifts are personal and thoughtful and something that your employee will appreciate and use. For instance, if you know that your employee loves to read, a gift card to a local bookstore would be perfect. Or, if you know that your employee is always looking for new office supplies, an office supply box would be ideal.
The point is to show your employees that you are paying attention to them and that you appreciate them.
Photo by Olya Kobruseva.
Write a handwritten note
In our fast-paced, digital world, there is something truly special about receiving a handwritten note. It shows that you took the time to sit down and write out your thoughts, and it will be cherished long after a gift card has been used. A handwritten note is a perfect way to express your gratitude for a job well done, and it’s something that your employee will always remember.
This card can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like, but it is recommended to keep it short and sweet. Thank your employees for their hard work, and let them know how much you appreciate them. Then, sign your name and add a personal touch with a handwritten note.
Of course, you should mention the employee’s name, say what they did that you are grateful for and how it helped the company. And always make sure to say thank you!
Make a public announcement
Sometimes, the best way to show your appreciation is to do it in front of others. If you have an employee who has gone above and beyond, make a public announcement at your next team meeting. This is a great way to show your entire team that you are grateful for their hard work and that you appreciate their dedication.
When you make a public announcement, be sure to mention the employee by name and explain why you are thanking them. This will not only make the employee feel appreciated, but it will also motivate others to work harder.
Additionally, you can give a shout-out during the company-wide meetings or you can present an award to the employee in front of everyone. When you give recognition at company-wide meetings, it will make the employee feel appreciated in front of their peers, which is an even more powerful way to show your gratitude.
Related read – How happiness affects your work & creativity: Meet Samantha Clarke, founder of growth & happiness school.
Send a thank you email
A thank you email is a great way to express your gratitude, and it’s something that your employees can refer back to whenever they need a pick-me-up. Be sure to personalize the email and mention the specific things that you are thankful for. You can also cc their manager so that they are aware of the great work that their team member is doing.
Additionally, email is a great way to keep track of your thank yous. You can create a folder in your inbox specifically for thank you notes, and you can save them all in one place. This will come in handy when you need to reference something specific that an employee did.
Photo by fauxels.
Give them time off
Who doesn’t love a day off? If you have an employee who has been working hard, show your appreciation by giving them an extra day off, a half-day, or even just an hour or two. Time is one of the most precious things that we have, so this is a truly thoughtful way to show your gratitude.
Your employees will appreciate the break, and they will come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
You can also extend their vacation time, or let them take a day off during the week instead of on the weekend. You can ask them if there is a day that would work better for them so that you can accommodate their schedule. Whatever you decide, just make sure that it is something that your employee will appreciate.
Give them a raise or bonus
If you have an extra budget, show your appreciation by giving your employees a raise or bonus. This is a great way to show your employees that you are invested in their success, and it will help to motivate them to continue working hard.
Of course, you don’t have to give a raise or bonus to every single employee. If you have an employee who has gone above and beyond, this is a great way to show your appreciation. Just be sure to explain why they are receiving the raise or bonus so that they know it is because of their hard work.
Bring in breakfast or lunch
If you want to show your appreciation but don’t have a lot of time, bring in breakfast or lunch for your employees. This is a thoughtful gesture that will make their day.
You can either bring in food for everyone on the team, or you can make it a personal gesture and bring in food for just one employee.
When ordering the catering, make sure to get something that everyone will enjoy. You can ask your employees if they have any dietary restrictions, and you can also take into account their personal preferences.
There are many different ways to show your gratitude to your employees. Make sure to ask your employees what would make them feel appreciated. Everyone is different, so it’s important to tailor your approach to each employee.
Just remember that even the smallest gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation.
