Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Making sure that your employees feel appreciated should be something you strive to do constantly. A workforce that feels like they matter and that their hard work is noticed and valued are going to be happier. A workforce that is happier is going to be more productive and motivated. A workforce that is productive and motivated is going to help your bottom line. Not only does it make them feel good but it is beneficial to your business.
Many employers sadly think the paycheck that the workers receive is enough, but this is often a short-term motivator, and will not give job satisfaction. You want your staff to be doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, not ‘just enough’.
Here, we look at a few ways in which you can make your employees feel appreciated.
Say thank you
Sometimes, the most simple things can be the most effective and the most meaningful. A really simple ‘thank you for your hard work today’ at the end of the shift can make a member of staff go home feeling all warm inside, especially after a tough day. It shows that you have noticed their efforts and appreciate them.
Give them clear progression strategies
It can be hard to feel appreciated when you give your all every day but cannot see any progression in your career. Make sure that as part of your appraisal process, you sit with your staff and talk to them about where they want to go in the future and how you see them progressing. Don’t just leave it there though; look at how they meet their future goals and collaboratively devise a strategy towards meeting them.
Staffroom treats
Who doesn’t love wandering into the staffroom on their Monday morning break to see a box of doughnuts on the table? Maybe your staff get into a Wednesday hump and a big box of cookies on the table would help get them through their day? Maybe you could even do a breakfast club once a month and provide waffles, bacon sandwiches, bagels, coffee or fresh juice before they start work? Having something as simple as that to look forward to can get someone through the day or week!
Bonuses, gifts and discounts
A bonus or a gift, on top of their usual paycheck, is always appreciated, particularly towards Christmas or after a hard period. Can you put together a small hamper for the staff member who’s wife has just had a baby? That young runner on the fifth floor that always greets you with a big smile - can you buy them a box of beers to show you notice them and value them? You could also collaborate with local businesses to see if you can get some sort of discount for your employees, although there are schemes that do this on your behalf - find out more about this.
Showing your workforce that you care and value what they do will make your workplace a pleasant and happy place to be, leading to less staff turnover and fewer costs for you, and higher output and productivity, meaning more profit for you.