Employees who feel valued are more likely to work harder, stay with the company longer, and produce better quality work. Fortunately for companies, establishing a culture of appreciation is not a difficult feat. There are a number of steps companies can take to make employees feel appreciated, including:
Encouraging Positive Mindsets
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to make employees feel valued is to encourage a positive mindset throughout the company. This means that leadership switch from focusing on correcting negative behaviors and results to focusing on behaviors and results that are working well. By highlighting and rewarding the good, employees feel seen and empowered rather than seen and anxious or ashamed.
Asking for Their Opinions
Employees feel appreciated when they know their voices matter. When leaders take the time to seek out, consider, and implement employees’ ideas, employees feel an intrinsic value that goes beyond production and performance.
Cheering for Your Team
When a team member knows that their leader is cheering for them, they’re a lot more likely to get the job done well and with a positive attitude. The support also extends beyond the office walls. Life happens to us all, and from time to time, a team member will experience a rough season. Knowing that their manager is rooting for them and cares about them as a human being can make all the difference.
Giving a Reward
From Starbucks gift cards to DoorDashed lunches and a two-hour early release every Friday, everyone loves a reward. Establishing a rewards program is a fun and creative step companies can take to make employees feel appreciated. There are so many options to choose from, whether it’s a small token of appreciation (such as food and beverages) or a large gesture of gratitude (company retreats). And while the reward itself is exciting, the delivery of the reward is just as important. There are a variety of reward-giving tips companies can follow to distribute rewards in a meaningful way.