Our parents all taught is the golden rule. "Do unto others as your would have done to you." In instances of employee appreciation, we broke it down into 3 key rules. If employees are appreciated at the right times and in the right ways, their tenure with the company will be longer and no one will go home and complain about work or their boss or the annoying colleague two cubes down. Here's what we came up with. Have additional suggestions? Leave us a comment.
- Be Frequent: If an employee is doing a good job, tell them! Don't wait for a review cycle or for a quarterly meeting to give praise. Even a quick "good job" or a pat on the back after a job well done will go far. Don't keep your employees in the dark. If they need to improve they should know, and if they are doing a good job there is even more reason to tell them to keep it up.
- Be Personal: Employee appreciation is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. If you are giving a reward make it personal. Gift cards are a great way to maintain a fixed cost while allowing employees to choose which retailer their gift will go towards. Additionally, when doling out praise be sensitive to employees who appreciate public recognition, versus those who may be shy and prefer quieter recognition.
- Be Authentic: Give out employee appreciation when it is due, but don't overdo it. If employees notice that you are constantly giving out praise in a way that isn't genuine the appreciation will not garner the desired effect.
Employee appreciation is a great tool to maintain productivity and reduce turn-over. Ensure your employee appreciation is a success.
For more information on employee appreciation head over to the Fox Small Business Center.
