Recognizing employees on a regular basis has been proven to curb absenteeism, reduce turnover and increase productivity and morale. At year-end, with or without bonus money, show your employees they are appreciated and valued. Here are 10 ways that could make a difference to your bottom line - because employees are your most important asset!
10. Personalize your Holiday cards by including a reference to an especially important accomplishment from earlier in the year.
9. Give an employee the day off to cater to his favorite charity. Invite him to take pictures and write about it for the company newsletter.
8. Surprise your staff with a home-cooked meal.
7. Take an employee to lunch at his favorite restaurant AND ASK HIM how his department could be improved. Make a record of every idea.
6. Write a thank you note, but be specific. Mention three things that make you thankful that employee works for you. Alternatively, write a thank-you note to your employees' family, thanking them for the time he spends away at work.
5. Organize a day of thankfulness that allows colleagues to honor the service of up to three of their peers with gifts. Create branded tote bags to help with carrying loot and then close up shop early.
4. Announce a program to match your employees' charitable donations, up to $100 per employee.
3. Host a half-day Holiday festival in which recreational experts come in and teach skills to employees. One could be a golf pro. Another a decorator. And another an eBay powerseller. Employees can pick the topic and learn without using paid vacation!
2. Have a gift related to your employee's favorite hobby inscribed with a personal message. Sign and date it.
1. Institute a positive, year-end review in which you tell employees what's great about what they do. Make it 15 minutes long and mean it! Smile while looking them in the eye the entire time.
9. Give an employee the day off to cater to his favorite charity. Invite him to take pictures and write about it for the company newsletter.
8. Surprise your staff with a home-cooked meal.
7. Take an employee to lunch at his favorite restaurant AND ASK HIM how his department could be improved. Make a record of every idea.
6. Write a thank you note, but be specific. Mention three things that make you thankful that employee works for you. Alternatively, write a thank-you note to your employees' family, thanking them for the time he spends away at work.
5. Organize a day of thankfulness that allows colleagues to honor the service of up to three of their peers with gifts. Create branded tote bags to help with carrying loot and then close up shop early.
4. Announce a program to match your employees' charitable donations, up to $100 per employee.
3. Host a half-day Holiday festival in which recreational experts come in and teach skills to employees. One could be a golf pro. Another a decorator. And another an eBay powerseller. Employees can pick the topic and learn without using paid vacation!
2. Have a gift related to your employee's favorite hobby inscribed with a personal message. Sign and date it.
1. Institute a positive, year-end review in which you tell employees what's great about what they do. Make it 15 minutes long and mean it! Smile while looking them in the eye the entire time.
About the Author
Peter Hart is CEO Rideau Recognition Solutions (www.rideau.com), the official service award provider for the Government of Canada, and a member of the board for the U.S. National Association of Employee Recognition. He can be reached at peterhart@rideau.com.
