The gap between those who can access and use digital technology and those who can't
Nothing says "thank you" like, well, a thank-you note! Some might say they're outdated, but most will agree that taking the time to put your appreciation down in ink means just as much as the words themselves.
Smiles and sentimentality are all good and well, but there's one thing everyone at work has in common: they work for money, and money is important. The simplest and best way to show an employee you appreciate their hard work is by compensating them for it with a raise.
Everyone likes to pretend they don't care very much for their birthdays, but everybody's lying! Make someone's special day even better by remembering their birthday and making it a true celebration around the office.
There's something about a big, shiny trophy that exudes a sense of accomplishment and pride. Just like members of a sports team split custody of a trophy for a job well done, think about introducing a trophy in the office that excelling teams can take home and show off.
Really, any sort of party is a great way to say thanks. Following holidays throughout the year and having a little office gathering for each will ensure your hardworking crew are getting the rest and relaxation they deserve.
Pizza parties never get old, and are a great way to show you appreciate your team. What better way to take a much-deserved break than over a slice of pie?
Studies show that today's younger workforce are less likely to stay at the same company for an extended period of time, which means loyal employees who stick around are becoming rarer and rarer. Show your longtimers you appreciate them sticking around by observing anniversaries of their time working for the company.
Everybody is envious of the boss' big corner office and the soft, fancy chair. If a particular employee has been doing an exceptional job, show them you appreciate it by letting them take your office for a day.
A great, affordable gift for the whole office is coffee cups personalized for each employee. You can order them premade, or make a whole day out of it and let them decorate their mugs themselves.
Of course, people's lives and achievements don't stop at the office door. People do incredible things in their personal lives, and it's a very kind gesture to recognize and celebrate those things on company time.
Sometimes compliments mean the most when they come from peers. As a boss, create an environment where employees can easily congratulate each other on jobs well done.
People who work in offices dedicate huge amounts of their weeks just getting to and from work, sacrificing their own, unpaid time to get to the workplace. Employees love it when bosses help out with commuting costs, whether in the form of gas money or bus passes.
More often than not, people have dreams and aspirations that extend beyond the office. Sometimes it can be hard to find the time, or the money, to pursue educational goals. Help out your hardworking employees by letting them carve out some office time dedicated to their education.
Employees can often feel that their physical and mental wellness is considered secondary to productivity. Show them that you care for them as a human being and not just a worker bee by allowing them to set aside time in their day to focus on themselves.
There are ways to show your thanks to any remote employees you might have, too. Send a care package full of goodies to their house to show you haven't forgotten them.
Probably the second-most valued prize in the office besides a raise is paid time off. Rewarding a productive employee with some extra vacation days is a close-to-perfect way to show that you notice their hard work.
Make sure that you're quick to let your employees know what they're doing right. Keep their motivation high by showing you're actively aware of their good work, not just reading numbers on a sheet at the end of every month.
It can also help with a worker's sense of achievement and pride if they are praised in public. Feeling like a good example and a valuable part of the team is good for anyone.
It's easy to give generalized feedback like "great job" and "keep it up," but employees will feel the most noticed and valued when positive feedback touches on specific things about their particular performance that sets them apart.
Not everyone has the same relationship with workplace rewards as everyone else. Some people might like a few extra days off, while others might be happy with a pizza party. Go the extra mile as a boss and personalize the ways with which you show your appreciation.
If there is any social media use between you and your employees, you might as well show your appreciation online as well.
Life is about more than just the nine-to-five grind, and a great way to level with your employees is by taking them out for a drink or a game of pool after work.
One of the 21st century's favorite new strategies is called corporate gamification. This motivation tactic assigns points, levels, and rewards to everyday tasks.
Employee of the month is a classic motivation strategy, and it's a classic for a reason. Bring this tried-and-true tactic into your workplace and see the smiles bloom.
No one likes a boss locked away in their ivory tower. Leave your desk once in a while, walk around, and get to know your employees on a personal level.
Birthday parties and holiday parties: everyone can see those coming. If you really want to wow your workforce, throw them a surprise party when they least expect it.
One of the most impactful ways to improve the working conditions of your employees is to simply listen to their suggestions. Schedule a day where your team tells you everything they think would make the workday easier and would make them feel more appreciated.
Sources: (Indeed) (Harvard Business Review) (Hoppier)
See also: The benefits of team-building activities
Gift cards are a great and simple way to show your appreciation if you think cash bonuses are tacky. Putting a pretty penny on a gift card is just as good.
Physical activity is immensely important, especially for those who work sedentary office jobs. Show you care about your employees' health by organizing a hiking or canoe trip, for example.
As all good bosses and team leaders know, a happy team is a productive team. When employees walk into work with smiles on their faces and a hop in their step, it's much more likely that they'll go above and beyond for that day. As all good bosses and team leaders also know, there are few better ways to keep your team happy than making sure they feel appreciated for all of their hard work. But how exactly can you show your appreciation without it feeling forced or insincere? How can you take your gratitude to the next level?
Read on to find out some of the best ways to tell your work team "thank you."
The best ways to show your work team you appreciate them
Get creative while showing your team you care
LIFESTYLE Workplace
As all good bosses and team leaders know, a happy team is a productive team. When employees walk into work with smiles on their faces and a hop in their step, it's much more likely that they'll go above and beyond for that day. As all good bosses and team leaders also know, there are few better ways to keep your team happy than making sure they feel appreciated for all of their hard work. But how exactly can you show your appreciation without it feeling forced or insincere? How can you take your gratitude to the next level?
Read on to find out some of the best ways to tell your work team "thank you."