Employees are the foundation of any successful business. They are the ones who help to carry out the company’s vision and achieve its goals. As a business owner or manager, you must show your appreciation to your employees.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “Gratitude is the best attitude.” While this may be true in general, it’s especially pertinent in the workplace. Showing gratitude to your employees can profoundly impact their satisfaction and motivation levels—and, in turn, on your business’s bottom line.
The Impact of Gratitude in the Workplace
According to a study published in Applied Psychology, Employee Assistance Quarterly, expressing gratitude at work can significantly impact employee satisfaction and motivation. The study’s authors surveyed workers from various industries. They found that those who felt appreciated by their employers were likelier to report higher satisfaction and motivation levels. In fact, the researchers found that employees who felt appreciated were significantly more likely to stay with their current employer than those who did not feel appreciated.
Why is this the case? It likely has something to do with introductory human psychology. We all have a need to feel valued and appreciated. When we feel loved by our employer, it helps us feel good about ourselves and our abilities. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction and motivation. Feeling appreciated makes us want to work harder and do our best. And when employers show gratitude to their employees, they are more likely to see these benefits play out in the form of increased productivity and profitability.
How Can Employers Show Appreciation
There are many ways that employers can show gratitude to their employees. Here are eight gift ideas to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
A personalized thank-you note
A handwritten note is a personal and thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Have each employee write a short message of thanks to their colleagues. Alternatively, you can write a message on behalf of the company expressing your gratitude for their contributions. This is a simple but effective way to make your employees feel valued.
An experience
An experiential gift such as tickets to a theme park shows that you value memories and experiences over material possessions. Consider giving them an all-expense-paid weekend getaway or dog sledding half-day tour to show your appreciation. Make it even more fun by allowing them to bring their families and loved ones.
A day off
Giving your employees an extra day off is a great way to show them that you appreciate their hard work. This is especially appreciated during busy times or when they have been working overtime. Check if your company’s policy allows for paid leave; if so, use that to reward your employees. It shows that you are willing to invest in their well-being and value their time outside work.
Tickets to an event
Whether it’s a sporting event, concert, or play, tickets to an event are always appreciated. This is a fun way to show appreciation and give your employees something to look forward to outside work. Some everyday events you can assign tickets to include music festivals, sports events, comedy shows, and theatre performances.
A gift basket or care package
Gift baskets are an excellent way to show appreciation for your employees’ hard work and dedication. You can fill the basket with various items such as snacks, books, souvenirs, and other goodies. Or, send a care package that includes things such as cozy socks, teas, and chocolates. It’s a great way to show appreciation and let them know you are thinking of them.
A gift card
A gift card is a practical and appreciated gift, primarily if it can be used where they regularly shop or for something they have been wanting. It shows that you care about their needs and want to make their life more convenient.
A charitable donation
Making a charitable donation in your employees’ names is a great way to show them that you care about causes they are passionate about. It’s also an excellent way to give back to the community and positively impact the world.
Customized gifts
Customized gifts show that you have taken the time to consider what each employee would appreciate. This could be anything from custom coffee mugs or T-shirts with the company logo to gift baskets filled with their favorite things. It’s a thoughtful way to show that you know them as individuals and value their contributions to the company.
Final thoughts
As an employer, it is vital to recognize and reward your employees for their hard work and dedication. Thoughtful gifts are a great way to show appreciation and make each employee feel valued. Whether it’s a handwritten note or an experiential gift, you can express gratitude to your employees in many ways. Put some thought into the gifts you give them, and you are sure to make your employees feel appreciated.