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I don’t know about you, but this time of year really energizes me.
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to enjoy great food but also to be thankful for family, friends, and even employees!
Employees go to work with the intention of doing a good job.
Oftentimes that is hindered by the way employees are managed.
Great managers understand the importance of coaching and encouraging employees and showing them the way forward.
Demonstrating gratitude for their hard work can improve morale and employee engagement.
This holiday season, stop and reflect on your employees and think of ways to show your gratitude for everything they do to help make your business successful.
6 Ways to Show Employee Gratitude This Thanksgiving!
1. Simple Thank You
You don’t have to do things on a grand scale all the time, and sometimes, a simple thank you goes a long way.
Stop by and visit with employees and simply tell them that you appreciate them and all that they contribute to the organization.
Catch them off guard, have a casual chat, and simply say thank you!
You may be surprised at how they respond by exceeding job expectations!
2. Drop a Note
There are not too many things as touching as a handwritten note.
Take the time to hand write notes to your employees and express how much you appreciate them.
Personalize it and be specific about what they do that you truly appreciate.
For instance, “Sue, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you do to help the office run smoothly. Your kind and helpful nature makes all of us appreciative of everything you do….”
This simple act will translate into a moment in time that the employee locks into memory. I still have a file of old notes given to me throughout my career. They are treasured memories.
Find some fun note cards and a nice pen, and start writing!
3. Surprise Gift Card
If your budget allows, surprise your employees with a gift card to the local coffee shop or bakery.
Give them the gift of breakfast and allow them to come to work a few minutes late.
Make an event out of it and instruct all employees to do the same and meet for breakfast!
This will not only show your appreciation for them but will also provide an opportunity for employees to interact and strengthen your team.
4. Top Ten Reasons You Appreciate Employees
Use your website as a forum and list the top ten reasons you appreciate your employees.
Start with number 10 and work your way down the list. Collaborate with other managers to help create a fun list.
Get a fun graphic for the list and highlight the awesomeness of your employees!
After the list is posted, surprise employees by sending them a link to the list!
5. Ad In Local Newspaper or Social Media
Take out an ad in the local newspaper or create a social media post, and publicly thank your employees.
Tell the world why your team is the best and the reasons you appreciate everything they do.
This will not only make employees look good, but it will also show the public what a great place your organization is to work.
Great places to work attract employees in a low unemployment environment!
6. Surprise Lunch
Surprise your employees by bringing in lunch and extending their lunch break.
Employees love when something interrupts the regular routine, so find a day that works and bring in some food!
Use it for a time of food, fun, and laughter.
Have employees take turns and share what they are thankful for.
Be Deliberate With Gratitude
Sometimes, we need to be deliberate in showing gratitude.
Don’t assume your employees know that you appreciate them. You need to show them.
Be creative, use a team to come up with ideas, and take the time to show your employees gratitude.
Because honestly – where would your business be without them? Something to think about!
Happy Thanksgiving!