The boss-employee relationship is a delicate one. You want to be approachable and personable yet maintain your authority. You want your team to like you but also respect you enough to always give 110%. Appreciation is a huge motivator for work productivity and creating lasting and loyal relationships with your staff. Studies show that in a 2013 Glassdoor survey of over 2,000 workers, 53% said that they would stay at their company longer if they felt more appreciation from their boss. 81% said they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work. See a theme? Here are a few ideas on how to show your appreciation.
1. Give praise. Praise something an employee has done well. Whether this is done publicly or privately, it is important to be clear about the actions that you found praise-worthy. An additional benefit to sharing the praise publicly is that not only does the employee feel good, but it also helps to build a positive and inspiring company culture overall.
2. Be polite. Say “Thank You” for the hard work that has been shown by an employee or by your whole team. It should never feel as though their effort goes unnoticed. You can thank them in person or even handwrite a personal note for reinforcement.
3. Show genuine interest in your workers. Ask how their wife/husband, kids, pets are doing. If you know they recently went on vacation, ask them how it was. No need to pry, but showing genuine interest in them as a fellow human being causes people to feel valued and cared about.
4. Be mindful of family time. If you work in an office that finds their slow season occurring over the holidays, offer flex schedules to your employees. Giving them additional personal time can go a long way in boosting morale.
5. Pay attention. Know your worker’s interests well enough to give a gift of appreciation that seems genuinely thoughtful. A fruit basket isn’t good for all.
6. Give money. No we don’t mean “bribe them” however provide end of the year bonuses, quarterly bonuses, or gift certificates. Maybe even throw an end of the year holiday party to show your appreciation.
7. Buy them food. Often employees will work through lunch or stay afterhours in order to make deadlines. If this happens, offer to buy everyone lunch (or dinner) as a token of your gratitude for their commitment to the company.
8. Provide opportunity. People not only want to be appreciated, but ultimately want to be rewarded for their effort. Employees want to be incentivized, whether through upward mobility or a raise. Bi-annual progress reports can help people stay on task and give direction for how they can stay, or get back on, course for their next raise or promotion. Make sure people have something to strive for.
Take these suggestions to heart. Sending praise and recognition throughout the entire staff is crucial, especially to those who often feel overlooked. It not only feels good for the recipient but it sends a powerful message to the entire team about the humanity and sincerity of the company as a whole.