It’s important to make your employees feel appreciated and fulfilled all year long, but there’s no time like the holidays for ensuring your employees know you’re happy to have them around! A small gesture of appreciation goes a long way, especially during the busy holiday season and amid this year’s stress and turbulence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help your employees feel valued, here are four meaningful ways to show your appreciation, during the holidays and beyond.
Communicate with your employees
Due to the unprecedented changes we’ve seen in 2020, your employees may be dealing with stressors outside of work, like finding reliable childcare or taking care of a relative. One way you can show your appreciation is by reducing the stress they deal with at work. Take time to personally check in with employees, even if they don’t seem like they’re struggling. Additionally, make sure you’re clear about your needs, expectations, and goals so that you and your employees are always on the same page. By communicating effectively with your employees, you show that you value their time and emotional wellbeing. Plus, it’ll help your business flow more smoothly, too.
Appreciate them in real-time
If an employee is doing a good job, don’t hesitate to tell them! Thank them for their hard work as soon as they give a great presentation or close an important sale, rather than waiting until a later meeting or review. Be impromptu with your praise, and let your employees know that you are paying attention. This can be especially helpful if you are able to appreciate them in front of their fellow employees, as this encourages others to step up as well.
For gifts, consider something helpful
If you want to give gifts to show appreciation to your employees during the holidays, consider giving them something that will be useful to them and their family. While pens or stress balls might be fun, consider handing out gift cards for grocery stores, food delivery services, or local restaurants. By giving your employee a chance to enjoy a meal with their family, it’s a great chance to give them a valuable experience, rather than a product, and shows that you care about your employee’s needs and interests outside of work.
Encourage community
During the holidays, encourage a spirit of joy and togetherness around the office. Consider hosting a potluck or other type of employee luncheon, or host a holiday party at a favorite local restaurant—or over Zoom or a similar platform if your employees are working remotely. This gives your employees the chance to relax and celebrate the holidays in a more casual setting, plus gives you the chance to make sure you extend seasonal wishes to everyone. You could also put up holiday décor around the office to create a festive vibe, making sure to include everyone’s diverse holiday traditions, or hold a decorating contest with a special prize to encourage employees to get creative and show off their own unique holiday traditions.
By showing your appreciation during the holiday season, you’ll make your employees feel valued, celebrated, and glad to be part of your team.
Happy holidays!