Ideas to Recognize Employees for a Banner Year

The human need to feel acknowledged and appreciated is alive and well.  We know that employees who feel acknowledged for their efforts give more discretionary effort, go above and beyond the call of duty, stay longer and, in general, are more engaged overall.

With the holidays quickly approaching, here are simple ideas for how to best recognize employees:

• • The most effective form of recognition is a “thank you.”  Leave a handwritten thank you card on the chair of every employee, highlighting their strength or value-add to the team.

• • Stock the office break room with breakfast food every day in December, as people tend to eat more liberally during the holidays.  Accompany the food with a large thank you sign, so people know you appreciate them.

• • Host a Senior Leader Lunch for all employees.  Have management prepare – not cater – the food, serve attendees, and then eat with employees.  This is a wonderful way to show leaders in a more personal light.

• • Allow employees flexible scheduling in December.  If work coverage is critical, post a calendar so people can balance their time off with that of their co-workers.

• • When giving gifts, it can be hard to know what will be well received. Items branded with a company logo are popular, but research shows that next to hearing the words thank you, people like gift cards and paid time off.

• • Create gift basket packages (travel, movie packages, food, car detailing, event tickets, time off work certificates, etc.) and give employees raffle tickets that they can use to “bid” on the basket contents.  Draw winning tickets at your December Holiday Event

WHAT CAN I DO?  Any of the above.  In addition, it’s very effective to ask people how they would like to celebrate.  This gesture will demonstrate that you care about people’s input and ensure you select a mode of recognition which makes people feel appreciated. Regardless of what you select, your gesture will be meaningful if you are genuine, timely, and provide specific feedback about how the person adds value and makes a difference. Happy planning and recognizing!

Jill Christensen is an employee engagement expert, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. She is a Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, authored the best-selling book, If Not You, Who?, and works with the best and brightest global leaders to improve productivity and retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Jill can be reached at +1.303.999.9224 or jill@jillchristensenintl.com.