Thanksgiving – the season of gratitude – is just around the corner. What are you doing to show employees that you care for and appreciate them? If it’s not much, then you might want to reconsider. In fact, studies show that when employees feel valued through a formal appreciation process, it leads to:
Higher retention.
According to a survey by app maker Recognize, 49% of employees quit when recognition is lacking. In a similar vein, a lack of praise was among the top five reasons people gave for unhappiness at work, as reported by a study conducted by Woohoo Inc. The good news here is that all you need to do to keep more of your employees loyal and retained is show your appreciation.
Increased productivity.
When you tell or show an employee that you appreciate their work and effort, it’s going to increase the repetition of that behavior, boosting productivity in the process. If you recognize them publicly, it’s also going to motivate others to follow suit so they have a shot at earning that same recognition.
Happier customers.
Employees who feel valued have a vested interest in the company, feel a stronger bond toward the organization’s mission and vision, and will work harder to ensure it succeeds. Not only can they act as brand ambassadors, attracting new customers, but will also go the extra mile to build relationships and better service existing customers.
Clearly, there are many benefits to showing your appreciation, not just at Thanksgiving, but all through the year. Yet, what are the best ways to do it?
Offering praise is a simple, effective and low-budget way to thank your employees and show them that you recognize their work and value their effort. Just make sure that it’s both timely and specific.
If you want to offer a reward in addition to praise when an employee goes out of their way, make sure it’s personalized to them and has meaning. For instance, a worker with a young family at home might appreciate an extra vacation day. Likewise, a sports fanatic would love tickets to the next big game. These mean a lot more than boilerplate gifts.
Is your team feeling stretched thin and underappreciated?
Morgan Hunter can help. As one of Kansas City’s top staffing agencies, we’re here for you with the top talent and support services you need, whether it’s temporary staffing or full-time, direct hire services. Call us today to learn more or get started.