Employee appreciation goes a long way. There are many reasons to show appreciation to your employees, but one of the top reasons is because when someone feels appreciated, they are more likely to go above and beyond for their organization. Another reason why employee appreciation is essential is that it makes your employees happier. Happy employees are more productive, innovative, and easier to retain in your workforce.
When was the last time you thought about your employee’s happiness at work? Are they happy in their roles? How do they feel about the office environment? Employee happiness is vital to your employees, but it should also be relevant to you, the employer.
Employee happiness has an impact on your turnover rate and the overall success of your business. If you feel like you are looking for ways to show your employees some appreciation, we are here to share some of the top ways to show your employees they matter.
Here some unique ways to show your employees some appreciation:
Don’t forget about the little things
A lot of the times, we focus so much on the big stuff that we forget to do the small accomplishments. While a pay increase might be a great way to “wow” your employees, sometimes all they need is a considerate gesture such as a “thank you” or “great job!” These kind words of encouragement show that you genuinely appreciate your employees and their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Come up with new opportunities
When employees do the same thing on a day to day basis, it's easy for them to become worn out. Some employees feel appreciated after being offered new opportunities. Let them take on more work, projects and other challenging tasks. Ultimately, this could lead to a leadership role and there’s nothing like a good promotion to show your employees some appreciation.
Be specific when talking to employees
There is a difference between saying “thank you” to your employees and saying, “thank you for putting so much time and effort into this project. It really shows.” The more specific you are, the more it shows that you genuinely mean what you are saying.
Set aside time for bonding
One of the biggest problems in the workplace is that it is so common for there to be a disconnect between employees and leadership. Leaders have a lot of responsibility and its easy to get caught up in all the work and forget about the rest of the team.
One of the best ways to show your employees that you appreciate them is to set aside some time to connect. During this time, ask them how their job is going, if they need any tools to help them better do their job or you can even ask about their personal life to get to know them outside of work. By doing so, you will create stronger relationships that will benefit your business.
Be honest and clear
You would think everyone knew to be honest with their employees, but this is not always the case. If you lack transparency with your team, you are not the only one. Many business owners find that hiding bad news seems to be more comfortable rather than having difficult conversations that can result in a fuss or panic. However, being transparent with your team shows that you care enough to deliver even the hard news.
Make changes to your office space
Keeping up with your office space might not be a task that you have time for, but it will go a long way when it comes down to employee appreciation. Employees appreciate having a clean, comfortable space to work. This comfort means having a clean bathroom, organized desk space, and good lighting. It would help if you also considered creating a comfortable lounge area where your team can rest throughout the day. Not only is this a great way to show you care, but it can also boost productivity levels.
Encourage team building
Close-knit offices tend to work better than those who work independently. A great way to show your team that you appreciate them is to invest in their relationships in the office. Some ways to do this is by treating your team to monthly lunch outings, hosting bonding events outside the office such as sports outings or concerts or even encouraging employees to work together in an office space!
Offer Valuable Perks
One of the biggest mistakes employers make is offering their employees perks without taking the time to understand what employees want. For instance, maybe you just spent a ton of money stocking up the kitchen in the office but what employees really want is having some extra cash to enjoy a nice lunch out with their peers. Or, maybe some employees are struggling with their finances and to better focus on work, they could benefit from daycare assistance so they can rest assured knowing their loved ones are taken care of.
So, how exactly can you do this? The answer is simple with lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs.) A lifestyle spending account is an account-based benefit in which an employer allows employees to make specific types of purchases from the amount that has accrued in their LSA.
LSAs are similar to health spending accounts, but the difference between the two is that LSAs are not limited to health-related items. With LSAs, employees can purchase anything that the employer approves. Some of the most common types of expenses that employers choose to cover with these accounts are gym memberships, fitness classes, financial coaching, spa treatments and other expenses that contribute to a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Lifestyle Spending Accounts are a win-win. Employers don’t have to worry about what kind of perks they should offer their employees, while employees enjoy the perks that they actually want!
Work2Live: Helping you show appreciation
If you have been struggling with ways to show your employees that they matter, look no further. Work2Live is here to help with LSAs! Want to learn more about how they work? Try a free trial today!