How do you show you care?
Did you know? This year, Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 3rd.
As the Employee Retention Experts™, we know some great strategies for showing your crew that you care. While you know gratitude is great, do you know your teammates’ preferred method of appreciation? Like the five “love languages,” showing you’re grateful is not “one-thank-you-fits-all.”
Inspired by Gary Chapman and Paul White’s “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”, here are great approaches to appreciation:
ACTS OF SERVICE: Volunteer Your Assistance
Your hardest - and potentially most overwhelmed - workers may be the least likely to ask for help. Offering up your assistance goes a long way. Pay attention to the crew members who put in extra effort, and ask them if they need help. If you are helping, do it their way.
Going out of your way to lighten your teammate’s workload or give them a well-deserved break shows them you care. It tells them that they are a valued member of the crew.
RECEIVING GIFTS: Personalized Awards
Switchback Brewing Company gifts their employees a branded Double Thick Sweatshirt after they complete a year on the job.
Rolling out a work-aversary kit with out-of-office incentives and their favorite wearables is a great way to show your crew just how happy you are that they've stuck around.
Think about what your tenured employees would really like to receive - an embellished double thick? New outerwear? Solid work boots? - and we'll help you pack up an order they'll write home about. Learn more ...
QUALITY TIME: An On-Brand Retreat
Before the busy season ramps up, find a day for the team to do something together. A whole-team hike is a great non-work way to spend time together. You may be a tree expert, but you can learn something new about each other, a specific local natural phenomenon, or the best spots on a given trail.
Whichever retreat you choose, keep it on brand and interesting for your crew. Ask them how they would like to spend the day. After all, this quality time is all about bringing everyone together.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION: Just Say Thank You
Even a person of few words can deliver a powerful “thanks.” Verbally shout out your crew for all of their hard work. That recognition impacts them more than you may realize. Your words positively reinforce their efforts and encourage them to continue working as a team. Take a few minutes out of your tailgate meeting to tell them you care.
PHYSICAL TOUCH: Give ‘em a Firm Handshake
Sure, not everyone is a hugger. However, a consenting pat on the back, a firm handshake, or smacking hi-five shows your team members that you appreciate them. It instantly emphasizes their accomplishments and dedication to keeping the crew – and themselves! – safely.
So what do you think?
You may have a preferred method of giving appreciation. How would your teammates like to be appreciated? Contact your local sales representative for more ideas to show your team some hard-earned appreciation.