Your staff is the heart and soul of your organization. Without them there would be no one to do all the work necessary to keep your organization running smoothly and ensure your members and participants are well taken care of. It is imperative that your staff feel valued, as feeling undervalued is the leading reason why employees choose to leave their positions, according to the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
In the wake of the great resignation, finding and retaining staff has become difficult. But when employees are paid fairly and feel heard and valued, they are less likely to leave and more likely to actively participate in the success of organizations.
Read on to discover some great ways to show your staff appreciation not only on Employee Appreciation Day (the first Friday in March), but every day.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Staff What They Want
Show your staff that you’re actively listening to them by asking them about the kinds of appreciation they would like to receive. Whether it’s when they first begin as an employee at your company or they’ve been there for years, send an email with a survey asking them what they want. For example, you could request that they fill you in on their:
- Favorite candy
- Favorite food
- Favorite drink (Starbucks, Sonic, etc.)
- Favorite place to shop
- Favorite breakfast and lunch items
- Favorite scent (for candles and beauty/bath products)
Just keeping those preferences close by will make it easier when you treat them every so often to show appreciation.
Treat Staff to Tasty Food
Show your staff some love by treating them to their favorite restaurant or bringing food to the office. This can be done any time there’s a birthday, holiday or just when you feel the need to raise morale or show appreciation.
Bring breakfast every Friday or treat staff to a Sonic happy hour each Wednesday. It’s entirely up to you how you want to show your staff appreciation, but bringing food and drinks is always a great idea!
Show Appreciation With After-Hours Events
Every quarter (or even more often if you like) host an after-hours hang for your staff at the establishment of their choice. Take them bowling, axe-throwing, to karaoke, to an escape room, to a murder-mystery dinner or to laser tag. The list is endless, and it’s likely your staff will have some great ideas on places to go and things to do that will not only help you show them appreciation, but also raise morale and team build.
Gifts Big and Small
If you have the budget, gifts of any size are always a hit. Whether the gifts are swag with your organization logo on it or gift cards, it’s likely staff will be happy to receive them. From mugs and blankets to journals and pullovers, these gifts are welcome and appreciated.
Looking to surprise your staff in a pinch? Pick up their favorite coffee or Sonic drink. Order some pizza or a sandwich platter—a quick and easy way to show appreciation!
Got a budget that can support bigger gifts? Electronics and household appliances make for exciting appreciation. Need to be more judicious? Give the bigger gifts to the employee of the month. If you have the ability, massage gift cards or a one-time maid service are also great gift ideas for staff appreciation.
Respect Goes a Long Way
One of the easiest ways to show your staff you appreciate them is to simply respect them. Listen to them, let them feel heard and address their concerns whenever possible. Check on your staff and make sure they’re mentally, emotionally and physically doing OK. Give them the day off (paid) if they need it—even if they don’t, let them have the day off or pick an extra day off to take risk-free and fully paid. Praise them in newsletters, on social media and to other staff members.
Remember, you can shower your staff with gifts, but at the end of the day you need to show them gratitude with your words and actions.
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