Back in 1995, Bob Nelson (founding member of Recognition Professionals International) acknowledged that businesses live or die based on their employees – their customer service, ability to do execute their responsibilities well and their loyalty. Knowing that retention is a key component to the employee factor, he created National Employee Appreciation Day.
Ways to Observe
- Say the words. Looking someone in the eyes and simply saying “thank you” can be so impactful – especially in a time when we are so rushed and often lack face-to-face time.
- Write the note. Like actually put pen to paper and handwrite a thank you note. Write one for the employee and secretly send one to their family/significant others too. Tell them how much you appreciate their support too.
- Break the bread. We get it, pizza at lunch for the team may be on repeat but usually, that is for a “working” lunch. What about a catered in lunch? Give everyone the chance to sit around the conference table (or plant stand) and talk about what’s not going on at the job site. Ask questions about families, hobbies, latest vacations, goals for the year, current reads, etc.
- Public Acknowledgements. Whether during a meeting, around the coffee pot or in an office-wide email, take a minute to publically call out individuals for their efforts, accomplishments. or skills – in business or in life. Speaking individual’s names in encouragement are seeds to their success.
- Gift of Knowledge. Gifts are definitely some people’s “love language” and the gift of knowledge can be a powerful one. Active crew? How about having a running coach come in to give a class on techniques? Someone show interest in a foreign language? How about gifting them a class at the local college? Know someone who likes taking pictures of their grandkids? How about an online photo class? Have an avid reader on staff? How about a book of the month subscription like Once Upon a Book Club?
- Experience Gift. Piggy-backing off of the gift of knowledge, experiences can be great ways to say gracias as well. Taking the crew out for a group hike, to one of the trendy escape rooms, or inviting a masseuse to come in and give chair massages are all some interactive ways to help employees feel appreciated.
- Shut it down. Maybe not all the way, but call it a day at lunch or even an hour earlier. Time is the ultimate gift and way to say thank you.
We are certain we have some of the best employees on our staff, and we hope you agree. We are grateful and beyond appreciative of all that they do for our business because when it is a small, family business – it’s all personal.
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