Let’s be real for a minute. Most of us do not wake up each morning believing that our sole purpose in life is our career. Are many people fulfilled? Yes. However, a majority of the population faces each new day making hard choices; usually between work and their personal lives. This is where showing appreciation goes a long way for both staffers and employers.

Showing appreciation can come in many forms, and brings with it many benefits. Below are a few ideas for ways employers can thank their staffers. There’s also information on how showing appreciation benefits employers.

Five Gestures of Thanks for Your Staffers:

A Simple Thank You

This can be a public or private recognition, but a genuine verbal or written thank you goes a long way. Remember to be specific in your gratitude, as being overly general comes off as fake.

Plus, when you add details, your staffers know exactly what they did that meant something to you. Then they’ll likely repeat those actions in the future.

Time Off

Everyone you work with has a life outside their job, and it’s likely one area where they’d love to spend more time.

Showing appreciation with some time off is huge—and I’m not talking about taking their vacation or sick days. Giving additional time off makes a big impact and shows your appreciation.

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Again, everyone has a life outside of their job. If you want to start showing appreciation where it will make the biggest impact, jump on the flexible work bandwagon.

Your staffers will be thankful to find work-life balance, and it will communicate to your workforce that the company truly cares about the person behind the job title.

Small Tokens

You don’t have to throw elaborate holiday parties to say thanks—many staffers would likely avoid them anyway. Small tokens of gratitude at appropriate moments make bigger and longer lasting impressions.

To say thanks, get a gift card to the employee’s favorite restaurant. You can also send flowers on big occasions or surprise them with their favorite candy. Really, the sky’s the limit, and the small gestures are remembered all year.

Showing Empathy and Understanding

Stepping into another person’s shoes and connecting on a very basic human level speaks volumes. Now this needs to be genuine empathy, not the kind that gets twisted with office politics.

When you show understanding toward any of your staffers, and genuinely work to help them, those acts of kindness are an excellent way of showing appreciation. Not only does it say “thank you,” it shows that you value them not just as an employee, but as a person.

How Showing Appreciation to Employees Helps Employers:

1. Happier Staffers

When people feel appreciated they tend to be happier with their lot in the world. Happiness is also contagious. Happier staffers will lead to a better work environment for everyone.

2. Engaged and Productive Staffers

Have you ever felt disengaged after a quarrel with work? Perhaps you’ve done something you thought was a big deal, but it was overlooked?

Those feelings of disappointment lead to lower engagement and productivity. However, by showing appreciation, employers keep their staffers engaged and productive in their roles—especially with flexible work!

3. Lower Turnover

Feeling appreciated and having an employer that values you as a person outside of the job means you’ll be more loyal. Loyalty for employers is huge.

It’s what keeps employees from leaving the company. It also keeps workers in support of the company and boosts the addition of new and highly talented professionals and clients.

4. Cost Savings

These seemingly tiny gestures of gratitude can have huge payoffs. Lower turnover is a big cost savings. Employees that are happy and engaged are less stressed and provide more manpower to operations.

Additionally, less-stressed staffers lead to overall better health, which will likely save sick hours. Plus, if you use flexible work, specifically remote work, as a way to show appreciation, you can save on office space and utilities.

Although the holiday season is a great time for showing appreciation, employers should continue the practice year round. Consistent and continued appreciation will develop a strong and supportive company culture. Additionally, it fosters greater engagement and loyalty with staffers.

Looking for management tips? Check out our manage flex work category.

Readers, how are you showing appreciation to your workers? What methods have or have not worked for you? Share with us below!

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