Here's How to Let Your Staff Know You Appreciate Them

You rely on dedicated, hard-working employees to get the job done day after day, year after year. It's that level of tireless commitment that sets your company apart from the rest and allows you to meet your business goals regularly. Because finding the right talent often comes down to intensive searching and maybe a sprinkling of good luck, it's important to show how much you value your staff for all of their efforts.

After all, they put all of their energy into producing results. They're focused on the end goal. They understand the importance of deadlines. They work to go above and beyond what is expected of them. They provide outstanding customer service. In short, they are committed to excellence. It's this type of behavior that is more than worthy of your appreciation. But what's the best way to show it? Here are some suggestions.

Host Regular Lunches

Lunch doesn't always have to be a hurried affair. Make it a priority to provide a complete meal from an area restaurant. Take the time to set up a room just for the festivities. Think of it as an opportunity for your employees to relax and mingle for a little while. Moreover, it proves to them that you care about their well-being and are willing to reward them. If going out to lunch is not possible, then arrange to have lunch delivered from a nearby eatery or hire a catering company to handle these duties for you. Not only does it make a great impression, but you can also leave the serving, cleanup, and breakdown to experienced restaurant industry professionals.

Highlight Their Achievements

Many business owners use social media channels or company newsletters to communicate with one another and share important news. Make it a point to highlight the achievements of those who have accomplished a particular goal or helped seal a deal. They don't have to be professional accomplishments, either—show that you care just as much about their lives by wishing them well on their birthdays or recognizing an anniversary or a wedding.

Encourage Regular Communication

Employees aren't always inclined to express their displeasure or concerns if they feel they don't have a solid rapport with management. Encouraging regular and frequent communication is one of the best and most effective ways to create a more open environment. It's important to make dialogue a central part of your team's commitment to the company; if they feel like their words are heard and acknowledged, they're far more likely to come to you for help. At the same time, make it a point to request their feedback. Is their business uniform comfortable, or could they benefit from a softer fabric? Are higher-ups responsive to their needs? Which areas need improvement? The more that you ask, the better you'll be equipped to improve your business operations in a way that benefits your entire staff.

Offer Occasional Rewards

All teams contribute to the company's success as a whole. Every month, have each team share their efforts and successes and talk about how those achievements have impacted the company's personal success. Then choose a team and award them with something tangible, such as an outing at a restaurant, personalized corporate gifts they can display in the office, or tickets to a show. This is a boost of morale and motivation that will earn you the respect of your employees and push them to work even harder.

Host Team-Building Activities

A positive atmosphere is one where employees will thrive—and where productivity is likely to be at an all-time high. Taking part in various team-building activities is an easy way to build relationships, focus on challenges, learn new things, and enjoy quality time in a setting outside of the workplace. There's no need to worry about custom business casual attire in this setting! Opt for a relaxed environment, like a resort, where everyone is free to step outside of the confines of the workplace and settle into a more relaxed state of mind. This is also a great way to help new employees feel more comfortable.

Create New Traditions

Inclusivity develops when you create traditions that are unique to your company and your relationship with your employees. It fosters a sense of togetherness and contributes to a teamwork-minded spirit that is sure to improve workplace conditions. Consider assigning different "holidays" to different days of the week. One day might be all about bringing in delicious treats for everyone to enjoy, while another may be a "surprise" day where you treat your staff to random treats, like custom ceramic mugs, pens, and other gear.

When you go out of your way to reward and appreciate hard work, your employees will certainly notice.