Ways to Show Appreciation for Remote Employees During the Holidays

When employees are appreciated, they are generally more productive, happier with their jobs, and more engaged with the company. In a remote environment, those aspects are more important than ever. Luckily, there are easy ways to show remote employees just how much they're appreciated, especially during the holidays. Check out these key ideas for a happy and successful remote team this season!

Be Flexible With Time Off Requests

Everyone’s schedule is different, and working remotely means balancing multiple demands. As much as possible and as it aligns with the company’s needs and job parameters, allow flexibility with time off requests. Remote employees will appreciate that their work-life balance is valued and that they can take the time they need to meet all the demands of their position and their personal life. Since people may celebrate different holidays, and some may not celebrate at all, it’s important to be sensitive to the different time off needs different employees may have. Working with your team and allowing them some control over their holiday schedule will go a long way in making them know you care.

Gift Company Swag or Branded Items for the Holidays

Infuse a strong sense of teamwork, boost morale and make remote employees feel more appreciated during the holidays by giving gifts of company swag, branded apparel, custom logo work totes, or other logo items this season. Even if you’re not all in the office or building together, items from branded face masks to comfortable company work clothes will help foster a sense of camaraderie and keep everyone feeling good. Encourage employees to wear company shirts or other logo apparel during virtual video meetings or even during work hours to feel more connected.

Host a Virtual Holiday Get-Together

Even if you don’t have a physical company Christmas party, who says you can’t have a virtual one Organizing a holiday get-together that involves all members of the team or company will leave everyone feeling good and make the team’s hard work seem a little more appreciated.

Depending on your business, the size of your team, and your specific needs, you can consider different options. You may want to host a virtual chocolate or wine-tasting together, hold a company cocktail hour with music and casual conversations, or set up a time to get together for a fun holiday trivia game or other activity. Even an impromptu coffee meeting where remote employees can share photos of family members and pets and talk about their holiday plans will be a welcome and relaxing break during the business of the season and will help them to feel valued.

Streamline Holiday Work Processes to Reduce Stress

If the holidays are a busy time for your business, consider possible ways of streamlining processes or enhancing systems to make things more efficient and to reduce stress. Tools, people power, and new ideas can help create a happier, healthier environment where remote employees will feel valued.

Actively Seek Feedback From Remote Employees

When working remotely, sometimes a bit of extra effort is needed for communication and feedback. Actively seek out feedback from employees on processes, strategies, improvements, or even things like what they would prefer to do for a virtual holiday party or receive as a holiday gift or bonus. This can not only make everyone feel more connected but also increase communication and lead to new ideas. Seek feedback via company chat, phone, email, virtual surveys, or other means to help everyone feel valued and heard.

Send Practical Personalized Gifts

From new calendars to personalized hand towels to custom company caps, there are dozens of useful and practical gifts that can be personalized. These offer an especially thoughtful touch to remote employees because you’ve taken the extra time to provide a corporate gift that will not only be used and appreciated, but that also has a special personal touch. Something as simple as an item with the company logo and the employee’s initials will be a welcome holiday surprise.

Host a Remote Employee Recognition Event

As the end of the quarter rolls close to an end, it can help remote employees to feel esteemed and respected if their contributions are acknowledged. Hold an event that recognizes the hard work done by individuals and teams, and point out any specific achievements or accomplishments that have been made. You can make this as formal or as informal as you like. Regardless, keep the focus on the positive, and all your remote employees will feel a little more treasured.

The Thought Really Does Count

There’s a reason that the saying “it’s the thought that counts” is so popular; the good intentions behind the little things really do matter. When it comes to a culture of remote work, even some small actions and gifts can make an impact. Take the time to invest in appreciating remote employees this holiday and see what a difference it can make.