Most people expect to receive some sort of gift of appreciation at work during the holidays.
In the last week, I’ve attended two professional holiday parties where people won prizes, delicious food was served, and entertainment was enjoyed.
Christmas is the traditional time to plan events like this for the people we work with.
How can we recreate this magic and appreciation at other times of the year, not just around Christmas?
I’ve seen organizations do all sorts of incentives throughout the year to show appreciation for their people to make them feel seen as humans, rather than just a number.
These activities also increase their employee retention.
Trips, contests, scotch tape races, you name it. 🤣
Holiday parties are so fun, don’t get me wrong.
It’s also the time when people expect it.
What happens when you reward your people when they aren’t expecting it?
Lots of good things.
Improved mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity at work.
Just to name a few.
If our entire energy and budget goes towards one party a year, perhaps there are ways we can adjust to make people feel seen the rest of the year too, when they are less likely to expect it.
There something special about the element of surprise appreciation.
Plus, scotch tape races down the hall are pretty cheap and so fun.
What do you do to make others feel seen & appreciated when they’re not expecting it?
#julielee #iseeyouleadership #theconnectedleader
President
1wOh how I wished I could've been there! Happy holiday