Make every day ‘Employee Appreciation Day’

There is a day called Employee Appreciation Day, which is celebrated every year on the first Friday of March. How many of you actually knew about it? Being an employee did you even know that such a thing existed?

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We all know that employees are the most valuable asset for a business. Offering them a handsome salary is one aspect, but to make them feel valued is also important. In this post, we are going to talk about why it is important to appreciate the employees. Also, we will discuss some of the strategies that top companies use to recognise the efforts of their employees and make them feel valued. So, let us take a look -

Why is employee appreciation important?

First things first, why do you need to appreciate your employees when you are already paying them for their efforts, and giving them a handsome salary as per the industry standards? Here’s a look at the answer to this question -

It makes them feel valued

We, humans, are emotional and social creatures. Money is not the only thing that drives human efforts. Yes, it is for some. But in most of the cases employees no longer crave for monetary incentives. As a matter of fact, considering the rise in stress-related problems and lifestyle diseases, employees value a stress-free job where they are happy to work.

When you appreciate an employee for the hard work they are putting Day-in and day-out, it automatically builds a level of respect and trust for the business.

It motivates them to work even harder

There is no bigger factor to drive inspiration than a few words of praise and appreciation. There is a scientific logic behind it as well. When you respect and recognise the employee for their efforts, it generates a positive and good feeling. Owing to this feel-good stimulus, the body produces certain hormones that play role in boosting productivity.

So in a way, by appreciating their work you are boosting their productivity hormones, and the employees, in turn, are getting more done.

These two factors can go a long way in improving employee turnover rate, and building a winning team for your business. Now, coming to the second important question - how to appreciate your employees? Here are some ideas that can help -

Praise in public, criticize in person

The best way to show employees that you appreciate their efforts is to praise them in public. Not only will this help in those employees feeling special, but at the same time, it will boost a healthy competition in the team as well. After all, who would not like getting a toast raised to their name by the boss in front of the entire office?

Make them part of decision-making process

Talking about making employees feel valued, a great way to do so is by involving them in the decision-making process, wherever possible. For instance, take their opinion during decisions like onboarding new technology such as a project management tool. This will make them feel a part of your business, and not just a mere employee.

Organize surprise bounties and competitions

Another great way to inspire the team members, and make them feel valued for the efforts they are putting at work is by keeping them on their toes by organizing surprise bounties and competitions. By doing so you are giving the employees an opportunity to show their hard work, and in return, they will get an extra award for the hard work they put in.

A small thank you can make a big difference!

It might sound cliche, but small courtesies like a manager saying thank you to the team members, whenever they get an opportunity, can make a BIG difference.

We, humans, are emotional creatures and these small courtesies can come as a pleasant surprise to the team members. Because everyone expects the managers and leaders to be bossy. But when you thank them for their efforts, it can be a heart-melting moment that can bring respect for you and the business.

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About Author:

Sandeep Kashyap is the Founder of ProofHub - a leading project management and collaboration software. A passionate leader, Sandeep is always on the lookout for innovative ideas about filling the communication gap between groups, teams and companies. He is also a featured writer on LinkedIn and contributing author at YourStory. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Also follow our company page @ProofHub to get the recent updates about our tool, published articles, motivational quotes & presentations.

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