07/ 03/ 2006
Sure, you pay your employees twice a month. But beyond that, do they know how much you appreciate them and the work they do for your small business? Here are five ways (other than the all-mighty dollar) where a little bit of gratitude can go a long way with your employees.
Pick up the phone. So, last week a client calls you and extends his or her appreciation of an employee who went the extra mile for them on a project. Take two minutes, pick up the phone and call the employee. Share the story to let the person know that you are thankful of the work he or she does for your business. So many times small-business owners hear great stories about their employees, but maybe it never makes it to the employee's ears. A quick "thank you" for a job well done can go a long way in building employee loyalty to your company. You could stop by the employee's desk or workstation to relay the gratitude, but a personal phone call might seem much more deliberate.
Write a note. Do you have an employee who has never taken a sick day, has just been promoted or has just reached the five-year mark with your business? Take a moment, grab your personal stationary and write three sentences of appreciation. Milestones in employment or advancement are the perfect opportunities to say thank you.
Take 'em to lunch. You have a busy schedule, and so do your employees. But an hour-long lunch might the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to a certain team of employees. Perhaps they finished a project under budget and ahead of schedule. Maybe a certain group of employees was instrumental in securing that new client you've been after. Get them out of the office or off of the manufacturing floor and take them to lunch. An hour away from your small business to simply relax and celebrate an accomplishment could be a great boost to productivity and loyalty.
Buy a cake. It sounds so simple, but taking 30 minutes each quarter to recognize the birthdays being celebrated during those months can be a very special treat. Employees can get so bogged down in the day-to-day routine of their work that even the sweetest of treats and a little down time with coworkers can mean a lot.
Acknowledge in front of others. Don't keep the appreciation to yourself. Make it a point once a month to thank an employee during your monthly staff meeting. "Employee of the Month" programs have their place, but it might get a little too repetitive in a small business with less than 10 employees. Instead, simply take the time to let your other employees know when a certain member of your staff has gone above and beyond. Perhaps hearing your appreciation of one employee might inspire others to do the same.
Receiving a paycheck is great! But an employee who knows he or she is appreciated in your small business can be a very happy and loyal one for years to come.
