Employee reward and recognition programs help boost engagement all year long—but said rewards and words of recognition especially shine during the holiday season when giving thanks is top of mind for employees.
Showing your gratitude to employees not only makes them feel appreciated, it also positively impacts your company’s bottom line. Indeed, an employee who has been recognized is 63% more likely to stay at his or her current job within the next three to six months. And according to a study by Deloitte, recognition increases employee engagement, productivity, and performance by 14%.
Ready to get started showing your gratitude towards employees? Here are five ways, plus some real-life advice from HR professionals who have seen what works (and what doesn’t) to put smiles on employees’ faces this time of year.
1. Give Employees a Bonus Day (or Week!) Off
For many, the holidays are already stressful—nevermind navigating another holiday season in the midst of a pandemic.
Our take? Give your employees one less thing to stress about—work-wise, that is. Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving (hint, hint) or the week between Christmas and New Years, giving your employees extra paid time off will help everyone breathe a little easier this time of year.
2. Make Recognition Personal
Just like the gifts you give your loved ones, showing your gratitude to employees should be done in a way that’s as unique as the individual receiving the token of thanks. That is, how you give recognition, as well as what you say, should be both personal and genuine.
Also, keep in mind that each of your employees likes to be recognized in different ways. Some may prefer being recognized in a meeting in front of their peers. Others may prefer to be recognized just by you, not in front of other employees. Get to know each individual on your team, and take the time to recognize them in ways that are most meaningful to them.
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3. Get Your Colleagues Involved
Did you know? Employees that are most satisfied with their organization’s recognition program are those that are not only aware of how people are recognized, but also who can do the recognizing.
And we think everyone should be involved.
Why? Peer recognition helps perpetuate your company’s culture of showing gratitude—and demonstrates that everyone can play an active role in recognition. What’s more, peer recognition can be just as—if not more—powerful than leader recognition.
4. Bring People Together
‘Tis the season to gather and give thanks—whether that’s with your given family, or the one you chose. And for some, that family is their work family.
Hosting holiday meals and gatherings helps your employees feel like they belong at your company—and fosters better engagement and even boosts productivity. Yes, even when they’re not working and enjoying a meal with their colleagues.
5. Get Creative (to Keep Employees and Families Safe)
While we’ve come a long way since last year’s unusual holiday season, not everyone will feel safe gathering at an office holiday party this year. To make sure all employees feel included, come up with creative ways to show your gratitude to employees—near and far.
Showing Gratitude Is Always in Season
We know helping your organization show its gratitude to employees is just one piece of the HR puzzle—and a year-long pursuit (in the form of rewards and recognition).
At Eddy, we help busy HR professionals by taking administrative tasks off your plate, so you can focus on taking care of your employees.
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