Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving: 5 Appreciation Ideas for Employees
By Julie Perrine
Ah, November. The leaves are falling, the weather is chilly, and the smell of pumpkin spice permeates the air. While you’re probably making plans to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, there’s one group of people you may be forgetting — your employees.
Showing your appreciation at work isn’t just a nice thing to do. It can actually help you retain some of your best talent. According to Forbes, 66 percent of employees and 76 percent of millennials said they’d quit their job if they felt unappreciated.
Giving thanks on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be difficult. These appreciation ideas for employees will help you get in the spirit and show how much you appreciate the people you work with.
1. Say Thank You — and Mean It
Appreciation ideas for employees: Just say “thank you”
“Thanks” is a word most of us probably use dozens of times a day without even thinking about it. We say it to the smiling barista who hands us our morning cup of coffee, the clerk who drops off the mail, and the coworker who relays a phone message. But how often do we genuinely mean it?
A sincere “thank you” can go a long way toward making your employees feel appreciated. The more specific you can be, the better. For instance: “Liz, thank you so much for always having such a positive attitude. Even when things go wrong, you’re always smiling. I want you to know how much I value the work you do here!”
2. Drop Someone a Line
Appreciation ideas for employees: Write a thank-you letter
In a world of texts, instant messages, and social media, handwritten cards or notes have definitely fallen by the wayside — which is why they’re so special when we do receive them!
Giving thanks on Thanksgiving can be as simple as taking the time to jot down what you appreciate about each of your employees. Use a festive-themed notepad or invest in some cute, turkey-shaped cards, and write a few sentences thanking them for their contributions. Chances are good that those personalized letters will remain tacked up on bulletin boards or cubicle walls long into the new year!
3. Shower Them with Gifts
Appreciation ideas for employees: Small gifts
While the traditional gift-giving season is usually in December, there’s no reason you can’t reward your employees in a more tangible way. Gift cards to local coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, or entertainment venues are some of the best appreciation ideas for employees.
If your budget doesn’t allow for gift cards, consider offering some sort of corporate swag, instead. Hats, T-shirts, or other company-branded items are often incredibly inexpensive when bought in bulk, and your employees will appreciate the gesture!
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