Finding good employees can be difficult, so keeping them is essential to keeping your business running smoothly. Recent studies have shown there is something you can do to retain your employees and keep them happy and productive.
Appreciate them. Employee Appreciation Day, which is on Friday, March 4th, isn't a substitute for showing appreciation throughout the year, but it is a great way to show all your employees how much you appreciate them. If you haven't planned your employee appreciation day yet, here are seven last minute ideas.
1. A Company Dinner
Hold a company dinner and give your employees an hour lunch. You can either hire someone to cater the event, or have a potluck and let the employees each bring a dish. During the dinner, recognize your best employees. The public praise will show everyone that you appreciate hard work, and have others aiming to be recognized next year.
2. A Day Off
Give your employees a paid day off. If you can't afford a whole day, give them half the day or even an hour paid lunch. Let them know with a card or a special email.
3. Family Day
Have a family day at your workplace or a local park. Have concessions and a few attractions for the kids like face painting or a bounce house. If you have it at your workplace, open the facility and let employees take their families on a tour. It gives employees a sense of pride to show their family what they do.
4. Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation. You may be able to talk to a business in your area and purchase gift cards at a discounted rates.
5. Bonus
If you are really short on time or resources, give your employees a bonus. Even a small bonus will make your employees appreciated, especially if they know your resources are tight.
6. Gifts
Get a small gift for your employees. This is a very budget friendly option, because you can get simple gifts like mugs, pens, or keychains at a very low cost. If your budget allows, having them personalized makes them much nicer.
7. Cards or Emails
In addition to doing one of the suggestions above, sending a personal card or email to each employee mentioning specific things they have done or why you appreciate them will go a long way. If you let your know that you notice the great work they do, they will be encouraged to keep it up.
Everyone wants to be appreciated. If you let your employees know how much you appreciate them, they will be more inclined to go the extra mile. The extra mile is the difference between a good employee and a great one, and it can make or break your business.