Written by Simone Hirst, Marketing & Communications Manager, Connect Psych Services.
How do you recognise Employees and their contributions to the business? SuperFriends recent 2023 indicators of a thriving workplace found that recognition held the lowest score when the psychosocial hazards were measured in over 10,000 respondents.
Celebrating employees can be done in various meaningful ways that show appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and contributions. Recognition doesn’t need to be expensive, or monetary focused, nor does it need to take up a lot of time:
- Recognition Awards: Organise an awards ‘ceremony’ to recognise outstanding employees. Categories could include “Employee of the Month,” “Team Player Award,” “Innovation Award,” or “Customer Service Excellence Award.”
- Personalised Notes: Write personalised thank-you notes or emails to each employee, highlighting their specific contributions and expressing gratitude for their efforts.
- Employee Appreciation Lunch or Breakfast: Host a special meal for your employees, either in the office or at a restaurant, as a gesture of appreciation. This provides an opportunity for team bonding and casual interaction outside of work tasks.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your employees’ growth by offering opportunities for training, workshops, or courses relevant to their career development goals.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexibility in work schedules, remote work options, or additional time off as a way to recognise and accommodate your employees’ needs and work-life balance.
- Public Recognition: Acknowledge employees’ achievements publicly during team meetings, company newsletters, or social media platforms to showcase their accomplishments and inspire others.
- Employee Appreciation Days or Events: Dedicate time to celebrating employees, featuring a different theme or activity such as dress-up days, games, wellness activities, or volunteering opportunities.
- Listen and Act on Feedback: Show appreciation by actively listening to employee feedback and suggestions, and taking actionable steps to address their concerns or implement their ideas.
Remember that genuine appreciation and recognition go a long way in boosting employee morale, engagement, and loyalty. Tailor your celebrations to align with your company culture and the preferences of your employees to make the gestures more meaningful and impactful.
