Workers want recognition, verbal appreciation and encouragement plus a paycheck. It is easy to say thank you and good job and be done with it but there are countless ways to show your respect, support and appreciation for your employees. Anyone can perform a task at work but passion and hard work often stem from good vibes employees hear from their boss or manager. As the old saying goes, “You reap what you sow.” It holds true when it comes to how companies treat their employees, too. The mood in your workplace can have an impact on productivity. Here’s how to keep it positive.
Let Employees Reward One Another
Put the power of recognition and reward in their hands. There is lots of software already available. YouEarnedit gives team members the ability to award one another points which can then be redeemed on their website for retail credit or converted to cash to support charitable causes. BlueBoard goes one step further, allowing employees to reward one another with experiences of their choosing, ranging from a class on wine and cheese, to a trip of their choice. And other programs like GiveWow and TemboSocial offer a more generalized employee recognition platform.
Offer Employees a Platform
Recognition that is visible to the team or the company is much more valued by the employee, and can influence behavior across more people and teams. When we let people know we value what they have to offer by asking if they would share their story, tips methods, ect. with others, it provides validation to them and they do have something of value to offer. Letting them share their talents at a team or organization event award ceremony or even in a newsletter will boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Let Employees Make Important Decisions
Employee empowerment is a buzz-word often used by management, yet seldom practiced effectively in most organizations. Let your employees make decisions that matter and can impact the company. Verbal appreciation is important and bonuses or other perks are appreciated, but ultimately, showing someone that you trust their opinion and expertise is far more valuable.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun… Eat and Drink Well!
Let fun be a regular part of the schedule. One day monthly have Game Day, an in-house competition with activities ranging from Trivial Pursuit to Wii bowling matches. Offers quarterly “fun” rewards when staffers achieve certain goals, such as Reds tickets, casino nights, or Kings Island Passes. On these days offer a little surprise treat. Have a non-alcoholic bar delicious coffee, mochas, lattes and cappuccinos, or smoothies. Be creative and offer some gourmet deserts. Or maybe just some health food snacks.
Be Specific When Offering Appreciation
What specifically did the employee do? ( e.g., did they represent the department well, deliver a quality report before the deadline, exceed your expectations for xyz, or consistently reflect a positive attitude?) Be specific with your feedback for the employee. Instead of the generic great job say” I really like how you have pulled the discussion back together or you are an exemplary collaborator. Being specific adds meaning and inspires the employee to further develop their skills.
Encourage Their Feedback
“Futility has been found to be 1.8 times more common than fear as a reason for employees not speaking up to their managers. According to a Cornell National Social Survey, more employees reported withholding their ideas due to a sense of futility (26%) than a fear of personal consequences (20%),” . So start a quarterly survey which allows employees to give anonymous feedback about the company. Ask what are we doing well?? What do we need to improve? What else is on your mind? . This will allow employees to feel heard and want to contribute to making your company win. The bottom line is you must act on the results of the feedback.
Host an Event for the Entire Company
Have a yearly company event. The bottom line is that all employees want to feel part of the team and believe strongly in the company. If you create a positive, fun and flexible workplace, most employees appreciate the independence of knowing they are trusted to get the work done and feel part of the team.
Please keep Valet Coffee in mind when you are planning your next event! Specialty coffees and smoothies are always a hit and appreciated by guests.
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About Valet Coffee
Valet Coffee is a full service, mobile espresso and smoothie bar. It’s a unique way to impress customers, appreciate employees and kick up any special event to the next level. Our professional baristas will bring the taste and feel of an authentic European coffee house. We do all the work, all you have to do is entertain. Valet Coffee’s mobile espresso and smoothie bars are one of Greater Cincinnati’s best marketing tools.
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