How do you show your appreciation for your employees? Do you show your appreciation to your employees?

Picture working in an area where your work is always going unappreciated, the extra time you put in always goes unnoticed, and you’re constantly left with the feeling that you could be replaced at any second. Is this a place that you would want to wake up in the morning and go to? Is this a place that you would want to stay at? Chances are it isn’t.

Employee appreciation is one of the most important aspects of running any healthy team, project, or organization and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simply letting people know you’re pleased with their performance can go a long way. Research shows that employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be actively engaged and dedicated. These three simple things can go a long way.

1. Recognize Employees as a Group and as Individuals

Showing your appreciation for your entire team creates a sense of togetherness, it shows that having worked together they accomplished something that you are proud of. However, it is also important to recognize specific individuals when they deserve it. If you have an employee who’s done something extraordinary or exceptional during the week it’s OK to single them out and reward them for their accomplishments. To truly make employees feel valued it’s important to pay attention to them as individuals instead of also as a group. No top manager wants to feel that he/she is getting the same reward as the new intern that started last two weeks ago.  Of course be careful that you are not playing favorites.

2. Implement Recognition Among Peers

Employees love to know that their leaders noticed their accomplishments, employees also love to know that their peers noticed their accomplishments as well. Implementing ways to have employees anonymously submit appreciation emails for their coworkers can also help someone feel valued. This can also help employees feel like they belong and can create positive energy within the group by knowing their peers are taking notice of them as well.

3. Balance

Every job comes with some responsibilities that no one wants to do. Be fair with how you hand out those assignments. When you do give out those less than glamorous responsibilities make sure you know that your employees/team know that those smaller tasks mean a lot too. Don’t just give them simple tasks, challenge your team as well. Give them a new task and actually put your trust in them to get it done. It doesn’t hurt to say, “I’m giving you this responsibility because I know you can do it and I know I can trust you to do a great job at it!”

Next time you see an employee go above and beyond, thank them and let them know the organization appreciates their efforts.

When was the last time you felt appreciated?

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