With Thanksgiving right around the corner, November is a natural time to think about gratitude. For team leaders and hiring managers, the holiday season presents a great opportunity to recognize employees for their hard work throughout the year.
A few thoughtful gestures before everyone heads out for the Thanksgiving weekend can go a long way toward improving morale. Talk to the employment experts at Staffing Network about how to strengthen workplace relationships and help employees feel valued.
Make Time for a Genuine Thank You
Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. Take a few minutes to personally thank quality team members for their contributions.
Try to make your appreciation specific. Recognize the employee who consistently helps coworkers, the team member who went above and beyond to meet a deadline, or the person who kept things organized during an especially busy month.
A personal thank you, whether delivered face-to-face or through a handwritten note, shows employees that you notice their efforts. It also reinforces the idea that their individual contributions matter to the success of the business.
Recognize the People Behind the Results
It is easy to focus on major accomplishments, but some of the most important work happens behind the scenes. Think about the employees who are always available to solve unexpected problems. Or a worker who takes care of the everyday responsibilities that keep operations moving. Make an effort to show thanks for those contributions, too. You might highlight individual accomplishments during a team meeting, share positive customer feedback, or give employees an opportunity to recognize one another.
Research illustrates the importance of meaningful workplace recognition. A recent study found over 68% of surveyed employees received recognition only monthly or less frequently. The findings highlight an opportunity for managers to make appreciation a more regular part of workplace culture. When employees feel seen and appreciated, it can positively influence their engagement, motivation, and connection to their workplace.
Flexibility to Show Thanks
Appreciation doesn’t have to come in the form of a gift. Sometimes, giving employees a little breathing room is one of the best ways to say thank you. If business operations allow, consider offering an extended lunch break, an early departure the day before Thanksgiving, or a little flexibility with work schedules.
Plus, if your team is stretched thin, remember there is the option of bringing in temporary employees to provide additional support. Temporary staffing can fill gaps and keep projects on track.
Thanksgiving is about recognizing the people and things that make a difference in our lives. For business leaders, it is also a reminder to recognize the people who make success possible every day.
Is it time for you to show thanks? This November, make appreciation part of your business strategy. A little gratitude can go a long way toward helping everyone finish the year on a positive note. To learn more, have a conversation with the experts at Staffing Network, a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Connect with Staffing Network today.
