This holiday season are you looking for just the right way to show your employers you value them? We've put together a list of ways to help spread holiday cheer. More than just a nice gesture, taking the time to show you appreciate your employees can have positive effects on them and you. The simple act of saying thank you through words or actions can boost morale, build trust, show respect, deepen relationships and amp up motivation.
Here are eight ways to do just that.
1. Give an unexpected gift. We know of one employer who bought holiday turkeys for every one of their 125 employees. Not only were the employees surprised at such a thoughtful gift, but they were also happy that it was something their families could enjoy. Think about your employees. What do they value? What do they care about? Tailoring your gift-giving to their unique needs and desires will really make a difference.
2. Mail a handwritten thank you card. Everyone wants to feel that they are important and that their work matters. A handwritten note that sincerely expresses admiration for the individual and lets them know that they are valued is a priceless present. To make it effective, make sure each note is unique. A generic "Thanks for the great work you do all year" is nice, but it won't have a lasting impact. Instead, be specific. "I really appreciated the way you worked with our client XX last June to make sure their problem was resolved in a timely manner. It is that determination and dedication that make you such an important part of our team." Tucking the note into a gift basket or including a gift certificate in the envelope can make it extra special.
3. Bump up the PTO. Nobody has enough time during the holidays. An extra day off or two is a great way to say thank you for the great work! If the holidays are a slow time for your company, you can let employees choose (with their supervisor's approval) the day between now and the end of the year that they will take their bonus day. If this is a busy time of year, let them know now that they can have a bonus day during the first quarter of 2022 or whatever time frame works best for your business.
4. Gift baskets with a twist. In today's world, you may have employees working from around the country who have never even visited Pennsylvania or Maryland. A gift basket with an assortment of home-grown favorites is a thoughtful gift. Most likely you can find a locally-owned shop near you that would be happy to create gift baskets filled with food items and gifts unique to your area.
5. A special book. If there is a special book that had a positive impact on you this year, perhaps your employees would enjoy it as well. Tim Ferris's "Tribe of Mentors" is a popular choice. The book offers snippets of life advice from more than 130 of the world's top performers from iconic entrepreneurs to elite athletes. The short profiles are designed to help readers answer life's most challenging questions and achieve extraordinary results.
6. An electronics-friendly travel bag. This is a great gift that can be used for work or fun trips. The bags can carry a laptop, electronic accessories, work documents, and personal items. This gift is especially thoughtful for employees who travel for work. Consider adding a plush neck pillow as well.
7. Gift cards. These can be made special when they are purchased with the recipient's interests and hobbies in mind. An employee who loves gardening would appreciate a gift certificate to a garden center. Book lovers are always up for a new book. Treat them to a certificate from your city's independent book store. Foodies will enjoy a gift card to a gourmet grocery store. Keeping it personal makes your gift card go from meh to wow!
8. Electronics to make their WFH job easier. If you have employees who are working from home, consider how to make it less stressful. Noise-cancelling headphones are a popular option. Reusable electronic notebooks are a good choice for gadget gurus. A charging station, keyboard wrist pad, and ergonomic mouse pad will also be appreciated.
No doubt about it, this has been a tough year. Taking the extra time to show your employees you care by giving them a holiday gift is a worthwhile investment that can benefit your company by boosting morale and increasing retention. Happy gift giving!
