Easy On-the Spot Employee Appreciation

Employee appreciation matters – and not just during the holidays! Gracious employers plan ahead for employee recognition before it’s actually needed. Why? On-the-spot acknowledgement not only bolsters positive workplace culture, but reinforces employees’ good work and affirms their value in the workplace.

As Justin Sun, compensation analyst at Lockheed Martin, writes at Hotel Business Review in  “Employee Engagement: How to use recognition and non-monetary rewards to drive employee engagement,”

“The longer you wait to provide recognition, the more recognition loses its impact. For example, don’t wait until the summer picnic or the Christmas party at the end of the year to recognize an act of superior guest service that took place in the earlier part of the year. Celebrate the achievements of your employees on the spot and re-highlight their accomplishments later if appropriate.”

In a list of 50  No/Low Cost Recognition Ideas, the Michigan Office of Great Workplace Development quotes Michael P. Connors,  former chairman & CEO of VNU Media, Measures & Information:

 “Recognition is more powerful than any motivator. Research shows that, more often than not, cash bonuses get spent on bills and perks are soon forgotten, but recognition becomes a memory that is relived time and time again, continually building high performance.”

Employee appreciation is important, and the immediacy of on-the-spot giving resonates with workers. Timely acknowledgment doesn’t have to be complex or formal, just sincere.  It can be as simple as management recognition of great work and a public thank-you.

On-the spot recognition doesn’t need to break the bank either. If you can, share a “Wow” gift when employees wow customers or impress colleagues with great initiative and effort. No resources for a small gift?  Then shower well-deserving employees with virtual or real thank-you’s or publicly recognize individuals on a company “gratitude wall.”

Marketing communications firm RSW offers more suggestions in their article, “20 fast, fun, and (almost) free employee recognition ideas“:

1. Recognize employees in front of their peers. This makes the recognition more meaningful and reinforces desired behaviors to the rest of the team.
2. Studies show the first 30 days on the job make the biggest impression. [Recognize] employees on their one-month anniversary.
3. Employee recognition has more impact when it’s timely, so follow the five-minute rule. When you hear or see a positive comment about an employee, recognize that person in five minutes or less.
4. Every workplace has challenging situations. Reward employees who keep their cool and composure with ice cream. (Naturally, we suggest a gThankYou! Ice Cream Gift Certificate.)
5. Write a letter to employees’ spouses or partners. Thank him or her for their support, and let them know how much you admire and appreciate their partner’s service.
6. Call an employee to your office to say thank you. Since many employees assume that something is wrong when they are called to a supervisor’s office, they will be especially pleased to receive your honest gratitude for a job well done.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) provides a little more food for thought about the importance of showing employee appreciation in “Employee Recognition Training for Supervisors” (which you can access if you are a member).

“The goal of employee recognition is to show appreciation for an employee’s achievement and motivate employees to continue with good performance and loyalty to company. Successful employee recognition will help the organization to retain key employees and keep employees happy along the way” quotes SHRM.

The training presentation says employee appreciation:

• Helps to attract and retain key employees.
• Motivates employees to perform at higher levels.
• Increases employee productivity.
• Can increase employee competitiveness.
• Can increase company revenues and profitability.
• Improves business quality and service.
• Improves safety.
• May lower stress.
• Reduces absenteeism and turnover costs.
• Fosters employment longevity.
• Encourages employees to continue education and training.

So plan for showing your appreciation before it’s needed, making it easy to  acknowledge great work in the moment and show employees you really care.
For an in-depth guide to building a vibrant, everyday culture of workplace gratitude, download our FREE eBook,  “Transforming Your Workplace with Gratitude.” You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!




About gThankYou, LLC
Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
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