by Stacey Gierut | Oct 21, 2024 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Leadership
Effective communication strategies are crucial for fostering employee engagement in any organization. In fact, how well HR leaders communicate can make or break employee morale and motivation.
What if your workplace made every employee feel heard, valued, and motivated? Imagine the boost in productivity and morale! At Launchways, we have seen firsthand how strong communication can transform a workplace. Let’s dive into the key strategies that can enhance employee engagement.
Learn how automation can make that easier.
Understanding Employee Engagement
Employee engagement refers to how emotionally connected employees are to their work and the company. As more employees prioritize a work-life balance, workplace engagement can take a back seat.
Engaged employees are more than just workers, though. They are active members of the team. They’re passionate about their roles and the organization’s success.
Studies show that high employee engagement leads to the following:
- Better productivity
- Higher retention
- Improved performance
Good communication fuels engagement. When employees feel connected and informed, they feel valued. That results in a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
Key Communication Strategies
Communication can be challenging due to diverse employee needs and constant interruptions. HR leaders want to maintain control of their time while ensuring employees feel heard and supported. This balance allows them to engage with their team without being overwhelmed by constant demands.
Effective communication strategies, such as the following, allow them to do both.
Open Channels of Communication
Open communication is essential for employee engagement. This means creating multiple ways for employees to share ideas, feedback, and concerns. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Emails
- Chat apps
- Regular meetings
For example, consider implementing a “virtual open-door policy” in your communication strategies. Encourage employees to use internal chat tools to reach out to managers anytime. This approach helps break down barriers. Employees will feel more comfortable voicing their ideas.
Using tools like Microsoft Teams can streamline communication. That makes it easier for employees to connect. Automated notifications can also remind teams of important updates, keeping everyone informed.
Regular Feedback Mechanisms
Feedback is a powerful tool for engagement. Regular feedback helps employees understand how they’re doing and where they can improve. It also shows that the organization values their contributions.
Consider implementing anonymous feedback systems. Surveys and suggestion boxes allow employees to express their honest opinions. The results can help management identify areas for improvement. They also make employees feel more valued.
There are many platforms available that can automate feedback collection and analysis. Tools like Google Forms can simplify the process and provide actionable insights.
Recognition and Appreciation
Recognizing and appreciating employees’ hard work is essential for keeping them engaged. When employees know their efforts are noticed, they’re more motivated and committed.
For instance, imagine a company with a monthly “Employee of the Month” program. They could use automated communication strategies to track performance metrics. That can help in selecting the awardees. Celebrating these achievements not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of recognition within the team.
Adapting to Changing Needs
The workplace is continually evolving, and so are employee expectations. Today’s employees are looking for more flexibility and open lines of communication. This is especially true for younger generations.
To keep up, HR leaders need to be adaptable. This means regularly reviewing and updating communication strategies.
For example, during the pandemic, many companies shifted to remote work. To maintain engagement with employees, they had to quickly adapt their communication strategies. They used video conferencing tools like Zoom. They implemented regular video check-ins and virtual team-building activities. This kept the team connected despite the distance.
Training and Development
Investing in training for effective communication can pay off significantly. Offering workshops in communication training for employees, especially leaders, boosts engagement.
Consider implementing a leadership training program focused on communication. Leaders can learn how to engage their teams effectively. This could lead to noticeable improvements in employee satisfaction and productivity.
Measuring Communication Effectiveness
To improve communication strategies, it’s essential to measure their effectiveness. Regularly tracking engagement and gathering feedback helps adjust your approach. This can provide insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.
Consider implementing tools for measuring employee engagement. Pulse surveys, for example, can help assess the impact of your communication efforts. You can use them every month to gauge employee sentiment. This data can help you make informed decisions to refine your strategies.
Key Points
In summary, effective communication strategies are vital for fostering employee engagement. Here are the main takeaways:
- Open Channels of Communication: Create multiple ways for employees to share their thoughts.
- Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Implement tools for collecting and acting on employee feedback.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Use automated solutions to recognize employee contributions regularly.
- Adapting to Changing Needs: Stay flexible and update communication strategies as needed.
- Training and Development: Invest in training to enhance communication skills across the organization.
- Measuring Effectiveness: Regularly evaluate and adjust communication strategies.
By implementing these strategies, HR leaders can create a more engaged workforce. This leads to better overall performance and a more positive company culture. Ready to explore Launchways’ automated solutions to improve your communication strategies? Now’s the time to start!
by Stacey Gierut | Oct 14, 2024 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Leadership
When are team-building activities appropriate in the workplace? What if your team felt more connected, engaged, and productive at work? The right team-building activities can make this happen. Although building stronger workplace connections would benefit everyone, do you have time?
In today’s world, these activities are crucial for fostering relationships and collaboration.
What if you could enhance your team-building efforts with automated solutions? Let’s explore how technology can strengthen your team dynamics. Here, the Chicago-based company Launchways explains how.
The Importance of Team Building Activities
Enhancing Communication
Team Building Activities are key to improving communication among team members. When employees work together, they break down barriers that prevent open discussions.
Take, for example, a tech company where the team was often siloed. Developers would focus on coding, while marketers handled their own tasks. After organizing a team-building day filled with fun challenges, HR noticed something. Communication significantly improved.
They began sharing ideas more freely. , and the collaboration between departments improved dramatically. Suddenly, developers began joining marketing discussions, and marketers offered product insights. This led to better collaboration and a stronger sense of connection.
Boosting Morale and Engagement
Another critical benefit of team-building activities is their ability to boost mental health. Employees who feel connected to their coworkers are generally happier and more engaged.
For example, outdoor team-building activities can be great for employee morale. Games, trust exercises, or even scavenger hunts lead to employee reinvigoration. This positive energy will carry into daily work. Soon, their productivity will begin to rise.
Encouraging Collaboration
Team Building Activities also encourage collaboration. They allow team members to see each other’s strengths in a fun setting. This can translate into better teamwork back at the office.
Team activities can also illuminate hidden talents. The most introverted employee might surprise everyone and lead a group discussion. That moment could further encourage them to participate more actively in meetings.
Types of Effective Team-Building Activities
In-Person Activities
In-person activities like retreats and workshops can be incredibly effective. They create a shared experience that helps bond employees. However, they can also be time-consuming and costly.
For example, planning a leadership retreat for a large organization takes time. Participants could engage in workshops and outdoor challenges, building relationships. This can lead to more effective collaboration in the following months.
Virtual Team Building Activities
With more teams working remotely, virtual team-building activities have gained importance. Options include online games, quizzes, and virtual workshops. These activities allow remote employees to connect, even when they can’t meet in person.
For example, a remote team could organize a virtual escape room challenge. This allows team members who have never met face-to-face to work together to solve puzzles. Data shows that even virtual connections can strengthen relationships.
Hybrid Activities
Hybrid activities mix in-person and virtual elements, making them flexible for all employees. These activities ensure everyone can participate, no matter where they are.
For instance, you could host a hybrid team-building day. While some employees gather in the office, others can join via video call. Everyone participates in the same activities, no matter where they are.
Leveraging Automated Solutions for Team Building
Streamlining Event Planning
Automated solutions make planning team-building activities easier. From scheduling to sending invitations, technology saves time and reduces stress.
Your company could use an automated platform to manage your events. The software could do the following tasks:
- Track RSVPs
- Send reminders
- Collect feedback
They could make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Facilitating Engagement Tracking
Tracking engagement is critical to measuring the success of team-building activities. Automated tools gather data on participation and feedback.
For example, surveys can be used to measure employee enjoyment. This helps you see what works and what doesn’t. You could get feedback after every event to tailor future activities for maximum impact.
Personalized Experiences
Automation can also create personalized experiences for team-building activities. Utilize software that tailors activities based on employee preferences. Then, you can ensure that everyone feels included.
For instance, a company might gather employee interests before planning activities. Then, it could host a mix of events, from competitive games to creative workshops, resulting in higher engagement.
Adapting to Changing Employee Needs
Recognizing Diverse Workforces
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective team building. Automated solutions can help identify and address various employee needs.
By analyzing data from employee surveys, HR leaders can see which activities work best for different groups. This approach ensures that everyone feels valued and included in team-building efforts.
Flexibility in Activities
Employees’ preferences can change, so flexibility is essential. Automated tools let you modify activities based on real-time feedback.
For example, maybe employees prefer outdoor activities during certain seasons. You can quickly adjust your plans to meet their needs.
Key Points
Team Building Activities are essential for improving communication, boosting morale, and encouraging collaboration. Automated solutions streamline the process. They can track engagement and create personalized experiences for a diverse workforce.
Investing in team building isn’t just about fun—it strengthens your organization for the future. So, what are you waiting for? Learn more here, and start planning your next team-building activity and watch your team grow!
by Emily Hric | May 22, 2024 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we reflect on “Building Positive Company Culture.” We consider what the phrase means. We also contemplate its profound connection to mental well-being in the workplace. A positive company culture isn’t just about perks and policies. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Imagine a workplace where employees are not just colleagues but a cohesive team. It is where conflicts are resolved respectfully, and everyone feels valued and motivated. This is the essence of a positive company culture. It plays a pivotal role in shaping employee relations.
Here, Launchways delves into some of the best practices for HR professionals in small businesses. This includes leveraging automated solutions where applicable. Read on as we examine what it takes to cultivate and maintain a positive company culture.
Understanding Employee Relations in Building Positive Company Culture
Employee relations refer to interactions between employees and their employers. They focus on fostering a positive work environment. In the context of mental health, a positive company culture fosters open communication, reduces stigma around mental health issues, and promotes work-life balance.
Effective employee relations are vital for employee engagement and retention. They have a direct impact on productivity and overall company success.
Best Practices for Managing Employee Relations
Clear Communication Channels
Clear and transparent communication is the cornerstone of building positive company culture. As HR professionals, communication is vital. Communication channels between management and employees should be open, honest, and easily accessible.
HR professionals can create channels for employees to express their needs without fear of judgment. This can include anonymous feedback systems or dedicated support channels.
Setting up regular team meetings can often significantly improve team collaboration and morale. Utilizing communication tools can help with that.
Guide Positively
Positive guidance plays a crucial role in building positive company culture. It shapes employee behavior and attitudes toward company values. HR professionals can guide employees positively by leading by example. They can offer the following:
- Mental health workshops
- Mentorship opportunities
- Resilience training
HR can also provide constructive feedback and promote self-care practices among employees.
For instance, implement a mentorship program. This will not only help new hires acclimate faster but also foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Interview For Culture Fit
Hire employees who align with the company’s culture and values. This can be key to building positive company culture. During interviews, focus not only on skills and experience but also on assessing cultural fit.
Ask questions that gauge a candidate’s alignment with your company’s values. For example, assess their strategies for managing stress. Ask them to elaborate on their potential contributions to a positive work culture.
Employee Feedback and Recognition
Soliciting feedback from employees is essential for boosting morale and engagement. Implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys or suggestion boxes. Recognize and reward efforts that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace. These could include participation in wellness activities or initiatives promoting work-life balance.
Remember to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance.
Consider using automated recognition programs to streamline the process. That ensures consistency in recognizing employees’ efforts.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Building a positive company culture includes proactively addressing conflict. Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. How they are handled, however, can significantly impact company culture. Ensure that conflicts are resolved in a respectful and supportive manner.
Implement effective conflict resolution techniques such as active listening, mediation, and problem-solving discussions.
Utilize automated tools for tracking and managing conflicts. That helps to ensure timely resolution and minimize disruptions to workflow.
Leveraging Technology for Employee Relations
How can leveraging technology help when building positive company culture? Integrating technology and automation into employee relations practices can streamline HR processes. It helps improve overall efficiency. Explore HR software. Seek platforms that facilitate employee communication, feedback collection, and conflict resolution.
These tools not only save time but also enhance the employee experience. They do this by providing easy access to essential HR resources.
Benefits of Automated Solutions in Employee Relations
Automated solutions offer numerous benefits in managing employee relations. They improve efficiency by reducing manual tasks, minimize errors, and ensure consistency in HR processes.
Take, for example, automated onboarding processes. These can help new hires feel welcomed and integrated from day one. That contributes to a positive first impression of the company.
Key Points
As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, consider the importance of company culture. Building a positive company culture goes hand in hand with supporting employees’ mental well-being. Building and maintaining a positive company culture requires proactive effort. It requires the adoption of best practices in employee relations.
By leveraging the following, HR professionals can create a thriving work environment. Employees feel valued and motivated when offered:
- Clear communication
- Positive guidance
- Cultural fit upon hiring
- Feedback and recognition
- Conflict resolution strategies
Leveraging technology and automation where applicable streamlines HR processes. That enhances the overall employee experience.
By doing this consistently, small business owners and HR leaders can build a positive workplace culture. This culture will attract top talent, foster teamwork, and drive success. Learn more here.
Building a positive company culture is not just a goal. It’s a continuous journey toward creating a fulfilling and productive work environment for everyone. Embracing mental health as a core aspect of building a positive company culture benefits employees. It also contributes to a more resilient and productive organization overall.
by Jim Taylor | Jan 16, 2024 | Employee Engagement, Human Resources, Leadership
In 2023, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, sounded an alarm about a workplace loneliness epidemic affecting mental and physical health. As we stand on the brink of the new year, the emphasis on synergy has never been more critical.
What is synergy? Synergy is the collaborative melding of minds toward a shared goal. This can be challenging amid rising employee loneliness. With uncertainties about remote work stability, return to the office, and labor pool dynamics, leaders should prioritize synergy.
Whether your team continues working remotely, shifts to a hybrid model, or returns to in-person arrangements, it’s essential to have a strong plan to boost collaboration and connection. This robust strategy is crucial for reaching organizational goals in the upcoming year.
The workplace landscape is evolving, and adaptation is critical. Change is inevitable, and acknowledging and embracing these shifts is crucial as we step into the new year. Leaders need to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Building Synergy in the Workplace: Strategies for Effective Team Collaboration
Creating synergy is no easy feat. To achieve synergy, teams must collaborate effectively. It involves aligning diverse personalities, skills, and people across different places. It’s not just about working together but understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique perspectives.
Encouraging open communication and creating a culture of mutual respect lays the foundation for a collaborative environment. With the right approach and intention, achieving synergy and teamwork becomes possible. This is regardless of your team’s composition.
Remote Work Realities
Remote work has become a significant part of our professional lives. Although it offers multiple benefits, it brings its own set of challenges.
For example, loneliness can be pervasive among remote workers. Effective communication is the backbone of synergy in the workplace.
Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities
To foster synergy, organizations must address this issue head-on. Leaders need to prioritize transparent and open communication channels. Introduce virtual team-building activities. Consistently stay in touch. That can help overcome the challenges posed by physical distance.
Regular check-ins and team meetings foster a culture that values feedback. It contributes to an atmosphere where ideas can easily circulate. Here, everyone’s voice is acknowledged.
By incorporating these practices, teams can strengthen their bonds. They can enhance collaboration, even when separated by geographical distances. This not only enhances collaboration but also strengthens team bonds.
Innovative Tools and Technologies
In the tech-driven world, leveraging tools and technologies is essential for effective collaboration. Tools, such as project management platforms and virtual meeting software, play a crucial role in simplifying communication. They can make collaboration smoother within the workplace.
By incorporating these technologies, companies can create an environment where teams can work together more efficiently. They can ensure that tasks are organized and communication is streamlined. Collaborative efforts will also be enhanced.
Investing in tools improves productivity and contributes to a more cohesive and effective working environment. These innovations create synergy in the workplace. They empower teams to work seamlessly, regardless of their physical location.
Cultivating Synergy in the Workplace: Keys to Employee Engagement
Work culture significantly influences team synergy. A positive and inclusive culture fosters employee engagement, leading to better collaboration. Encourage a sense of belonging by recognizing achievements, promoting diversity, and creating a work environment where everyone feels valued. When employees are happy and engaged, synergy naturally follows.
Key Takeaways for 2024
As we embark on the journey into 2024, it’s crucial to distill the key insights for creating workplace synergy:
- Embrace change and adapt to the evolving workplace landscape.
- Foster effective team collaboration by understanding individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Address the challenges of remote work, prioritizing communication and team-building.
- Enhance communication channels to create a transparent and open dialogue.
- Leverage innovative tools and technologies to empower team collaboration.
- Cultivate a positive work culture that promotes employee engagement.
In the coming year, leaders who prioritize synergy will not only navigate uncertainties but also lead their teams to success. As we focus on creating a collaborative and connected workplace, the dividends in employee satisfaction and organizational achievements will undoubtedly be significant. Here’s to 2024!
by Jim Taylor | Oct 9, 2023 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention
Employee morale plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics and outcomes of a workplace. Simply put, when employees are content and motivated, they tend to be more engaged, creative, and productive.
Conversely, a dip in morale can lead to disengagement, increased absenteeism, and a higher turnover rate. All of which can spell trouble for an organization’s success.
Therefore, employers need to gauge and grasp the morale of their employees to foster a positive and thriving work atmosphere.
Chicago-based company, Launchways, has delved into the importance of measuring morale in the workplace. We offer this insight.
Why Measure Employee Morale?
Employee engagement is essential for a company’s success. To effectively attract and retain top talent, organizations should begin by assessing whether their current employees are happy. That helps employers know how to keep valuable employees.
Workplace morale affects the following:
- Productivity and Performance: When employees are satisfied and motivated, they are more inclined to invest their best efforts and produce high-quality work.
- Employee Retention: Employees who find content at work are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Engagement and Innovation: A positive work environment nurtures a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Measuring Employee Engagement
To gauge employee satisfaction, many employers continue to rely on employee engagement surveys. But lately, employee engagement has been at its lowest point in nearly ten years. Employers start to wonder if the usual surveys really show what employees think.
Instead of using the same old surveys, employers should think about new ways to see how engaged employees are. It’s also important to improve the surveys to make sure they show how employees truly feel. Here are a few ideas that can help employers better understand employee engagement.
Updating Employee Engagement Surveys
When done properly, regular employee surveys can still effectively measure employee engagement. A few factors to consider for updating your surveys:
- Keep surveys short and timely. Send short 3-5 question polls for specific activities or occurrences. Reserve long surveys for annual or bi-annual reviews.
- Be concise and clear about what you are asking. Simple questions often get the best answers.
- Invite feedback and suggestions. Leaving an open-ended feedback section allows employees to provide additional information. This ensures they feel heard.
Although surveys are probably the most popular method for measuring employee satisfaction, they aren’t the only one. To get a holistic view of engagement in your organization, consider including the following options.
One-on-One Meetings
Many workers don’t feel heard when they only have a few pre-written multiple-choice answers to choose from. Conducting one-on-one interviews with employees offers valuable insights into their morale. Such interviews provide employees with a confidential space to express their concerns and emotions.
Companies should provide managers with the proper training to lead these meetings in a way that ensures employees feel heard and respected.
Company Forum or Chat Channel
Creating a “forum” where employees can discuss current business issues may promote broader discussions. This form of communication allows employers and HR leaders to identify current problems. They can use that information to initiate real conversations to work toward real solutions.
Tracking Metrics
Tracking employee behavior over time can serve as an indicator of morale. Consider monitoring the following and investigating their root causes.
- Employee Turnover Rates
- Absenteeism and Sick Leave
- Performance Metrics
Identifying patterns can help organizations unearth and address underlying issues.
The Takeaway
Today’s employees know what their priorities are. By measuring employee engagement and morale, employers can improve their ability to attract and retain talent. This enhances the company culture and creates an environment where workers feel valued.
This, in turn, benefits not only employees but also the organization as a whole. In the grand scheme of things, the question “Are your employees happy?” should invariably top the priority list of every organization wishing to create a thriving and productive workplace. For more insight, check out Employer/Employee Relations: Who’s in Control?
by Christine Lewis | Feb 27, 2019 | Employee Engagement, Human Resources
Whether you are looking to solve a retention problem or just
want to pump up your already effective team, do not pass up the opportunity to
show your employees what they mean to you on National Employee Appreciation
Day, March 1st. There are many ways to make your team members feel genuinely
appreciated, both on the day itself and through the rest of the year.
In this article we will explore why employee appreciation is
important and how you can make the most of Employee Appreciation Day this year,
as well as ideas you can implement for next year:
- Why You Should Celebrate Employee Appreciation
Day
- Think Outside of the Box
- Follow Your Culture
- Think Long Term
- Pitfalls to Avoid
Why You Should Celebrate
Employee Appreciation Day
Your employees are what makes your company run; they are
ultimately responsible for every success, every goal accomplished and every
product or service. That’s something that is worth some appreciation. Beyond
deserving it, your employees also need recognition in order to perform at their
best so that you can achieve future successes. No one likes to feel like they
are a cog in a machine, being used for their labor and not appreciated for the
contributions that they are making. Even simple gestures can make a huge
difference in employee satisfaction, performance, and retention.
The fact of the matter is that about half of all employees would
leave their jobs for a company that gives employees more recognition for
their accomplishments, while eight out of ten employees say that being
recognized motivates them at their jobs.
At a time in which companies are struggling to provide
meaningful work and retain top talent, showing appreciation can be a cheap and
rewarding path to a more effective, sustainable team. That is why you should
use this National Employee Appreciation Day as an opportunity to take concrete
steps to building a happier more effective workforce. But how should you go
about showing your employees that you appreciate them?
Get Creative and Personal
Especially since March 1st is rapidly
approaching, do not be afraid to get a bit creative with your celebrations. You
do not have to do anything too major or complicated to celebrate National
Employee Appreciation Day, so long as it seems genuine and personal. Office
pizza is always nice, but it doesn’t really show that you care. At the risk of
sounding seriously cheesy (no pun intended), you want to fill your employees’
hearts and not just their stomachs. But don’t be too serious – the more fun you
have planning the celebrations, the more enjoyable and rewarding they will be
for your employees.
Your employees will feel significantly more appreciated and
valued the more personal and unexpected your methods are. If they are surprised
by the celebrations, your message will seem much more genuine. And the more
directly the appreciation comes from the company leadership or employees’
managers, the more heartfelt and effective it will be. You shouldn’t just
implement an idea that you find online in this or any other article – take time
to make it your own and your employees will appreciate the extra effort.
Also get personal when it comes to your employees; if your
team is small enough, tailor your messages, programming, and giveaways to
individual team members’ interests. If you are a larger company, get managers
involved so that they can come up with special ways to celebrate their teams.
Time might be short for this year, but even just getting managers to write a
personalized note to each of their team members, and letting managers choose
their team’s treat and activity for March 1st, is a quick and easy
way to make your employees feel truly appreciated.
Above all, remember that there is no right answer so feel
free to celebrate your employees in the way that works best for your company.
Just make sure that you come across as genuine, and that your celebrations are
in line with your company’s values.
Follow Your Culture
Speaking of company values, the best way to make sure that
your appreciation comes across as genuine is to express it in a way that aligns
with your company culture, mission, and vision. Sending a message that
conflicts with your company culture would be jarring and dishearten rather than
engage your employees.
The reason why you should follow your company culture is
that you will reinforce what already makes employees dedicated to their jobs.
If your employees buy into your company culture, then that means that they
share your values and care about their work largely because of the company’s
mission and vision. Celebrating those values when showing your appreciation for
your employees will create a grounded, consistent message that makes your
employees more confident in their choice to work at your company.
Similarly, it is important to avoid showing your
appreciation by just making your employees work less, or in any other way that
downplays the importance of what the company is doing. You want the focus to be
on the good work that your employees do, and your appreciation for that work,
not on making your employees happy by just giving them a break. It is important
for all companies not to downplay work on National Employee Appreciation Day. Consider
using the day to provide insight into what the company is doing, why it is
doing it, and how the team members contribute to those goals.
If, on the other hand, you have a robust company culture and
engaged workforce, your team members will already be proud of what they are
doing and will want their managers and company leadership to be proud of it
too. They will not want to work less, but be recognized for their work. Use the
Employee Appreciation Day to acknowledge and praise employee contributions
towards the company mission/vision, steps they have taken to safeguard the
company culture, and other meaningful contributions that they have made.
Think Long Term
No matter how much you celebrate your employees on March 1st,
long term engagement and satisfaction can only come from long term
appreciation. That is why you should take the opportunity to announce new
policies or programs that will engage and reward your employees year round.
If you already have a change in policies in the works that
might benefit employees, consider rolling the change out as part of the your
Employee Appreciation Day celebrations. This will help frame the policies as
being meant to benefit and reward employees. Even if you are not ready to
implement changes, consider announcing them accompanied with a rough roll-out
schedule.
Even if you do not have any changes in mind yet, consider
simple policies that you can announce on Employee Appreciation Day. Weekly
“props” at team meetings, other informal peer recognition policies, and monthly
appreciation events do not take much to set up and can be announced this year.
You can also start planning for other long term changes to introduce next
Employee Appreciation Day. Some examples of larger projects to start planning
include:
- Employee Gamification: allow team members to
earn points for various perks in exchange for accomplishments
- Competitions: reward top performing individuals
or teams for accomplishing specific goals
- New Benefits: gym memberships, zoo or museum
passes, and other quality-of-life perks
- Work Structure: introduce flexible work hours,
telecommuting options, or Summer Fridays
Avoid These Common
Pitfalls
While the best way to show your employees how much you
appreciate them depends on your company and there are no “right” answers, there
are some common mistakes that you should absolutely avoid. Two in particular
are sure to make your employees angry instead of making them feel valued:
First, don’t just send a card or email and fail to show your
appreciation in any more concrete or active way. While it is important to say
thank you, a form message from HR or the CEO never makes employees feel warm
and fuzzy about their jobs. That is not to say that you shouldn’t have the CEO
send a message about the company’s recent accomplishments and future plans, and
thanking employees for their contributions to both. Just make sure that the
content is meaningful and that it is accompanied by some form of action that
further makes your employees feel valued, listened to, and appreciated.
Second, do not roll out programs that are just obvious, and
insufficient, work incentives. Contests and gamification can be great ways to
engage your employees and reward them for hard work. Just make sure that they
are clearly intended to make employees’ jobs more fun and rewarding not to
encourage them to work harder and sacrifice more than they already are. People
can generally tell what your real motivation is so make sure that any incentive
programs come from a desire to make the company a more rewarding place to work.
Key Takeaways
National Employee Appreciation Day is your chance to have
fun, show your employees how much they mean to you, and launch programs to make
your employees feel valued year round. Get as creative and personal as you can,
emphasize your company culture, and genuinely thank your employees for their
contributions to the company mission and vision and you will reap the rewards
of employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Just remember to:
- Be creative and personal
- Align your celebrations with the company culture
- Celebrate employee accomplishments and
contributions to the company mission/vision
- Implement long-term programs to show
appreciation for your employees
And most of all, don’t forget to have fun. Share your favorite, wackiest employee appreciation ideas in the comments section below.
