Despite our challenges, we all have a lot to be thankful for. It’s been a bumpy ride for employers that has been smoothed out by your loyal workers who have kept going no matter how hard it’s been. This year, it’s time to pull out all the stops and let your employees know that you are in this with them and you appreciate their fortitude and support in one of the most difficult years we’ve seen in a long time.
Here are some ways you can show your workers you appreciate them this holiday season.
Many of our workers are still remote, and with many restaurants and bars restricting entry, it may be tougher this year to find a place for everyone to gather together. If you choose to hold a traditional dinner or get together, great. If not, there are other things you can do to show your appreciation to workers. For example:
- Have your managers write letters to their employees. Depending on the size of your company, your management team might be able to write personal notes to their workers to thank them for all they’ve done this year. While this may or may not come with a holiday bonus or a gift card, it’s a personalized way to say thanks to your teams.
- Send customized gift baskets to your workers. If your team is still remote and uncomfortable gathering together, send a personalized gift or goodie basket to your team members to show your appreciation.
- Tack on some extra time off next year as a way to reward your employees. Or, offer them flex-time to either work from home or perhaps take a little extra time for themselves during the holiday. We’ve all been operating under a high level of stress; this year, getting a little extra time off work would likely be appreciated.
- You can also fill the month with little events that motivate. Have an ugly sweater contest or do a white elephant gift exchange. What about having managers taking turns bringing in snacks like cookies or hot cocoa? You could even have a holiday mask contest. Many of these things could work even in your team is remote.
- Have an employee appreciation day in December to show the COVID-19 virus that it didn’t beat your team! Designating one day exclusively for lower-level workers instead of those higher up on the food chain will be an encouraging and motivating way to show workers that you care about them. You could do a town hall video conference with your CEO to spread confidence and goodwill about the company.
- It’s also a good time to sit down (virtually or not) with employees to map out their career goals. What are their goals for next year? Where do they seem themselves going in the future? Your managers should receive training on how to do this in a way that lets workers know that you care about what matters to them.
- It’s also a good time to send out a thank you to your valued customers. Even a customized card is a great way to let your clients know how much you appreciated their business this year.
If your company is larger and feels comfortable gathering, a holiday party is a great idea. Providing bonuses or gift cards is important to show how much you appreciate everyone. If your workers are remote, consider sending a company themed present to their home—who doesn’t like to receive a gift from the Amazon-Santa?
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