Companies and businesses would simply not survive without the the help and support of someone special in their corner. Who is that someone special? Their EMPLOYEES! Although it shouldn’t be minimized to just one day a year, a special day has been set aside to celebrate and acknowledge this special group of people, essential to employers. Friday, March 1, is Employee Appreciation Day.
What A Great Idea!
In 1995, Dr. Bob Nelson, a founding member of Recognition Professionals International, celebrated the publication of his book 1,001 Ways to Reward Employees. The day reminded employers to thank their employees when they do good work. He also had done his doctoral dissertation on why managers do or do not recognize their employees, and has since helped thousands of companies breed a culture of recognition within their organization, realizing significant impacts on employee retention, performance and the ability to attract talent.
Employee Appreciation Day has become an opportunity for managers, company leadership, and HR to remember the importance of appreciating employees.
Benefits of Employee Appreciation
Having employees that feel valued and appreciated has proven to be beneficial for many reasons, such as:
- According to a study by Workhuman and Gallup, employees who feel appreciated are 56% less likely to look for a new job.
- Boosts morale and job satisfaction
- Enhances retention
- Increases productivity
- Fosters a positive culture
- Promotes innovation
Employee appreciation is not just a nice-to-have gesture; its a fundamental component of a thriving and healthy workplace!
What is Employee Appreciation?
Simply put, employee appreciation acknowledges team members’ contributions and efforts to the workplace. Appreciating employees makes them feel valued and makes a huge difference in morale and staff retention. Good employees should be acknowledged with proper recognition, and a display of appreciation is critical in making someone feel like an essential and valuable part of one’s team.
Employee appreciation shouldn’t be limited to numbered days of the year, or on the first Friday each March (Employee Appreciation Day). Employee appreciation should be embedded in the fabric of one’s company’s culture.
Ways To Show Employee Appreciation
Sometimes it’s just the little things that make a big difference. Here are some ideas:
- Celebrate birthdays
- Recognize work anniversaries
- Honor your team on Employee Appreciation Day
- Appreciate and get to know your team’s passions
- Holiday gifts
- Build a culture of trust
- Provide learning opportunities and encourage growth
- Create family-friendly work schedules
- Give props from the top!
- Promotions and raises
- Listen to your employees
- Pay attention to the vibe and act accordingly
- Give them a paid day off, or time off, just for being a great employee
- Just say thank you – daily!
Employee appreciation is not just a feel-good practice; it’s a strategic investment in your organization’s success. It leads to a happier, more loyal, and productive workforce, fostering a positive work environment where everyone can thrive!
Fellowship Fleet Limousine and Bus Company is ready to provide your transportation on this and any other day, for that special employee or someone else. Click HERE to make a reservation!
