One out of every four workers suffers from burnout, according to a recent survey.
Take a look at your team, or your whole business. Now imagine one in every four of those workers is gone. It would have a huge impact on your business, wouldn’t it?
Keeping employees motivated at work and staying attuned to their needs has never been more important. The Staples Advantage Workplace Index also shows that 27 percent of U.S. workers are loyal to their job because they feel appreciated at work, and 26 percent say recognition is one of their top three motivators.
Just saying thank you can go a long way. Gratitude should be ingrained within your company culture – and it shouldn’t be reserved for the rainmakers and up-and-comers. Show appreciation to all employees. Every person within your organization matters.
Of course, recognition and appreciation should be year-round efforts. There are a myriad ways to reward and recognize your employees, but the holidays are an ideal time to thank them. Here are some gift ideas.
- The category “tech accessories” encompasses a wide spectrum of products. With so many choices, shopping can be overwhelming. Select items like speakers and tablet stands, or chargers and carrying cases to fit any audience.
- Looking great while wearing comfortable is the latest trend in high-performance athletic wear and leisure clothing. For accessories, that might mean replacing your old briefcase or purse with a more casual and versatile bag that can easily transition from work to weekend.
- Gift cards make gift-giving a snap, because they take the guesswork out of shopping. Including gift cards with a personalized holiday card gives them greater significance and makes them more memorable. Think about including them in gift sets with a small item like a mug, tote, or earbuds for a physical reminder that will last after the cards are spent.
- Always give gifts to groups instead of individuals. Shareable gifts send a much more inclusive, welcoming message that's good for morale. They're subject to much more lenient cost restrictions, too. That’s why branded holiday treats are so popular; they can be enjoyed by an entire department or organization. Premium chocolates, coffees and candies are always appreciated this time of year.
Beyond the Gift Box
Gifts aren’t the only way to keep your employees feeling appreciated and engaged. According to the Staples Advantage Workplace Index, several other factors affect worker happiness. These factors can be addressed any time of year:
- Workplace design and aesthetics
- Telecommuting and flex-time options
- Opportunities to take a break during the day
If you feel like some of the items on the list above could use some attention within your organization, don’t get overwhelmed. Little changes can go a long way, and with a new year just around the corner, now could be a great time to start something your employees will love.
Get creative when approaching these issues – and make sure your employees feel included in finding the right solutions. If a complete workplace renovation is not in the budget, ask your workers’ input on what single change would most help them feel more productive and focused on the job.
Foster a more nurturing and creative company culture by making breaks possible and fun. Encourage staff to step away from their desks. You can even host weekly or monthly events that will draw them away, such as yoga sessions or visits from local food trucks. Stock your office break room with fun activities, such as adult coloring books, which will help employees de-stress for a few minutes and come back to their desks feeling refreshed. Add to their sense of community by providing branded apparel, like sweatshirts or T-shirts, at least once a year. Happy workers will wear these items with pride.
You’d be surprised at how simple tactics like these can keep your employees feeling fired up about their jobs. Help them stay happy and they will be more than just employees, they will be loyal brand ambassadors for years to come.
Employee engagement and recognition should be a year-round effort, but a little extra “oomph” at the end of the year is always a good reminder to your team how much you value them. Now is a good time to start planning and executing fun and creative ideas to say thanks to the most important asset in your company.
