Source: The Washington Post / Getty
NATIONAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
National Employee Appreciation Day on the first Friday in March each year focuses attention on employees in all industries. Employers across the country in business and organizations plan employee recognition and celebrations. Employee achievement and contributions are honored.
Employees are one of a company’s greatest assets. Recognition and appreciation are known as one of the key motivational factors in the workplace. An employer may show their gratitude for an employee’s efforts and contributions to the goals of the company in a variety of ways. Many organizations include employee appreciation as part of their business structure. It shows how much they value their employees and keeps morale high in the workplace. Employers who express employee appreciation tend to increase employee job satisfaction as well.
While showing your employees how much you appreciate them, ask them how they like to be thanked. Employers might find a general consensus of three or four ways that might best serve your industry overall. It might also save some head-scratching, too. Did you go over budget on an ice sundae bar last year when what you’re team really likes are discounted services to the local chiropractor? In the spirit of enthusiasm, consider the nature of your business and how your employees celebrate, too.
While employees’ personalities differ, most employees are goal-driven people. Earning an award, a thank you or recognition motivates them to reach even higher goals to the benefit of any business or organization.
Source: John Leyba / Getty
HOW TO OBSERVE #EmployeeAppreciationDay
Great Ways To Show Your Employees Some Appreciation
- Be Flexible – Flexibility goes a long way in this virtual reality world. If possible within your industry, allowing a little flexibility can reap huge benefits when you need last-minute work done.
- A Thank You Note – When a job has been done well, a heartfelt, hand-written thank you means more than a slap on the back or an e-mail sent off at the end of the day.
- Team Effort Celebration – If the team pulled together and made it happen, reward them with an office pizza party, casual dress day or even close the office early so they can spend some well-earned time with family.
- Get Caught – Make sure the employee hears you telling someone else you thought they did a great job.
- Create a Culture of Encouragement – Employees who expand their horizons bring new skills to your workforce and will encourage others to do so too. Praise their achievements and encourage others to pursue their goals.
If you have employees, be sure to show them some appreciation and use #EmployeeAppreciationDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY
In 1995, Bob Nelson, a founding Recognition Professional International board member, together with his publishing company, Workman Publishing, created National Employee Appreciation Day.
source: National Day Calendar
