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Employees are happier when their employer cares about their overall well-being. Your company’s best asset is your people, but they have to realize it as well. It’s easy to let employee appreciation fall to the wayside. Recognition doesn’t have to be extravagant. Here are some simple things you can do to show your employees some appreciation.

Write a Thank-You Note

The most effective way to show your appreciation is with a thank-you note. It’s the easiest way to show your employees that you appreciate them. A little thank-you goes a long way. Your employees will remember that you took the time to thank them and that you recognized their hard work and effort.

A thank-you note doesn’t take long to write. While you can type it out, a handwritten note is much more personal. Something as little as a Post-It note on their computer desk will put a smile on their face. This will motivate them to work even harder.

Public Recognition

During your weekly meeting, congratulate your employees for their accomplishments. Celebrate your employee wins outside of the office by holding an annual recognition awards ceremony. Find the perfect award that you want to hand out to your employees. They are often made out of glass, metal, or wood.

Your employees will feel special when receiving an award. They’ll feel as if their hard work has finally paid off. They’ll also appreciate that you took the time to congratulate them. You can also make a point to congratulate your employees whenever there is a new of a new baby, engagement, or a new house. It can also range from their kids having a music recital to winning a pinewood derby. Celebrating these milestones will show your employees that you care about them outside of work.

Make it Personal

Maybe one of your employees loves going to the movies every weekend. Instead of giving a gift card to the coffee shop, give them a pair of movie tickets instead. Make note of your employees’ hobbies and personal interests. This can help you tailor gifts that are more meaningful. Create a survey for your colleagues to make note of their favorite things.

Give a Gift That Keeps on Giving

Provide career coaching and ongoing training so that your employees can keep learning and improving on their skills. Not providing either of these programs can reduce employee morale as well as decrease motivation within the workplace. Take the time to talk to each of your employees about their personal and career goals. Give them opportunities that allow them to grow and get where they need to.

Build a Relationship With Them

Your employees will feel more than a number if you take the time to get to know them. Develop relationships with each of your employees to show that you actually care about them. Ask them how their weekend was, about their families and interests, and not just about the work they’re doing. This will show them that they’re more than just a number to you.

Give Them Free Work Perks

Throw in a few work perks for your employees. This will motivate them to work harder and to stay at your company. You can include work perks such as free massages or yoga classes. Your employees will thank you for giving them programs and resources that can help them improve in all areas of their life.

Other perks include offering financial programs and investor education. This shows you’re willing to invest in programs that they care about. One simple perk is to give them some time off. It doesn’t have to be the whole day, but leaving early on a Friday can be a great treat. Letting your employees off early improves morale.

Small Tokens of Gratitude

Small tokens of appreciation can go a long way with your employees. If one of your employees loves coffee, give them a gift card to the local coffee shop. For that employee who adores tea, give them a gift basket with their favorite teas. Include a note with your gift, thanking them for their hard work and effort. A verbal thank-you is just as effective. These small tokens of gratitude will stick out in your employees’ minds.

There is something to be said about employee appreciation. Employees are 38% more engaged when they’re appreciated. In addition, 78% of employees revealed they would work harder if their boss showed more appreciation at work. As you can see, showing appreciation doesn’t have to be difficult. While a simple thank-you will suffice, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box either.