What’s the best way to let a great employee know they are valued and appreciated? Although money may seem like the obvious choice (and a good one if you can spare it), there are plenty of other options that require no cash at all. In fact, research shows that being recognized for a job well done matters more to people than money.
Here are nine ideas to show your staff that the good work they’re doing is not going unnoticed.
- Recognize an employee who has gone above and beyond by mentioning his or her contribution at the beginning of your next meeting. Making this a public shout out can mean a great deal.
- Share the progress that individuals or teams are making on various projects in a company-wide email.
- Privately pull aside an employee to express your sincere thanks for working hard, pushing through a problem or handling a difficult situation with tact. Or, write a handwritten note to this effect that they can keep.
- Have a bulletin board where employees can jot down quick notes acknowledging the efforts of their peers.
- Consider if you can upgrade a deserving employee’s job title to be more reflective of what they do.
- For significant accomplishments, write a short summary of what an employee achieved and submit it to your local paper.
- Offer to spontaneously give a good worker the afternoon or day off.
- Have a funny trophy to signify someone’s special accomplishment that can be passed along from person to person. Or, surprise an employee by putting a big, gold star on his or her desk.
- Ask employees what they suggest for how you can recognize their work in meaningful ways.
Taking the time to recognize and reward good employees can go a long way in retaining your best talent, plus it just feels good to make someone’s day. So don’t miss these opportunities – especially when they can be done so inexpensively and have such great impact.
Susan Bryant is a writer and editor who enjoys working on diverse subject matter and collaborating on interesting projects. She can be contacted at susanbryant7@gmail.com.