5 Great Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

Hey everyone! Today, we want to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the employees out there who make a difference every day. At Spark Group, we understand the vital role that employees play in achieving our mission, and we want to recognize and thank each and every one of them.

Employee appreciation isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for creating a positive work environment and boosting productivity. Studies show that when employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. They are also more likely to stay with their current employer and recommend their workplace to others.

Often overworked and overwhelmed leaders arrive at Employee Appreciation Day and think, “Oh crap! I need to go get something!”

Let me save you the trip to the store!

Employee appreciation is actually not about things. Employees don’t feel appreciated if they have been micro-managed or ignored all year and then suddenly they get a gift card to Starbucks. It is more of a long game!

Here are five great ways to show employee appreciation.

Pay competitive wages

This first one is a biggie and you might be thinking, “Sure, but where do I get the money!?” but employees feel appreciated when they are paid what they are worth. Make competitive pay a strategic objective and employees will take notice. In fact, you might find the funds to cover higher wages simply by taking a hard look at how much you spend annually on turnover costs!

Provide flexible benefits

One of the gifts from COVID-19 was that many organizations realized that remote work was possible! Employees experienced the benefits of working from home, and now they want that to continue. Not only that, but there is a lot of research these days on other benefits, like the 4-day work week or unlimited time off. Maybe, while you are working on raising salaries you can begin to provide so of these great benefits!

Connect to their ‘why’

Nonprofit employees are motivated by a drive to give back to the community or to advance an issue. However, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle and forget why a TPS report connects to the overall mission of the organization. Take time to understand why your employees work at your organization– this could be during one-on-ones or at your staff meetings. Simply cultivating a practice of asking staff to reflect on their ‘why’ reminds the team that they are in this line of work for a larger purpose and they are making a big difference!

Autonomy

You did the hard work to find the best members for your team, now trust them to do their job! Rather than directing your team with phrases like, “You will…” or  “MY vision is …” ask for their opinions! You could start modeling this when you create your annual goals, “What do YOU think you would like to focus on this year?” and then follow up in your regular meetings throughout the year by asking, “What support do you need from me in order to succeed?” 

Recognition

If you asked your team if they work in the nonprofit sector for the recognition they would probably so ‘no!’ However, I’m sure you could think of a time when your leader noticed your hard work and praised in either in person or infront of the team. It feels good! Make a habit of noticing your teams’ efforts and letting them know you appreciate their work.

So, to all the employers out there,  I encourage you to take a moment today to show your employees how much you appreciate them. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; a simple thank you note or recognition in a team meeting can go a long way.

And if you're looking for ways to improve employee appreciation in your organization, we're here to help. Our Spark Group specializes in creating positive work environments that foster employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your organization thrive. 

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