When it comes to keeping your staff motivated, recognition goes a long way. Going out of your way to show your permanent team and your short-term hires through staffing agencies in Painesville, Ohio, that you value their contributions boosts morale. In turn, this can increase feelings of loyalty, leading to higher productivity.
Showing your employees that you appreciate them during and after the COVID-19 pandemic can be a little tricky. This is especially true if you’ve asked your staff to go above and beyond in recent months, as generic offerings and platitudes may breed resentment, not feelings of goodwill.
Luckily, it is possible to showcase your gratitude in a way that will resonate. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some options that are most likely to be universally well-received.
Offer Additional Paid Time Off
If your employees have genuinely been giving their all, striving to exceed expectations while also adjusting to the rapid changes in their work norms, consider rewarding them with additional paid time off. It’s an ideal way to show your appreciation, as it directly acknowledges their diligence and that they deserve a chance to relax and rejuvenate.
This is also incredibly beneficial if many of your employees had to spend most of their paid time off to deal with struggles related to COVID-19. For example, many professionals had to spend time caring for ill loved ones or had to use leave when their children suddenly had to be homeschooled.
Paid time off can help you reduce the chances that your workforce will burnout. This could be especially important as many states are seeing a resurgence of the coronavirus, and some experts predict a second wave is on the horizon. You can provide a reward while supporting their well-being, and that can go a long way when you want to show your appreciation.
Give a Helpful Gift
Small gifts can be a great option when you want to recognize your team’s dedication. However, you have to choose them wisely.
While approaches like candy bar puns – such as handing out an Almond Joy candy bar and thanking them for all of the joy they bring – might have been okay before, it may not be well-received now. As a reward, it feels disproportionate to many professionals based on the situations that arose during the pandemic.
Instead, if you’re going the gift route, select something that genuinely provides your employees with value. Gift cards can be a great choice, particularly if you choose major retailers or local restaurants. It’s even better if the places offer pick-up or delivery options, allowing your employees to benefit from the gift card while reducing their risk.
When in doubt, Visa or Mastercard gift cards can be used nearly anywhere. That allows your employees to choose where they spend the extra money, giving them full control over the reward.
Host a Virtual Party
If you want to show your appreciation to everyone at once, consider holding a virtual event. Along with scheduling a video call, send special deliveries to people’s homes, like a nice meal, gourmet cupcakes, or other treats.
Ideally, schedule the call during work hours. You don’t want to ask your employees to give up any of their personal time to be appreciated, as that makes the party a burden, not a celebration, for many.
And aim to keep it fairly short. Verbally recognize everyone’s accomplishments quickly, then spend a bit of time socializing to help everyone re-forge critical social bonds. After that, allow everyone to head out as they see fit.
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