Employee Appreciation

Do you know what employees desire the most?
More Money?
More Vacation Time?
A Shorter Work Day?

           If that's your three guesses, you're wrong!  In survey after survey, employees have answered "APPRECIATION."  And, yet, that is what many employers fail to give those to keep their work places running so smoothly.

          Research shows that it takes four times the cost to search, hire, train and motivate a new employee than to keep an existing one.  So, why do some companies have a very high employee turnover rate and others continue to enjoy a contented staff with many years of service committed to the firm?

Appreciation with a capital "A"

          Perhaps these companies know how to spell appreciation with a capital "A".  A commitment on the part of management to "show rather than tell" their employees how much their services are valued becomes a year-round event rather than a one-day "employee-appreciation day" occasion.  It doesn't take a lot of time or even much money to establish a smoothly-operating Employee Appreciation Program (or if you want to get technical, you can call it an employee relations management programs).

          The most successful programs are the simplest to set-up and operate while surprising the employees on special occasions and rewarding accomplishments throughout the year.  The direct benefit to the employer is a noticeable increase in company morale, employee productivity and retention of valued personnel.  

          What does it take to set up such a program?  All it takes is a  phone call or email to us.  We'd like to discuss such things as what you are currently doing, what your goals are, your budget, and any ideas you many already have rambling around in your own mind.  Then we can suggest what we can do to help you meet these goals, within your budget.  You may be pleasantly surprised at how simple such a program can be.

            If you don't already have an EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION program already in place (or even if you do), contact us today. You have little to lose and much to gain!

           In the meantime, here are are easy ideas that don't take much time or money to get your started:

Write a "thank you" note
Take him or her to lunch or coffee and really get to know them
Select one day each month as Employee Appreciation Day and provide a cake or special snacks.
Create fun certificates on the computer and hand out at the next office meeting.  How about "You're The Greatest Award" or "The Office Survival Award"
Leave a Candy Bar on the employee's desk with a note thanking them for being on your team.
Provide a "car wash"  or Starbucks gift certificate
Have a monthly Birthday Party recognizing the employees that had a birthday that month
Leave a Thanks A Million gift box on their desk.
Give a desk clock to each employee engraved with the message "Our time is too valuable to do without you!"
Send the whole office a surprise "cheesecake".  Everyone loves desserts.
Give a special employee a "Select A Gift Certificate" each month in recognition of something they have contributed.
Send a gourmet gift basket to the employee's house with a note telling the family how great they are.

This article was written by Joyce Reid, owner of Gift Basket Network and Creative Gifts To Go.  She is also a staff writer for Rave Reviews, the leading trade publication for the gift basket industry.