Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways for managers to improve employee morale, increase productivity, and boost employee retention is by expressing gratitude. Employees want confirmation that they’re doing a good job. They want to know that their efforts have been noticed and appreciated.

Expressing gratitude in the workplace makes employees feel more valued and confident. It strengthens relationships. And studies show that employees who feel appreciated work harder and longer.

So how should you express your gratitude? Author Amy Vetter has a few suggestions:

  1. Write a thank-you note – Sending a thank-you email is certainly a nice thing to do. But Vetter suggests taking it a step further and writing a thank-you note. A hand-written note takes more time and effort to produce, so the gesture will mean more.
  2. Recognize milestones – If your team finishes a big project or meets a significant goal, you should celebrate! Group activities (like an escape room or painting party) are a great way for your employees to bond, blow off steam, and have fun.
  3. Learn about your employees – Take the time to chat with your employees. Talk to them about their lives and their experiences. Your employees will appreciate the fact that you want to get to know them, and that you care about what’s going on in their world.
  4. Take them out for coffee – Take your employees to a coffee shop, treat them to a coffee, and ask them their opinion about current projects or initiatives. They’ll appreciate your interest and feel flattered that you value their input.
  5. Acknowledge their efforts in front of other people – During meetings, take the time to praise employees who are doing good work. You don’t need to make a big production out of it. Just saying a few words about what they’ve accomplished can make your employees feel recognized and appreciated.

 

Vetter, A. (2017, December 20). Want to win the hearts and minds of your employees? Do this 1 simple thing. Inc. Retrieved from: https://www.inc.com/amy-vetter/want-to-win-hearts-minds-of-your-employees-do-this-1-simple-thing.html