With everyone trying to watch their pennies, employee recognition can be a challenge. Let’s face it, when we have money…we just buy something for employees to thank them. Many managers believe that employees only respond to cash and gifts. So, if the budget gets a little tight…recognition stops.
It’s times like these when managers can show their employees that they truly appreciate their work. Here are 3 things you can do that cost nothing (translation: they’re free!)
- Point out the great job someone is doing at an employee meeting. If you are afraid that pointing out their achievements will ostracize the employee for being a brown-noser…then recognize them with a small group of their peers.
- Write the employee a note. Everyone likes a surprise thank you card. Got terrible handwriting? Then send an email. And, be specific! Tell the employee exactly what they did that was terrific. Really want to blow them away? Splurge on a stamp and mail the note to their home.
- Too busy you say?? Leave them a voicemail. You can plan your message and leave it after the employee goes home for the night. When they get to work in the morning, the first thing they hear is a nice voicemail…how rare is that?!
Employee recognition does not have to be big, expensive or time consuming. It just has to be real.
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