6 ways to show gratitude to employees

This Thanksgiving, before you enjoy a few days off with family, friends, and a mountain of turkey, make sure you show one group of people just how thankful you are for them: your employees. Wondering how to best give a little thanks to the people who make your organization run? It’s simple. Show them they’re valued.

A heartfelt thank you is only one piece of the recognition “pie.” To really inspire your people, it’s all about the challenge. Commending employees for bringing their best and praising their hard work is important, but offering up new challenges is just as crucial in keeping their motivation high. Too many companies miss this element, and their employees go weeks or months without being thanked with new projects to tackle.

Just as important as offering new challenges is making it clear you value employees’ contributions. Communicate how much you value your people and what they do. You’ll establish the foundation to grow positive, supportive relationships and make it easier to openly share feedback and outline new goals.

Also see: Reasons to be thankful this holiday season

Communicating thanks isn’t just a morale booster, either. A solid employer/employee relationship helps cut stress and boost engagement, while poor relationships are shown to decrease engagement. What’s more, caring managers who show they respect and appreciate employees help keep their people with an organization.

Showing employees you’re thankful goes way beyond these basics, though. Here are six suggestions to show your employees you value them:

• Give great opportunities. Support your people by bringing their work beyond the day-to-day. Employees love the chance to do what excites them, so find a way to connect what they’re passionate about with broader company goals.

• Make eye contact. Sure, it may seem like obvious Psychology 101, but letting your eyes wander when chatting with employees shows you’re disinterested and unengaged, and can be hugely demotivating. Be present by maintaining eye contact, asking questions, and offering feedback.

• Spend time with them. A real leader isn’t like the Wizard of Oz: behind the curtain and unapproachable. Be available, and if you have an “open door” policy, remember to keep your door open.

• Meet with new hires. Getting to know new team members shows them they’re valuable right off the bat. Stay informed on their contributions and growth – and celebrate their successes along the way.

• Be authentic. It can be easy to forget the importance of authenticity when leading an organization. Stay genuine – your employees will know the second you’re faking it.

• Lead by example. Your sincere gratitude influences everyone. Show people you’re thankful and you’ll start seeing more co-workers communicating that same sentiment to each other, creating a great company culture.

Showing employees you care and that you’re thankful for them and their contributions takes a variety of forms and requires consistent demonstration. Keep in mind that companies are collections of people who all respond differently so encourage employees’ feedback on what works (and what doesn’t). Listen to them. Learn what they find valuable and how they feel accomplished. Then, eliminate the guesswork and thank them accordingly.
Also see: Rethink rewards on a personal level

This Thanksgiving – and all year long – make it a priority to build a culture that allows people to bring their best, tackle new challenges, and let their brightest selves shine.

Chris Boyce is CEO of Virgin Pulse, a wellness program vendor.