When it comes to working relationships, it’s difficult to get the balance right. While you want your employees to know you value them as individuals, you also need them to maintain a professional environment, which means maintaining authority and respect.
That said, as long as you’re employing the right people, promoting employee happiness will only benefit your business. Your workers will respect you more for appreciating the effort they put in, and they will work harder for you in return. With this in mind, here are five ways to show gratitude to your employees.
Praise Their Efforts
When you’re the boss, it can feel as though you’re continually pulling people up on mistakes or helping them learn, but that is all part of the job. Constructive criticism is necessary for any field of work, but you need to balance it with positive endorsement and approval. Without
regular praise at work, your employees will lose morale and their performance will suffer. Ultimately, they could move onto a more fulfilling role if they don’t feel appreciated.
Buy Them Thoughtful Gifts
Showing your employees that you care will make them more inclined to work hard and produce results. Much the same way you should be praising their achievements, you should also give them rewards now and then. Bring donuts and coffees into the office one morning, or treat the team to lunch once a month. Alternatively, you could get to know your employees and buy them gifts that align with their habits. Buy the perpetual tea-drinker a novelty mug, for example, or purchase some new e-liquids from
Auster.com for the guy who’s always popping outside to vape.
Show an Interest
By asking questions about their family life, hobbies, and interests, you're showing your employees that you value them as individuals and not just because they get the work done. Also, feeling like they have a genuine connection with you will make your workers more inclined to find purpose and fulfillment in their role. This means they will care about you in return, so they won’t want to file that report late, not just because it will get them into trouble, but also because it has consequences for you. Ultimately, a positive working environment comes down to teamwork.
Offer Flexibility
Work-related stress is a real problem in the UK, and it’s something all employers need to address. Failing to acknowledge when someone is overworked could result in them taking take time off sick. What’s more, stress breeds in office environments, so if you don’t offer an antidote (such as flexible hours, home working, time off for stress or daily meditation breaks) then it will negatively impact your employee's productivity.
Say “Thank You”
It may sound obvious, but many employers forget to thank their workers for their hard graft. Although you’re paying them to be there, your workers are still driving their time and resources into making your business successful, so it's only right to show a little gratitude.