Employee Appreciation

April 13, 2015, by Tam Campbell Trant | Work Environment and Policies

Showing appreciation to your employees doesn't have to be a big ordeal or a huge production.  In fact, a little can go a long way.  People inherently want to know they're doing a good job, so if one of your employees has done a great job – let them know.

Administrative Professionals' Week is fast approaching (April 19^th to 25^th, 2015). This week, and specifically Administrative Professionals' Day on Wednesday April 22^nd, recognizes the work of administrative assistants, receptionists, secretaries and other administrative support professionals.  There are approximately 475, 000 administrative assistants in Canada, and this week is a great time to recognize their efforts.  In fact, not doing so would be a mistake. 

Typically, administrative professionals are bestowed with cards, gift certificates, flowers, gift baskets or lunches.  It’s a tradition that goes back to 1952 and has been adopted worldwide.

Last month marked Employee Appreciation Day (March 6^th). However, showing your employees appreciation shouldn’t be reserved for one day a year or over the course of a given week: it should be frequent.

In her article ‘10 Ways to Show Appreciation to Employees’, Susan M. Heathfield encourages telling colleagues, coworkers and employees that you value their contributions any day of the year.   Her suggestions include saying thank you and praising their achievement, bringing in treats to the office or, if your budget allows it, small gifts or monetary rewards.  Heathfield points out that employee appreciation, through recognition, increases motivation and creates a positive, more productive workplace.

The next time someone does a great job at work, don’t hesitate to send them a quick email saying “Thank you.  You did a fantastic job”.  I guarantee it will make them feel appreciated.

Other Items of Interest:

Employee Recognition in 60 Seconds or Less

7 Quick, Easy and Inexpensive Ways of Recognizing Employees