Here’s how and why organizations can promote a culture of gratitude towards employees-during the holidays and always. Here are five ways, plus some real-life advice from HR professionals who have seen what works (and what doesn’t) to put smiles on employees’ faces this time of year.
Give your employees paid time off
Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or the week between Christmas and New Years, giving your employees time off will help everyone breathe a little easier
- “Even though the cost may be great, we intentionally close down all operations from the last week of December until the new year. Shutting down work allows us to take a moment to breathe, reflect, meditate, and come back laser focused.”
How you give recognition should be personal and genuine
Each employee likes to be recognized in different ways
- Employees that are most satisfied with their recognition program are those that are aware of how people are recognized and who can do the recognizing
- Peer recognition helps perpetuate the culture of showing gratitude and demonstrates that everyone can play an active role in recognition
Holidays during COVID have produced their own challenges. Here are some simple ways to show appreciation and gratitude:
A potluck Thanksgiving celebration where each employee brings in food and any other items needed.
- Gift cards to a local grocery store so they can have dinner on us – or for whatever they may need at the time. A gift that is something they will actually use.
