There’s nothing like the holidays to put you in a thankful and giving mood. This is something that should be practiced throughout the year, but this thankful season is a good time to remind yourself that you should be thanking your employees. Did you know that thanking your employees has benefits beyond just brightening someone’s day? Studies show that this is a good way to increase productivity. When you’re busy it’s easy to forget to thank your employees. After all, they’re doing what they were hired to do. There’s some truth behind that, but if you want maximum productivity and your employees to stick around it’s in your best interest to show employees that you’re grateful for their contributions.
- Feeling appreciated enhances overall performance. “Employees who feel appreciated and recognized are more likely to work harder, to be more productive and to stick around.” (www.katherinespinney.com)
- Saying “thank you” increases satisfaction. If you want your team to be happier tell them that you appreciate the hard work they do. “Lea Waters at Melbourne Graduate School of Education found that employees who are part of a workplace culture that promotes gratitude experience greater job satisfaction and overall well-being (themuse.com).”
- It’s a domino effect. Once you start thanking your employees then they’ll start thanking each other. This is especially good if you have to work as a team. Everyone wins!
- It’s good for business. If your employees are happy, they’re going to be more pleasant to be around. For retail stores this means your staff will be more approachable for customers.
In a year that we’ve all gone through things none of us thought we’d ever have to experience, make sure you tell your employees that you appreciate all the work they do for you. Thank you for adapting quickly and creatively. Thank you for being here. Thank you for continuing to work hard. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant, a simple “thank you” can go a long way. In the long run, think of how much money you’re going to save by retaining employees because they feel appreciated.
Sources: themuse.com, www.katherinespinney.com
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