A nice big check is a fantastic way to show staffers you appreciate their efforts — but it’s probably not an option. How about these instead? When cash is on short supply and employee job descriptions are getting longer, it’s more important than ever that staffers understand you notice how hard they’re working.
Two little words can do it: Thank You. And there’s no shortage of ways to do it:
Yourself
Yes, you probably say thanks when Jeff hands you that aging report or Marissa transfers that call to you.
But don’t forget the bigger things you appreciate about each of your staffers. Letting Jamie know you notice how she always refills the coffee pot when it runs low or how Sam hands everyone their faxes, can really give people a boost.
You can go even further by calling out the specific traits that make staffers. Natalie’s infinite patience with incessant vendor questions? That’s worth a thank you.
Co-workers
Chances are if you’ve noticed some of those things about your staffers, so have their
co-workers. And hearing it from another source can be a serious motivator.
Think about asking each of your staffers to name something they appreciate about each of their co-workers. Then share them with each other in a monthly brown bag lunch session.
Customers — internal and external
There’s another source where some well-timed thanks could give a real boost to staffers’ morale: customers. Whether your finance staffers strictly interact with “internal customers” or interface with those outside your four walls, think about sending a mini customer-satisfaction survey.
Your people will get some uplifting feedback on just how good they’re doing. Those responses are worth posting in your department for a quick pick me up.
