When I think of the holiday season, I think of warm home cooked meals, fire pit gatherings in the backyard, and quality time spent with family and friends. This is the time of year that I begin to look back and deeply reflect on all of the true abundance that fills my life and overflows my cup. This year is different than previous years for me personally. This year I graduated college, ending my 8 year tenure in the restaurant industry, and accepted a position at a company where my boss actually makes me feel appreciated. This is one thing that I am truly thankful for.
However, it got me to thinking, how many other people can say this about their workplace or their boss? Well, I asked my close group of friends and not a single one of them could say the same thing…. So, whether you are the owner of a company or a lower level manager, take some notes.
Here are 5 ways that my boss shows appreciation for our team:
1. Employee Gatherings
My boss is a great cook and loves hosting people at her home. About 3 or 4 times a year, she will host a family dinner for the company. Not only is the food always delicious, but it is a great way to get to know your coworkers and their family outside of a work atmosphere. Of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas are included in this, but even if there isn’t a special occasion, we still get together for family dinner.
2. Book Club
Every Christmas, the entire team (and our clients) are gifted a book to read. Once a week, we block out an hour of our schedules to meet as a team for book club. I love this concept for many reasons. Not only is a book a great gift, but it also offers an invaluable opportunity to learn and discuss ideas alongside both your coworkers and bosses.
3. Birthday Celebrations
Whenever there is a birthday in the office, my boss makes sure to take time out of her busy schedule to celebrate! There is dessert and off-key singing followed by laughs and great conversation. This is a great way to make an employee or coworker feel special on their birthday.
4. Free Lunches
Let me start by saying that my boss’s love language is feeding people, so naturally, this means free lunch. Twice a week, the entire team is given the gift of a free lunch. Not only is this a delicious way to show appreciation, but it also helps to save employees money and time when we don’t have to leave the office to get lunch. Sometimes, if schedules permit, we even go out to lunch off-site at a restaurant.
5. Employee Bonuses
Money isn’t the most important thing in the world, but it does feel pretty good when you get a bonus on your check! My boss is great about giving out bonuses as a form of appreciation for all the hard work the team does. Bonuses are a great way to show your team that they add value to the workplace.
When all is said and done, having a boss that appreciates you is hard to find in most workplaces. There are thousands of research studies proving that employee appreciation leads to a better overall work culture, improved productivity, and increased employee retention. So, if you are a boss or manager, make sure you are doing things to show your team that you are grateful for them. There is no better time to start than now! What will you do to show your team you care and to begin making a lasting impact on your employees?
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