We can all agree with Tom Peters that, “The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal to do with productivity.” Everyone loves being appreciated for the work they do, the value they bring to the table or just for their presence.
The first Friday in the month of March is celebrated globally as Employee Appreciation Day. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to celebrate, here are some reasons for you to do so:
Appreciation improves productivity
It’s been proven several times that when employees know that their hard work is recognized or appreciated, it motivates them to improve and perform better at their job.
Employees feel valued
Some people are not motivated by money but by the little things that make them feel appreciated. This can create a ripple effect in the workplace because an employee that feels appreciated will likely show appreciation to their colleagues and to customers.
It builds staff loyalty and a strong company culture
Employees would be quite reluctant to leave a company that appreciates them often, is kind and increases morale. This would reflect in their commitment to the organization and reduce attrition rate too.

4 GREAT WAYS TO RECOGNIZE EMPOLYEES

As an employer, you do not need to break the bank to appreciate your employees, we have curated a short list of ways you can appreciate your employees today:
Praise them at work
It’s quite simple — words of appreciation would go a long way. A few words of praise, a simple thank you to show that you are recognizing their efforts for a job well done. Appreciate an employee by mentioning his/her specific actions and emphasizing that you found it admirable. This personalized action will go a long way in increasing his/her morale and efficiency.
Implement a shout-out channel
With most teams online, consider creating a shoutout channel. The shoutout channel is where staff can make shoutouts to other staff members that helped them with a difficult task, shared their workload or showed kindness. After setting up the channel, let your team members know what the channel is for and how they can use it. If you want to take it a step further, consider offering a reward for those who get mentioned to incentivise good behaviour.
Create an employee recognition plan
An employee recognition plan will allow you to outline objectives and criteria for showing appreciation to your staff. You can create a reward system, a point system or customize one to suit your organization’s needs.
Surprise your team with treats
Instead of traditional rewards like a mug or pen, try giving them time-off, a late start or a gift card for them to shop or have lunch at their favourite restaurant. You can send electronic gift cards to all your employees today via SureGifts Business with as little as N500 only.