The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the past year, give thanks, and show your appreciation for the most valuable asset at your business: your employees.

It’s not only a thoughtful gesture, but recognizing your team members is also good business. Research has shown that:

• Employee recognition increases performance and productivity by up to 14 percent.
• Sixty-three percent of employees who were regularly recognized by their employers would be very unlikely to search for a new job.
• More than 40 percent of American workers would devote more energy to their jobs if management acknowledged them more often.

It’s not rocket science, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Just be sure that your employee recognition process is meaningful, personalized, and consistent not only for everyone involved but also with your company culture.

How to Think of Your Employees During the Holiday Season

Monetary Recognition

As the old saying goes, a gift of money always fits. You may opt to give it in the form of cash, bonuses, gift cards, or profit shares.

• If you offer bonuses, decide whether everyone gets the same amount of if there should be a difference based on part-time versus full-time status.
• If you gift cash, give the same amount to everyone.
• Try slipping your gift into a handwritten card if possible. It’s much less impersonal than a mass-produced document.

Gifts

The same rule as giving cash also applies here: give one standard gift to everyone across the board, regardless of gender or hierarchy.

There are countless options for holiday gifts, depending on your company’s unique nature and, of course, your budget. It may be flowers, food (just be aware of potential allergies if you choose the latter), or a treat bag with small items or company swag.

• If it’s not your busy season, gift people with extra paid time off. There’s no better time of year for it than when your employees are trying to keep up with the annual holiday rush.

Donations or Support to Charity

Consider donating to a local charitable organization in your employees’ name. Even better, reach out and ask them which charity they’d like to support. Or, give everyone a volunteer day where they work together to support a holiday food or clothing drive, or any relevant initiative. Encourage volunteering, but don’t make it mandatory. Employees should be able to opt-out without pressure.

A Fun Event

Plan a party and include employees and their family members. Or, set up a massage or similar pampering day right at the office. The latter may be easier even for your busiest team members to participate. Here are some other ideas.

Grow Your Business with KeyHR

Assisting with employee recognition strategies, as well as any or all aspects of talent acquisition and management, is a primary function of KeyHR’s Client Services Department. We also offer guidance and expertise in payroll, employee leasing, benefits, compliance and insurance needs, and more. Reach out to us today to get the conversation started. And Happy Holidays!