Staff APPRECIATION

The promise of a new year brings with it the possibility of a fresh start, new beginnings and maybe new resolutions that may or may not last further that the 2nd January!  

It’s also a busy time in recruitment as candidates start to re-think their priorities and whether they feel valued in their current jobs. 

If you run a business, do you think you have a good handle on what your team are looking for? 

Maybe they want a promotion or pay rise, a change in direction with their career or maybe (I hope not) they’re just not feeling appreciated enough to come back in the New Year. 

There are few things in life that can provide a bigger dopamine hit (the feel good hormone), than being told you’ve done a great job, reached your targets in good time, are a great team player or, any other part of your job you’ve done well at. Spreading out a bit of gratitude at the end of the year costs nothing compared to not letting your people know they’re appreciated which could potentially cost you a lot more in recruitment, stress, and lost productivity. 

So, how can we let people know they are genuinely valued, appreciated and, their hard work has been noticed? 

Studies consistently show that Millennials and Gen Zs prefer real time feedback (good or bad). Gen X’s seem much more relaxed and will happily wait for their 3/6 (hopefully not 12) month performance review, but at the end of the year that acknowledgement should be there for everyone at all levels. 

Most celebrations have been celebrated by now, so let’s look at what we do, and is it hitting the spot? 

The Christmas staff party  

Pros: 

• A blanket approach that includes all team members 

• A chance to cut loose a bit and for team members to get to know each other a bit better 

• Can be done and dusted in November 

Cons: 

• Can be costly 

• Inebriated team members saying exactly what they think 

• Not everyone’s cup of tea/idea of a good time (they might just prefer the $’s) 

• Individuals may feel it’s impersonal and indentured to attend 

Morning Tea with Secret Santa 

Pros: 

• Less chance of inebriated misdemeanours occurring  

• Cheaper option 

• Element of fun with gift swapping/receiving  

Cons: 

• Effort to go out and buy a gift that may possibly end up in landfill 

• Embarrassment of realising you might have completely misread a person and got them a gift that they hate 

Hamper or Ham 

Pros: 

• Something that can be tailored to each individual 

• An actual useful gift of food when the cost of living has reached new highs 

• Something team members can share with their family 

        Cons: 

• Finding out what team members are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, Keto, Paleo or have various food allergies 

• Hard to think of any more so, it seems this may be our preference! 

It does make you wonder though, with all of the effort and cost, if just a plain and simple handwritten Christmas card with sincere and thoughtful thanks for each individual (and a gift voucher, let’s not be too bah humbug) might surpass all of the above.  

Take the time to be thankful this Yuletide and you might just be surprised at what comes back your way. Hopefully bucket loads of dopamine wrapped in red satin ribbons.