5 Ways to Make Your Staff Feel Important and Appreciated
Alice Tutunjian
As leaders it is our responsibility to make employees feel important, appreciated and recognized for their efforts. On the one hand, we assume that employees feel appreciated when we simply let them know during their annual performance review or at the conclusion of a major project. On the other hand, we don’t want to be too forthcoming with our praise and appreciation to the point that it feels disingenuous. Striking a balance is important. Offer praise when an employee does something worth recognizing. More importantly, make them feel that their thoughts, input and ideas count.
Consider these 5 actions:
LISTEN to what they are saying
Always ask for their suggestions. If you don’t consider their input, follow up and explain why
Hold brain-storming meetings and ask for everyone’s input
When an employee asks a good question, before answering, thank them first. Reply with “That is a thoughtful, (or interesting or insightful question), and thank you for asking.”
When employees come to you with a problem or issue, ask them what they think the solution should be, and LISTEN without interrupting. When they come up with good ideas or solutions, make a big deal, thank them in person, thank them in public, and ensure they receive recognition for their efforts. If the solutions offered won’t work, explain why and encourage them to continue sharing their ideas.
Links to Good Reads About Making Employees Feel Appreciated and Important
How to Make Your Employees Feel Valued
Employees feel unappreciated for many reasons. Blogger Jacqui Barrett-Pointdexter gives voice to some of these reasons. She writes, “When employees get stuck in routine and stop learning or they feel under-appreciated, their enthusiasm and feelings of possibility wane. This can lead to productivity and retention decline, which in turn impacts a company’s bottom line. Offering your energy through small daily actions as well as responding to their aspirations will not only make your employees feel valued but also can propel your company to new heights.” …read more
10 Creative Ways to Show Employee Appreciation
Writer Sammi Caramela emphasizes 10 creative ways companies can recognize employee contributions and make them feel appreciated. Check out these 10 creative ways … read more
How to Make Staff Feel Appreciated
Business journalist Lydia Dishman offers practical ideas organizations can exercise to make their employees feel appreciated without spending a large sum of money. Interested in her ideas? … read more