Why Is It Important To Appreciate And Acknowledge The Achievements Of Your Employees?
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's often easy to forget what's most important in life. Thanksgiving is always a great time to reflect on the things we take for granted, such as our loving family, our health, and our job, among others. That is if you're fortunate enough to be working in an appreciative work environment, of course. Research has shown that the impact of experiencing gratitude, acknowledgment, and appreciation in the workplace is much greater than we imagine. Let's explore 6 benefits of employee appreciation that will surely convince you to make it a part of your company culture outside of the holiday season.
6 Benefits Employee Appreciation Can Bring To Your Business
1. Enhances Employee Morale
Your team will undoubtedly complete their tasks and put in the effort day after day because it's their job, but a few words of encouragement never hurt anyone. Expressing your gratitude openly will make your employees feel valued as their achievements are seen and recognized. But don't limit yourself to rewarding employees only when they check items off their to-do list. It's equally important to celebrate elements of their character that make them valuable assets for your company, such as making others laugh or being good at resolving conflict. This creates a positive work environment that keeps employees happy and engaged.
2. Improves Productivity
Employees who feel appreciated and valued by their supervisors are more likely to go the extra mile. They might also become more interested in developing their skills and capabilities to become better at what they do since their efforts don't go unnoticed. All of this contributes to higher levels of productivity for the simple reason that appreciation taps into intrinsic motivation or, in other words, our internal drive to perform well. Not to mention that it gives employees a sense of purpose because the significance of their contribution and its alignment with the organizational vision becomes more evident.
3. Increases Employee Retention
Retention and turnover are two well-studied subjects, and it seems that a significant reason why employees leave a position is due to lack of recognition. Taking the necessary steps to show your staff how thankful you are for them and how important they are to your organization leads to a loyal and committed workforce. After all, there's no reason to search for other job opportunities when your current employer meets all your needs. Therefore, employee appreciation reduces turnover levels by helping you retain your top talent while also saving resources that would have to go towards hiring and onboarding new employees.
4. Decreases Stress
There's no denying that corporate life can be very stressful. Hectic schedules, pressing deadlines, and everything in between can lead employees to anxiety or even burnout. But did you know that receiving support and acknowledgment in your work environment can significantly alleviate these negative feelings? For one, being commended on your work creates a sense of job security that allows employees to take the initiative and solve problems without worrying about their future. Additionally, valued employees feel more comfortable sharing their problems and concerns with their leader, which means that they can solve them more easily and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
5. Strengthens Relationships
We all know how important effective collaboration and communication are for the success of a company. But we often forget that making a habit out of acknowledging and celebrating each other's achievements is one of the best ways to promote open communication among leaders and employees. Creating an environment of support and appreciation will urge them to share feedback, give constructive criticism, and help one another become better at what they do. This will foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within your organization, which will, in turn, strengthen intra-organizational relationships and enhance collaboration, teamwork, and problem solving.
6. Enhances Company Culture
When it comes to employee retention and new talent attraction, company culture is of utmost importance. It is what will set your company apart from others that offer similar compensation packages. The reason for this is that people care about more than the salary they will receive. They look for organizations that will make their employment as enjoyable as possible. Therefore, as you integrate employee appreciation into your corporate culture, you will notice a change for the better. It will set the tone for harmonious collaboration, encourage respect, and foster a generally positive and supportive work environment.
Conclusion
You might think that expressing our gratitude and appreciation towards our employees is simply a courtesy. However, the benefits of employee appreciation extend well beyond that. In reality, it is a powerful tool that can help you transform your company culture, establish better rapport among employees, and boost their engagement by making them feel valued and appreciated. Using Thanksgiving as your stepping stone, start expressing your gratitude and appreciation towards your employees and take the necessary steps to slowly make it an integral part of your company's practices.
