Keeping your team happy and motivated should be high on your priority list — especially if you want them to stick around. Studies show that 82% of employees are happier when recognized at work, and 63% of regularly recognized team members say they’re less likely to look for another job.
Employee retention aside, praising your team also boosts productivity and work ethic. And while a simple “thank you” always goes a long way, there are lots of other easy ways to provide additional encouragement and recognition.
Here are 10 we love:
1. Know What Makes Them Tick
Different team members might all have a unique perspective on what recognition may look like. So, it’s important to learn and understand what motivates each employee.
An easy way to “read the room” is to build a team survey. Check out our article for a simple 4-step process and template.
Once you know what each team member most appreciates, set up a few ‘recognition’ buckets with each person’s name sorted into that you can look back on when it’s time to say “great job.”
2. Remember Their Anniversary
Recognizing work anniversaries is a simple way to show you appreciate your employee’s efforts year in and year out. Set up a calendar to keep track of when everyone started so you can commemorate those milestones.
Also, call it out on your team communication platform so everyone can celebrate together. You can also offer small gifts like an extra discount for your products, free lunch, or even something inexpensive but fun, like lottery tickets.
3. Give a Shout Out
If your prize employee enjoys the spotlight, public praise will be well received. Recognizing accomplishments during a business-wide meeting or on your social media pages will likely benefit everyone’s morale.
It also sends the message to the rest of your employees that you notice and appreciate extra efforts. But this is one case in which it pays to know your employee’s personalities — some people would love nothing more than to have their praises sung from the rooftops, whereas others would prefer something more low-key.
In the Homebase app, Shout Outs make it easy for everyone — managers and employees alike — to recognize one another when they go above and beyond.
4. Let Them Control the Playlist
Award someone for their positive attitude by giving them the chance to keep the good vibes going. Take a day off from worrying about workplace tunes and pass the control over to a high-performing employee.
Tip: Before handing out this award, invite everyone to submit their ideal playlist. This way, you can have it ready to go when the time comes — and you’ll have some time to make sure none of the songs are inappropriate for your work environment. It’s also an easy way to get to know your team a little better!
5. Start a Peer-Driven Nomination Program
An “Employee of the Month” program is nothing new, but sometimes this type of recognition can mean more when it comes from peers. Ask your staff to keep an eye out for star colleagues and have everyone submit their nominations at the end of each month.
This kind of recognition will boost interaction among employees and make a huge difference in creating a more positive culture, which is always an added bonus.
6. Give the Gift of Surprise
Sure, everyone gets accustomed to ‘Employee of the Month’ awards, but an unexpected praise bomb can sometimes be more impactful. Who doesn’t like an unexpected present just for being a great employee?
Surprise praise can also be given to your team as a whole. Maybe your sales for the month were exceptionally high, or maybe the staff achieved a new goal faster than expected. Wins like these deserve a mini-celebration, like free treats from your local cookie shop or a team happy hour.
7. Award Special Assignments
Sometimes, a new and exciting project is the best reward for star employees. While it may seem strange to reward good workers with more work, chances are they’ll appreciate your confidence in their abilities.
Giving your best chefs the chance to revamp your lunch menu, for instance, will reinforce your appreciation for their knowledge and capabilities. This is also a good way to delegate responsibilities and keep your own workload manageable — your entire team will benefit.
8. Offer Flexible Scheduling
Another easy way to show your appreciation is through preferential employee scheduling. Many team members value flexible work hours, according to a recent Homebase survey. Give them the option to trade shifts and update their availability with a minimal amount of notice.
Other employees may prefer stability over flexibility — especially if they have a family. For them, publishing their schedules weeks in advance will add a little predictability to their lives and their pay.
9. Help Them Recharge
Mental health is seen as a high priority for 50% of employees, according to a recent study. Give deserving team members a chance to recharge by creating a “wellness menu” they can pick from, like:
- Massages
- Yoga or dance class pass
- Reflexology
- Cooking class
You can also set a budget and allow them to pick a wellness activity of their choice.
10. Be Specific
Instead of saying, “thanks for all you do,” explain what you’re thanking them for. This way your team can internalize what types of behavior drive recognition. It’s the most straightforward way to reward good behavior and make sure your employees know exactly where to direct their efforts.
11. Schedule Career Development Conversations
Scheduled one-on-one meetings for discussing career progression can be a meaningful way to show employees you care about their long-term success. Use these sessions to go over the individual’s goals, skills they want to acquire, or future roles they aspire to. Knowing you’re interested in their advancement can lead to increased job satisfaction and dedication.
12. Rotate Meeting Leadership
Letting different team members take turns leading meetings can make them feel valued. It gives them a chance to take on a leadership role, however small, and demonstrates trust in their abilities. Make sure to announce who will be leading the next meeting at the end of each one to give them time to prepare.
13. Financial Incentives
Bonuses, commission, or performance-related pay can be a direct way to reward hard work. While financial incentives are common, they never lose their appeal. Decide on a transparent and fair structure for financial rewards, communicate it clearly, and be sure to administer it consistently.
14. Implement a Knowledge-Sharing Platform
Establish a platform where employees can share tips, insights, and even educational material with each other. Recognize valuable contributions to this platform, as they help to enrich the skills and knowledge of the entire team. This method both rewards initiative and fosters a cooperative environment.
15. Casual Dress Day or Theme Days
Something as simple as allowing casual dress on specific days or setting up themed attire days can lift the team’s spirits. It adds a little fun to the work environment without detracting from productivity. Announce these days in advance and, if you like, let team members vote on the next theme.
From Shout Outs to flexible scheduling, Homebase provides the tools you need to not only recognize your team for a job well done but also to keep them happy, motivated, and successful.
How to Praise a Team for Good Work FAQs
What can you say to show appreciation for an employee?
When an employee has gone the extra mile in their hard work, you should do the same when showing appreciation. Instead of just saying “good work”, you should give public recognition for their great work in team meetings to foster a positive company culture with the rest of the team. You should also reiterate the positive feedback in the employee’s next performance review.
What is a good gift to appreciate employees?
A good gift to show appreciation for individual team members after a strong performance should be small but personalized to their character and interests. When you’re looking to reward the whole team for their contribution to your company’s success, you can show appreciation in several ways, from ordering food for everyone to giving them an extra day off.
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
