It’s shout-out time! This Friday, March 7th, is Employee Appreciation Day. Today, I am giving a public shout-out to our amazing JB employees who deserve the spotlight.
I am grateful every day for this group and for the unique strengths of each employee:
- Nicole Bushman is a determined, versatile collaborator and committed leader.
- Nikki Mantis is a creative and strategic thinker and the embodiment of chalant.
- Anna Meehan is a positive and energizing force and solutions-oriented go-getter.
- Bailey Mendoza is a strategic and tactical thinker and authentic communicator.
- Sarah Pernai is a thorough and thoughtful connector and process improver.
- Allison Peschel is a gracious and empathetic leader and relationship builder.
This team makes work better, and I am so thankful.
As you celebrate your employees, you can consider the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace and how to personalize appreciation to the individual. Here are a few ways that you can show your gratitude this Friday and every day:
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Encouraging, personal praise
- Handwritten notes: A personal fav! A simple yet powerful way to make someone feel valued.
- Public recognition: Highlight their strengths and impact in a meeting, LinkedIn post, or company newsletter.
QUALITY TIME
Focused attention, meaningful moments
- Peace Out Early Day: The most precious gift is time. Have your team wrap up work and get their weekend started at 2:00pm this Friday.
- Coffee walks or lunches: Schedule informal 1-on-1 time outside the office. Let them choose the spot!
ACTS OF SERVICE
Helping out, loosening burdens
- It’s task takeover time! Do you know that task your employee doesn’t love? Complete it for them one day.
- Personalized development plan: JB’s fav! Connect them with a mentor, coach, or a workshop to support their career development.
MEANINGFUL GIFT or SYMBOL
Thoughtful, personalized items
- Gift worth talking about: One year, we treated employees to a chicken sandwich because we were inspired by this article. We also share mementos that tie to an employee’s values (i.e. journal to celebrate the value of creativity).
- Snack attack box: At JB, we never pass up a snack opportunity. Send their favorite snack or drink with a note saying why they’re awesome (puns encouraged!).
Please let me know how you and your team celebrate. Cheers to the people who make our organizations great and who Make Work Better!