5 ways to show appreciation to your team during the festive season
As the festive season approaches, the season of goodwill offers the opportunity to reflect on the value of employee appreciation in the workplace.
While we often think of this time as an opportunity to exchange gifts and be with loved ones, it’s also a chance to celebrate and thank those who contribute to our professional lives. Recognising the efforts of your employees and colleagues during this special time can boost morale, foster goodwill, and create a sense of unity within your team.
The gift of gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of modern workplaces, pausing to acknowledge the efforts of your team can be transformative. A simple ‘thank you’ can speak volumes, reminding employees that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. This recognition isn’t just a feel-good gesture, it’s a cornerstone of building a positive, high-performing culture.
Research consistently shows that recognition and employee appreciation improve engagement, reduce turnover, and even increase productivity. A study by BI WORLDWIDE revealed that companies with robust recognition programmes outperform their peers by as much as 40%. By integrating gratitude into leadership style, especially during December, managers can create a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated.
Celebrating achievements together
The end of the year provides an opportunity to highlight milestones, achievements, and contributions that have shaped your team’s success over the past 12 months. Employees who feel recognised and appreciated are 2.1 times more likely to stay with their current employer. This statistic emphasises the critical role that recognition plays in fostering employee loyalty and reducing turnover.
Consider the following ways to express your gratitude and appreciation to your team and turn the festive season into a powerful reminder of how much your employees mean to you and your organisation.
1. Recognising team efforts
Celebrate the collective successes of your team by hosting a festive lunch or virtual toast to acknowledge their hard work. Small tokens of appreciation, such as holiday hampers or gift cards, can also add a thoughtful touch.
2. Acknowledging individual contributions
Use the season to spotlight individuals who have gone above and beyond. Whether it’s a public shout-out during a festive party or a quiet word of thanks, recognising individual achievements boosts confidence and morale.
3. Sharing the spirit of the festive season
Encourage colleagues to exchange messages of appreciation among themselves, reinforcing a culture of teamwork and inclusivity.
4. Charity drives and giving back
Engage your team in a collective act of kindness, such as donating to a local charity or volunteering together. Shared experiences of giving can create lasting bonds and align with the spirit of the season.
5. Acknowledging milestones
For team members celebrating work anniversaries or personal achievements, the festive season is a great time to double down on recognition. Highlight these milestones with thoughtful gifts or public congratulations.
A culture of employee appreciation all year round
While December is a wonderful time to express gratitude for the accomplishments achieved over the last twelve months, appreciation should be a year-round practice. As leaders, creating a culture where recognition is embedded in day-to-day interactions lays the groundwork for a thriving workplace.
This festive season, take the opportunity to reinforce a habit of gratitude. Lead by example, encouraging managers and team members to embrace employee appreciation as a regular practice. Beyond December, the spirit of gratitude will continue to drive engagement, loyalty, and success into the New Year.
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Contact us to learn more about how we can help you build a culture of appreciation and recognition in your organisation.