Changing the way organizations think about employee recognition.

// 03.04.2010 //

Ready for Employee Appreciation Day March 5?

Is your company ready for Employee Appreciation Day on March 5? Created in the late 90s by Recognition Professionals International, the first Friday in March is designated as a day to recognize and appreciate employees for their positive contributions in the workplace.

Those who are part of the appreciation movement know that it takes much more than saying “thank you” once a year to keep folks motivated, engaged and loyal. Instead, this one day should serve as a reminder that giving positive feedback is an ongoing dialogue that managers have with their employees and employees are encouraged to have  with their coworkers. Building a culture of appreciation is up to everyone and it starts with you, within your sphere of influence.

We must keep employee appreciation on the front burner by sharing fun low-cost ideas, tools and resources. That’s what I love about the Puget Sound Recognition Roundtable, celebrating its 10th year here in Seattle.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

A culture of appreciation starts with basic acknowledgment, courtesy and respect. Make eye contact, smile and say “good morning” or greet people by name as you pass them in the hallway. It sends the message, “I see you. I am glad you are here.”

Ask people how they like to be recognized. Learn about employees’ and coworkers’ preferences. Some love public praise while others prefer their thank yous in private. Get to know coworkers’ and employees’ hobbies and interests. Get REVved! Workshop participants find the Tell Us About You recognition profile an invaluable tool.

Managers need recognition, too. A couple year back, I learned that my manager loved animated movies. That’s when the movie Ratatouille was popular. For Bosses’ Day in October, I gave her a goody bag filled with a Ratatouille Rat Pez dispenser, milk chocolates, and her favorite tea with a note to thank her for her flexibiliTEA with my part-time schedule. She was thrilled.

Begin staff meetings on a positive note with Kudos or “What’s working well?” End meetings with “What new learning, insight or appreciation did you have today?” Purchase question mark (?) candles and a large sheet cake. Ask employees, “What’s worth celebrating? What have we been doing well?” Another great way to encourage peer-to-peer appreciation.

For being friendly, resourceful, enthusiastic and dependable

Retrofit old awards to create one-of-a-kind traveling trophies. One team turned an Oscar trophy into F.R.E.D., pictured here, for being friendly, resourceful, enthusiastic, and dependable. Whomever received it added their own flair, proudly displayed it on their desk for a month and helped decide who was going to receive it at the next month’s staff meeting. If you look closely, you’ll see a Chia pet and disco ball.

Draft a letter from your CEO acknowledging employee appreciation day and the value of saying thank you throughout the year. Remind folks that it’s up to everyone to create a positive work environment.

Send me an email at theresa@recognitionworks.net and I’ll send you the TAG, You’re It! 15 Ways to Create a Culture of Thanks, Appreciation & Gratitude at Work. Oh, and by the way, Public Service Recognition Week is the first full week in May.

Thank on!

Theresa Chambers, Chief Motivation Officer at Recognition Works, changes the way people and organizations think about employee recognition. She is available for presentations, workshops and webinars.

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