When your employees feel appreciated, they feel valued. When these same people feel valued, they are much more likely to go above and beyond for your company. They will also be more willing to be accountable for their part of a project.
However, what’s even more important is that when your workers feel valued, they are happier in their roles, more productive and less likely to leave.
The question is, how do you show your employees you value them and their hard work? A few tips can be found here to help you achieve this goal.
- Little Gestures Make a Big Difference
Believe it or not, you don’t need some huge, expensive gesture to show appreciation. Consider sending a handwritten note saying, “great job,” or make a call of encouragement.
You can even make larger gestures, such as ordering donuts for everyone on Fridays or signing the office up for a coffee subscription service. Check out this article to learn more about just that.
Sometimes, it’s the small things that say the most.
- Provide Assistance Professionally and Personally
While you may always help your employees with work-related issues, quality leaders will also look for ways to help with any personal problems their workers may face.
Also, don’t always go for the “easy” solution. Is someone struggling to get a new place to live? Rather than just giving money, see if there is someone you can talk to or strings you can pull to help make things happen faster. By doing this, employees will feel important and valued, and like you are on their side.
- Create New and Better Opportunities
One of the best ways to win both the minds and hearts of your employees is to provide them with as many opportunities as you can. Allow them to take on big challenges, such as a highly visible project, or take on a new leadership role. Part of feeling important is having as many opportunities as possible.
- Relate to Them rather than Acting Like You’re Above Them
If you have ever worked for a company where the executives have their own parking spaces and require employees to carry their luggage when on a trip, then you know all too well what it feels like if your leader doesn’t care about you.
If you sense that one of your workers is having a problem, talk with them and offer advice (if you can). While your employees may put you on a pedestal from time to time, if you put yourself on their level, it can help make them feel more valuable and important.
- Be Transparent and Honest
While honesty should be a given, it is easier in some cases than it is in others. Many people don’t think you should discuss bad news, but these conversations (even the most difficult ones) prove that you care enough to deliver even the hardest truths. Transparent and truthful feedback will help you gain respect and ensure you achieve the best possible results.
- Back them Up in Front of Clients
Create a policy in your company where you back your team up. If you have an employee who complaints about a client that treats them poorly, then you should look into the situation and then fire the client if that’s the necessary step. It doesn’t matter what the client is paying – you need to take care of your employees and let them know you have their back.
By using the tips and information here, you can build a winning culture for your company and let your employees know they are valued.
