During the holiday season many managers choose to give their employees a gift. I use the word “choose” lightly since in some companies it is somewhat expected, mandated, etc. along with the amount you are told to spend. I have received ham certificates, steak certificates, or other edible things from companies including team lunch (which does not seem like a treat if your team does lunch for all occasions). I am not poo pooing free things or the gesture but after listening to Dr. Paul White speak at our ATDKC Fall Conference, I think we can all do better.
Dr. White and Gary Chapman wrote a book called “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.” The book overall is a connection between employee engagement, their feeling valued, and how they receive appreciation if given at all. The authors point out that every person has a different way that they like to be recognized and/or appreciated. Options include public recognition, private recognition, notes (handwritten or electronic), gifts, help in duties, and focused time. Their main message is that the gesture of appreciation needs to be personalized. It shows you know and value and the person. Blanket company certificates get an out here and should be recognized as a gesture overall of general gratitude. But the branded company shirt given by a manager to the whole department of folks who may already have several branded shirts is 1) not individual and 2) a cop out. (How many branded shirts have you donated after you left a company? Use as a dust rag?)
Taking your team to lunch for the holiday season? Use the opportunity to get to know them. Then choose your gifts appropriately if you are giving them. A night of bowling to a family that likes to spend time together. Tickets to an exhibit for the member that likes museums. There are all kinds of gift cards or certificates that would encourage them to enjoy their time away from work and could be personalized by your paying attention to what they enjoy. Tangible gifts can include everything from an emergency car kit for your worker who has a long commute to a book about something you and your employee spoke about. Does this require extra effort? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. This holiday season show your employees that you know them, value them, and appreciate them with thoughtful effort. Oh and if you already ordered the branded stuff then get creative with your additional personalized item that you are now aware you should add.
Hei Learning 