Everyone wants to be appreciated, especially employees who put in their best effort every day.
But instead of sending the typical thank you email, try taking an unconventional approach. Showing gratitude in unique ways builds connection and shows sincerity in your efforts.
Here are five unique ways to show gratitude and appreciation for your employees, no matter the occasion.
Thank Their Families
For every employee, there’s a family who raised them and supported them. Show appreciation for your staff by thanking their families.
Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi championed this approach after reflecting on how her success was a result of how her parents raised and supported her. Indra wrote a letter to the parents of each member of her executive team—more than 400 people—thanking them for the gift of their child to the company. The messages were very well received, with some employees saying it was the best thing that ever happened to their parents.
Establish Open Lines Of Communication
When you appreciate people, you want to talk to them. One way to show gratitude is to make yourself available to employees with open lines of communication.
Bain employees can reach out to leaders for guidance, advice, and coaching through the “hotline response team.” WD-40 Company CEO Garry Ridge sends regular emails to the entire company to share updates or advice and leave the conversation open for responses. When employees feel they can come to their leaders about anything, from personal questions to career advice or suggestions for the business, they feel valued and seen.
Give Unique Awards
Most companies give out an employee recognition award, but the typical certificate and handshake can become mundane. A unique prize shows employees you appreciate their efforts, boosts morale, and becomes an engaging part of the corporate culture.
Quirky gifts are memorable for employees and show heartfelt gratitude with their creativity and effort. When David Novak was president of KFC, he awarded employees with rubber chickens. When he was president of Pizza Hut, it was giant cheese heads. Along with the fun token, employees got cash and specific feedback about what they did to earn the award. The practice spread throughout the company, with the president of Taco Bell soon handing out hot sauce packets and other leaders handing out boxing gloves for a “knockout performance.”
Become A Mentor
One of the most meaningful ways to show gratitude for your employees is to show you care about their futures. When you coach and mentor an employee, you show appreciation for the long term and that you believe in them.
Create a mentoring program that connects younger employees with more senior leaders to guide them and act as a sounding board. You can also take employees under your wing to mentor their careers, help guide their decisions, and put them on a path to reach their career goals.
Offer Strong Benefits
Genuine gratitude for your employees isn’t a one-time thing or an annual event—it’s part of the company’s culture. It might not be flashy, but one of the most effective ways to show gratitude is to give them what they need with quality benefits.
Are you meeting employees’ needs and caring for them? Make it a habit to regularly review your benefits package. Providing strong benefits shows appreciation and gratitude year-round.
Showing gratitude builds relationships, encourages employees to do their best, and creates a collaborative and supportive culture. Think outside the box to recognize your employees in unique ways.
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