The Importance of Employee Appreciation

It’s crazy to think Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the holiday season will soon be in full swing. It’s a time when people count all the things they are thankful for -- and friends, family, and health usually top that list. But, have you ever thought of including your employees in that list as well? Your team is the life of your business - that’s why it’s crucial to make sure they feel valued and appreciated year-round. We’ll dive into why employee appreciation is so vital to a business and give you a few ideas on how to step up your gratitude game. 

So, why is employee appreciation so important?

Happy people make happy employees - it’s as simple as that. It might sound obvious, but when your team feels valued, morale and motivation tend to rise. According to a survey by Recruiter Box, the number one reason most Americans leave their jobs is they don’t feel appreciated. It’s a sad fact that can be avoided. The same survey stated that organizations with effective recognition programs have 31% lower voluntary turnover than organizations with ineffective programs. So, if you’re trying to keep your employees around it may be time to start an employee recognition program. We’ll give you a few ideas on how to show gratitude for your employee's hard work year-round. 

Public Praise - There’s nothing wrong with some good old-fashioned recognition by simply telling your employees they are doing a great job, but if you want to go the extra mile, try sending a company-wide email or giving a shout out to your employees on your dealership’s social media pages or on the homepage of your website. When you show off your team’s hard work it shows that you are proud of them and that you value them as employees.

Provide Fun Benefits - If your employees are going above and beyond and are exceeding their goals there’s no doubt they should be rewarded. Providing fun benefits to your team can boost morale and can provide motivation. Hosting a happy hour or team lunch, leaving them a small gift, or letting your employees leave early are just a few ideas on how to show your gratitude. Get creative with the benefits you provide, after all, you know your employees best.

Get Your Team Involved - It’s always nice to hear praises from the boss, but it’s also a great idea to get your team involved in your appreciation program. Ask employees to nominate their peers for employee of the month or start a kudos board in your break room where your team can praise each other's efforts.

Make Small Dealership Updates - If your dealership has the financial means, making a few small updates to your space can go a long way for employees. You could start small by buying an updated coffee maker or adding a variety of snacks, tea and coffee options for your employees. Creating a dedicated space for your employees to gather and relax shows your team that you care about their well being and enjoyment in the workplace.

These are just a few ideas to get the wheels turning on ways you can show your employees how much you care about and value them at work. Do you have an employee appreciation program at your dealership? Share your ideas in the comment section below.