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Career Tips
Employee appreciation and recognition constitute
a critical dimension of the work climate that drives
organizational goals. According to Gregory Smith;
an international business consultant, author and
keynote speaker, it is a powerful tool in building mo-
rale, motivation and job satisfaction.
Susan M. Heathfield, a human resources expert
pointed out that in a workplace committed to cre-
ating an attitude of gratitude and employee recog-
nition on a daily basis, every day should be a Thanks-
giving Day. It is our role as Managers and Supervisors
to ensure that we create a good work climate with a
culture and attitude of gratitude to boost employee
morale. The focus should be less on financial reward;
although important, the effect fades easily.
A key benefit is that helps to build a culture of grati-
tude and appreciation in the work environment. Not
only is it a cost effective and creative means of rec-
ognizing employees, it also promotes a good work
climate where employees are appreciated regu-
larly at all levels.
WAYS WE CAN RECOGNIZE OR
APPRECIATE OUR EMPLOYEES
Susan M. Heathfield came up with some ideas which
we can customize and creatively apply at little or no
cost at our various supervisory levels.
1. Spoken Words and Gestures:
Just imagine those words and gestures that make
you happy and put it into practice today amongst
your colleagues. Spoken words of appreciation such
as thank you, a pat on the back, a warm handshake,
and thumbs up, a nod of appreciation is a morale
booster and puts a smile on the faces of employees.
2. Written Words:
• Handwritten thank you notes
• Customized blank “Thank You Cards”
• A personal letter of appreciation to the staff
• Handwritten cards to mark special occasions
such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries
• Recognition posted on conspicuous areas of
the office
• Contribution noted in the newsletter of the or-
ganisation
3. Positive Attention From Supervisory Staff:
• Stop by a subordinate’s desk for informal talks
• Provide frequent positive performance feed-
back
• Provide public praise at staff meeting
• Take the employee out for lunch.
• Personal visit to staff homes
• Passing positive compliments to colleagues
4. Treats:
• Regular special treats by supervisors including
but not limited to the following;
• Buy snacks for individuals or team
• Bring in fruit drinks, basket of fruits such as apple,
banana, orange to share
• Bring in ice cream, cakes, chocolates
• Free sponsored meal at eateries
• Giving out tickets to cinemas, games, other
sports and events
5. Drawings and Gifts:
Gift items such as recharge cards, mugs, caps as
well as other inexpensive items could be used to
appreciate employees at various levels. They could
also be used for draws regularly to appreciate and
say thank you to one another.
CONCLUSION
Motivated employees contribute positively to the
achievement of organizational goals. The responsi-
bility of motivating employees should therefore be a
priority not to be left to the organisation’s manage-
ment alone. Let us therefore as supervisors develop
interest in building a culture of gratitude in our vari-
ous offices, departments and continuously strive to
identify those things that motivate our subordinates
and creatively apply them to lift their spirits.
- Mark Twain
“I can live for two months
on a good compliment.”