National Gratitude Day

On September 21^st we celebrate National Gratitude Day.

Expressing gratitude means so much to most of us. Below is a list of 10 simple low- or no-cost ideas for showing gratitude in the workplace. Remember It’s important to find out how individuals  like to be recognized – privately or publicly? Once you know this, you can tailor your appreciation.

• Say thank you more often. As simple as this sounds, it can go a long way toward making an employee feel valued, appreciated and recognized.

• Recognize small accomplishments. You can do this by sending a person, team- or department an email, announcing it in a departmental meeting or having an “accomplishments of the week” corkboard. A handwritten, personal note is even better!

• Have lunch catered when no one is expecting it. This can be a welcome pick-me-up and a nice surprise during a particularly busy or stressful time of the year.

• Keep a shareable candy bowl stocked in a common area of the office – everyone loves a good chocolate every now and again!

• Place some Legos, board games or a few colouring books and coloured pencils in the breakroom. This is a great way for employees to de-stress and give themselves a brain break.

• Give away movie tickets. When someone stays late, comes in early or puts in a lot of extra hours, write them a note saying “thanks for the extra work and the understanding at home – enjoy a night out on me” and enclose two movie tickets – one for the employee and the other for their partner at home.

• Provide professional development and learning opportunities. These activities can help employees explore their strengths and build their skill sets.

• Hand out $5 coffee shop gift cards to employees who go above and beyond. Mmmmmm, coffee!

• Recognize birthdays and work anniversaries in a group setting, be that via email or at a monthly 30-minute get-together

There are many more inexpensive and creative ways to let employees know they are valued, appreciated, and seen and heard.