Employees always deserve appreciation, but never more so than during the tumultuous times of Covid-19. The pandemic has put immense stress on employers and workers alike, as people in every sector, at every level of society, ford a river of collective uncertainty.
An interesting thing about catastrophes – that is, sudden upheavals of the existing social order – is the way they can bring out the best and worst of humanity. On one hand, examples abound of generosity, compassion and selflessness (e.g. frontline health and essential service workers); on the other, acts of ignorance (e.g. leaders who put profits above people, anti-maskers).
Showing gratitude to employees may appear more difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are many simple and inexpensive things employers can do. Let’s run through some.
With social restrictions in place, some of the traditional ways of thanking employees aren’t as easy. For example, catered morning teas or lunches for staff are no longer ‘the norm’ in contexts where employees must socially distance or are working remotely. The forced suspension of regular bonding rituals such as these is part of the psychosocial stress and disorientation we can thank Covid-19 for. Arguably, the challenges we are all facing make employee appreciation more important than ever.
At least in the private sector, appreciation programs typically involve gifts, dinners, or whatever else management thinks will satisfy their people. While such gestures are often appreciated, why not go a step further and find out what employees actually want? It may be things that management hasn’t thought of, like better parking or a coffee card for the local cafe.
Finding out what would make employees feel more appreciated simply requires learning what makes them tick. If you know a staff member is a book lover, get them a voucher to Unity Books or the Book Depository. That said, we’re all busy and such personal touches aren’t always feasible. In that case, a Bonfire Mastercard is an idea, as it allows employees to purchase whatever they like.
Where possible, food is still a good idea. Shared meals are bonding rituals, and when they’re on the company dime it shows gratitude and appreciation. Arguably, the power of such rituals will be magnified, as many people have become more grateful and appreciative of life’s simple pleasures and the importance of social connections (which work also provides).
Managers, however, should be mindful of our diverse dietary and health-conscious times. Veganism has been on a steady rise, especially among younger generations, making BBQs and some restaurants problematic. Dairy and refined sugar also pose problems for some, meaning ice cream is no longer the easy option it once was. Some people are choosing not to drink alcohol, problematising the good old ‘round of drinks’. Once again, it is a matter of knowing your team, what they like and dislike. We can never satisfy everyone, but people appreciate extra efforts and personal touches.
Saying thank you at work: Make it personal and specific
Beyond team gatherings or gifts, regular and specific expressions of appreciation for good work can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and motivation. Better yet, it doesn’t cost anything. Research shows that employees place a high value on direct comments of appreciation. What is especially valuable is when people in leadership positions approach a particular employee, address them by their first name, and cite a specific activity they appreciated. For example, “Tamara, your efforts to finalise the contract with X really helped us get this over the line” has a much greater impact than something vague and diffuse, like “good work, team”. Interestingly, even employees not named feel good that one of their co-workers was publicly recognised, and it may motivate them to put in efforts that will warrant future praise.
Unlike sales targets and reports, showing employee appreciation tends to lack deadlines, meaning it can easily be overlooked. In the long run, however, recognising strong efforts and dedicated staff are arguably more important than much of management’s monthly checklist. A recommendation, then, is to schedule it. For example, people leaders can schedule in the calendar time to recognise two or three employees. The days and times should probably be varied so as not to appear too obvious or forced.
Last word Gratitude and appreciation are integral to health, wellbeing and productivity. These timeless virtues have and will continue to bind people in relationships based on reciprocity. As we navigate today’s local and global challenges, it’s more important than ever to be grateful and appreciative for what we have, whether it’s our health, our community or the beauty of nature. It’s also important to show appreciation, more than ever, in the world of work.
