The two past years have been incredibly difficult for companies and employees who had to adjust to new ways of working because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that spread across the world.
However, even during such stressful times, it can be incredibly helpful for a company to celebrate its team’s accomplishments and wins. By recognizing both large and small achievements, companies can encourage their employees to continue to strive and let them know that the leadership values their contributions. Research has shown that employees who work in organizations that foster a culture of gratitude are more likely to be content with their jobs.
Some people may think that celebrating milestones is pointless but employees thrive on recognition. If you run a business, celebrating milestones can help deliver sincere appreciation if attached to actual achievement. It can also be a great tool for positive reinforcement and motivating employees at every level of the organization.
In this post, we look at some tips and strategies to celebrate employee milestones in 2022 and see how they can do wonders for employee engagement and company morale.
Service Awards
Gifts are perhaps the first thing that crosses our minds when we’re thinking of ways to thank our employees. The most common gifts given are gift baskets, gift cards, concert tickets, and vouchers which are always appreciated.
A work anniversary is usually the most significant milestone and celebrating it the right way is very important. Celebrating work anniversaries involves much more than just a number because it’s an achievement since the employees have built various relationships throughout the years, accomplished goals, and made their impact on the organization and culture. This should therefore be celebrated with purpose.
A special way of celebrating an employee is with creative years of service awards which are a type of incentive given for anything from service anniversaries, employee anniversaries, to the length of service. You could use these awards to retain and engage employees and showcase the immense impact their work has made on the company and express deep gratitude for their dedication and service. In turn, this will give them even more reason to want to stay with your company.
Write Handwritten Notes
We all know that employees are the backbone of the company. When it comes to celebrating milestones, whatever they are, even the smallest act of gratitude can make a world of difference.
In this technology-driven age, leaving a small handwritten note on the employee’s desk before they come to work in the morning can be very meaningful to the recipient. It’s rare to see a teammate or manager pen their sentiments in an old-fashioned way and express gratitude in writing.
In a world of full mailboxes and chat apps, handwritten notes can cheer the employee and they can put the note on their desk or up in their workspace as a reminder of their hard work.
Give a Gift Voucher
Whether it’s because of a huge project milestone or a successful presentation, besides giving praise, you can also express your gratitude to your employees by giving them a gift voucher. Make sure to add a fun element to it and do your best to find out what their favorite store is or what product they’ve wanted to buy for a long time.
If you’re unsure about these things, you can give an Amazon voucher and let them pick the desired item. You can also make them come out of their comfort zones and gift them a unique voucher for fun and sporty activities like rock climbing or skydiving.
The best thing about gift vouchers is that they will make your employees feel appreciated for the hard work and dedication they’ve put in with a gift that excites them and brings them joy.
A Day Off
Time is a valuable commodity for all of us and giving your employees a day off on their work anniversary or birthday can be a great reward. If their special day falls on a weekend or public holiday, allow them to take Friday or Monday off instead.
This will give the employee an unexpected break from their day-to-day while showing them that you care for their wellbeing and happiness. When they come back, they’ll feel refreshed, energized, and ready to work, which will ultimately benefit the company.
Final Thoughts
Employees should always be encouraged and motivated to work towards big goals, but one of the tricks to having them remain committed to their work is by celebrating different employee milestones.
With the abovementioned tips, you’ll let your team know how much you appreciate their dedication and reassure them that their presence in the company for yet another year will be recognized and sincerely valued.
