Between the global pandemic and negative economic growth, it’s no surprise that employee morale might be hanging low in many organisations. This year, more than ever, employee appraisal alongside positive affirmation is vital for companies who want to boost performance.
Research has shown that positive work cultures are more productive than those that aren’t. In fact, an extensive study by Oxford University's Saïd Business School recently found that workers are 13% more productive when they are happy. In a transparent world where employees can also rate their workplace culture on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, employers can’t overlook the benefits of cultivating an uplifting work space.
“When leaders, co-workers, and employees feel appreciated, you improve staff morale, create a positive workplace, and increase employee engagement,” says Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White, authors of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. In their book, Chapman and White explain how people in the workplace express and receive appreciation in five different ways: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and gifts.
This year, lockdowns and the new work-from-home culture has limited most of these languages, but there’s plenty of room to get creative. Here are 5 ways how you can still show your employees appreciation through corporate gifting and other gestures:
1. Say a few kinds words
Some people need verbal acknowledgment that their work is appreciated. For someone like this, it can mean the world if you simply say “well done”. A good way to work in words of affirmation while in lockdown is by praising someone’s work publicly over a Teams or Zoom meeting or sending them an intentionally uplifting email.
2. Take the time
Lockdown and self-isolation must have been particularly tough for employees who feel appreciated through quality time with their teams. Dr. Paul White writes that quality time is spending time with a colleague either by giving the person your focused attention, or working collaboratively with them. Take time, even if it’s just 5 minutes, to a phone employees and check-in.
3. Give physical presents instead of a pat on the back
For employees who feel most appreciated through physical touch, an appropriate high-5 or pat on the back would usually make their day. However, with regulations advising against any form of touch this year, a physical gift with texture can be a good alternative this year.
4. Serve a purpose
Acts of service in the office could usually have been in the form of making someone a cup of tea, carrying their bag, plugging in their laptop or even just helping them with a presentation. This year, you can boost employees who feel valued through acts of service by maybe taking something off their to do list or covering for them for an afternoon.
5. Bless them with a bespoke gift
Last but not least, employees who feel valued through gifts will know if you went the extra mile. Instead of buying bulk this year, consider gifting your employees with something that brings them true delight. Something that will take them on a sensory adventure and a explorative journey. Something that they will always remember and never forget. Something that will make them feel valued and appreciated. Something like The Macolat.
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