How Supporting Employees Fuels Productivity.
Your employees are the heartbeat of your organisation. They ensure your business runs smoothly daily, provide top-tier service to customers, and ultimately boost your profitability.
The wonderful Katie Brenneman writes this week’s article. Thank you, Katie, for writing this for me.
So, why is it that so many owners and team leaders fail to express genuine care for their employees and give them the support they deserve? They’re likely taking their employees for granted, and they’re missing out on a lot because of it.
Beyond salaries and benefits, showing genuine care for your employees fosters a workplace culture where people feel valued, motivated, and engaged. When employees know their contributions matter, they’re more likely to be productive, loyal, and invested in your company’s success.
But how can you effectively demonstrate this care in meaningful ways? Let’s explore practical and impactful strategies for supporting employees and showing them the love they’ve earned.
The Power of Recognition and Gratitude
Recognition and gratitude are powerful motivators. A simple “thank you” can make an employee feel seen and appreciated.
Studies have shown that employees who receive regular recognition are more engaged and satisfied at work. They are more likely to give their best effort every day rather than just coming to work because they need a paycheque.
Although an extra week of vacation or a raise are really nice ways to thank employees for all their hard work, showing your team you appreciate them doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Here are some simple yet effective ways to express appreciation:
Handwritten notes: In a digital world, a handwritten thank-you note can feel incredibly personal and heartfelt. Sure, you could send an email or instant message. However, a short handwritten message acknowledging an employee’s hard work on a recent project has a much bigger impact. Employees will appreciate you taking the time to write it yourself.
Verbal acknowledgement: Many employees have been in situations where they say, “I wish my manager would just say thank you.” It’s simple. Saying thank you and shouting out to employees in meetings or during casual conversations can boost morale. Call out achievements publicly to inspire the whole team.
Personalised gifts: When you give employees a thoughtful gift, they know you care about them. Thoughtful gifts can show employees that their hard work is valued. They also show them that you know them to some degree and see them as people. Pens, journals, drinkware, backpacks, and coolers are some of the best employee appreciation gifts because your employees will actually use them.
By incorporating these small yet impactful gestures into your leadership style, you create a culture of gratitude that motivates employees to keep doing their best.
Building Connections Through Food and Shared Experiences
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and fostering genuine connections. Sharing a meal, a snack, or a special treat can create an atmosphere of camaraderie and teamwork.
Also, as you build connections through food, you become closer and bring better communication to your team. Everyone starts to open up, become more transparent, and cultivate a trust-filled work environment.
Try hosting a monthly team lunch or setting up a snack station encouraging employees to take breaks and interact with colleagues. Casual conversations at lunch or on breaks can spark creativity and collaboration.
You could also take advantage of seasonal celebrations, as they offer a perfect opportunity to show appreciation through food. Sending holiday-themed food giftslike gourmet gift boxes, curated snack packs, or seasonal treats to employees, whether in-office or remote, can be a delightful surprise.
Celebrating achievements with food is also a good idea. Recognise team successes with a catered lunch or an afternoon coffee break. Acknowledging milestones with shared experiences builds a sense of community within the workplace.
Prioritising Employee Well-Being and Growth
Caring for employees goes beyond appreciation — it’s also investing in their development. A healthy and fulfilled workforce is more engaged and productive. If you’re unsure where to start with supporting your team’s well-being and growth, start with these strategies:
Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible schedules or remote work options can help employees maintain a better work-life balance, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.
Mental health support: Providing access to counselling services, wellness programs, or simply fostering an open environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges can make a huge difference.
Eco-friendly office changes: Sustainable workplace practices benefit the environment, of course. But they also create a healthier workspace for your employees, making them more efficient and productive. Making small changes like incorporating more natural light, adding plants, or reducing waste can boost employee well-being.
Professional development opportunities: Supporting employees in their career growth by offering training, mentorship programs, or stipends for courses fosters loyalty and motivation.
Prioritising these areas helps employees feel supported as workers and individuals with aspirations and personal needs.
Conclusion
When business owners express genuine care for their employees, the results speak for themselves — higher productivity, improved retention, and a more harmonious workplace.
Simple actions like recognising achievements, like investing in well-being initiatives and providing tools and tech your employees need, contribute to a positive work environment.
By embracing a leadership style rooted in empathy and appreciation, you can create a workplace where employees thrive.
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specialising in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on X.
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