Recognizing employees for their hard work goes a long way to keeping them happy and engaged at work. When employees feel appreciated, they perform at their best and are more likely to be loyal to their team. Here are some ways to create a sense of community and recognition within the team:

1.) Build a culture of recognition

Establish a recognition program to formally recognize staff members throughout the year, this can include highlighting an employee of the month. Also, appreciation should be continuous and not just a one-time thing. This helps employees feel appreciated and know that their hard work is being noticed and could motivate them to go the extra mile.

2.) Celebrate their personal milestones

Employees feel appreciated when they know that their employer understands their passions and responsibilities outside of work. It’s helpful for employers to take time to get to know their employees which can look like, learning about their hobbies, learning about their family and learning about what they do for fun. Taking the time to do this helps you find ways to support your employees.

3.) Offer career development opportunities

This gives an ambitious worker the chance to improve their skills and grow within the company. This could look like having them represent the company at public events, offering technical training or giving them the opportunity to meet with the executive staff of the company.

4.) Highlight employees on social media

Use the company’s social media to post about employees’ achievement. This also allows similar companies or other employees at different offices to celebrate them; this can serve as a form of encouragement to them.

5.) Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day falls on a Friday this year (March). Consider hosting an event that would bring everyone together in the same space. This also allows for team bonding and facilitates employees getting to know each other even better outside of work. This day can also be celebrated by giving them the day off, buying the employees lunch or gifting great company apparel.

By: Oreoluwa Afolabi, MHC EAP Intern