Ways to Recognize Your Employees With Little Cost

I know, I know. I am supposed to be here to convince you to spend money to recognize your employees, so why would I write a blog about ways to recognize them with little cost?

Strategy.

I think that the ways that Bukoo offers to create recognition programs for your company are VITAL, but there are also ways that are just as important to show your employees you appreciate them that are free!

1) Say "thank you" to them when they finish a project or take on extra work. It's amazing how much more these words could be used and how far it will go!

2) Create a place to display photos and memos about people who managers and peers think do an excellent job.  Recognizing someone in front of others can be a huge boost!

3). Swap a task with an employee for a day- his/her choice. "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes".

4) Ask the employee to do a special assignment when they show initiative. Feeling like they are being given additional opportunities to perform will motivate them in all areas.

5) Keep board games on hand- Uno, Yahtzee, Go Fish! Anything that can be fun and can be used as a break or stress relief for your employees during a particularly busy time.

6) Give employees an extra long lunch break- just because.

7) Acknowledge employees' achievements and other events outside of the office to show you care. Give them a special small gift for buying a new home, having a baby, getting married, or finishing school.

8) Start a suggestion program- and actually try to implement the suggestions! Employees want to be acknowledged and heard and the best way to do this is by keeping yourself open to others' ideas. You can't think of everything and maybe they will come up with a great new idea that will change the office dynamic for the better.

10) Give your employees compliments. If you think they are working hard, doing a good job, or exceeding expectations, tell them. Make sure you give them this compliment on its own. Don't couple it with a criticism or suggestion. Make this the sole purpose of a conversation. It will mean much more!

All of these ways are easy to do and will mean a lot to the employees. Treat them with respect and recognize their hard work and you will see a difference in their motivation, attitude, and performance! 

Get recognizing!!!