If you run a business, this year has totally transformed how you can manage both the company itself and also your staff members. Whereas before, you would have the chance to see them everyday, pop in for a quick chat, or drop them a note if you needed something done or communicated; you can no longer do this. While programs such as Skype mean you can still catch up digitally and see each other, it is not quite the same, and this lack of real human interaction can impact your staff members’ motivation and morale. Without direct contact, people can feel disengaged and underappreciated.

If you find you are worrying about this with your staff or simply want to show your employees how much they mean to you, there are a few things you can do.

Send them something in the post

If you haven’t seen your employer in a while due to them working from home, it is a good idea to send a little something in the post to show your appreciation. It doesn’t need to be anything big or expensive, even a beer or bottle of wine will be greatly appreciated. This small gesture shows your employee that you care about them and what they are doing even when you can’t see them.

Give them extra perks

This has been a tough year for everyone, and if you can give a little extra perk, it will go a long way in showing your employees how much you care. Why not give them a paid day off on their birthday? Or allow them to clock off an hour early on a Friday? If they require equipment to work such as laptops, phones, or radios such as a Two-Way City, why not offer an upgrade? By investing in their equipment, you give a clear message that you are grateful for what they do.

Recognize their hard work

Praise goes a long way at work, so be sure that when someone does something, you are particularly pleased with that you reward this. It doesn’t need to be a physical reward; sometimes, just a simple thankyou can really boost morale and make them want to continue with the hard work they are doing. You could have an “employee of the month” policy where you name them at a meeting at the end of the month or let them know more discreetly if you would prefer.

Invest in training

While people mightn’t be able to go out to training courses, they will still likely want to better their skills. Speak to your employers and find out if there are any courses they have their eye on or any skills they want to improve. By paying for this for them, they will feel you are really invested in their future and care about their personal and career development.

These are just a few ways you can help to show your employees your appreciation during the pandemic. By doing these small things, you will notice their hard work continues. 

© New To HR