It was alarming to me to read research released by The Gallup Group, that only 87% of the workforce is either partially engaged or totally disengaged. In other words, they are physically there but not mentally or emotionally. YIKES! I was in a store a couple of days later and sadly got a first-hand look at this. I asked the lady behind the counter a particular question that she didn’t have the answer to. She asked another employee standing behind her if she could help me with my question. The second lady responded in a somewhat robotic fashion, “How can I help you?” as she walked towards me. What I noticed though, was that she was completely distracted by the store front traffic walking by. So I decided to wait until she made eye contact with me. That took a while. When she finally “came to” she looked at me like the last thing in the world she wanted to do was answer a question! Unfortunately, I think we’ve all witnessed those who just didn’t look like they were enjoying what they were doing in the workforce.
I’ve retired from education, however, the main focus of Lead Joyfully continues to be one of encouragement, motivation, and lifting staff morale. We know that when an employee feels appreciated, it positively affects job performance. Definitely pay rate, benefits, and time off are linked to job performance but a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that feeling valued is a key indicator! If an employee feels appreciated and valued they are more likely to be engaged in their work and feel satisfied and motivated.
IDEAS FOR STAFF APPRECIATION
How many different ways can you say you authentically appreciate or value someone? I have a few different ideas for you!
Here are some “thank yous” for staff appreciation in my store. Grab some volunteers to help cut out the cute little pockets, hearts, flower pots, and/or mugs. You can personalize by inserting staff names, your own message, or “to” and “from”. Add a small gift, treat, or note and you’re all set! (Hint: Get the bundle for your biggest savings and you’ll have a stash of “thank yous” for a very long time!)
Do you need a personalized gift for your entire staff? You can gift any time of the year! In this editable 26-page download you add staff names, print, and frame. Save this file and reuse it for ANY other occasion by choosing a different style and quote!
Cut out and place in a nice frame (4×6 and 5×7 are the two sizes in the download) OR pick up some inexpensive clear acrylic frames from a discount store. You can also laminate and gift without the frame. The choice is yours! (Be sure and check out the preview.)
Leslye M said, “PERFECT for teacher appreciation week!! After inserting the names of my son’s teachers, I saved the document as a JPEG and had them printed at Walmart’s Photo Center. I plan to place them in frames and give them as gifts. THANK YOU!”
Don’t see what you want here? Click this link to find all the staff appreciation/staff awards or check out School Appreciation Days here.
Do you have an idea that makes your staff feel appreciated? Please share in the comments!
THANK YOU for visiting. 🙂
Lead joyfully,
Gail Boulton
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