General Motivation Blog » employee appreciation

Help! My Employee Doesn’t Feel Appreciated

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:42 +0000

Every Employee Wants to be Appreciated

Whether you sense it or you’ve been told outright, having an employee that doesn’t feel appreciated can make for a difficult situation to deal with. Employees who feel they aren’t valued probably don’t perform at their very best, and you may be missing the level of professionalism you’ve come to expect from him or her. So how do you correct the situation?

The first thing you should do is to examine whether or not you really do appreciate the employee. Perhaps you’ve taken their performance for granted, or maybe it’s simply a matter of not having shown appreciation, either through words or actions. If after careful examination you simply can’t conceive of where the problem lies, it’s time for a talk with the employee.

No matter how valued an employee’s performance has been in the past, someone who doesn’t feel appreciated is bound to be a less satisfied worker. So if after some introspection you find that your feelings towards your employee haven’t exactly been positive, it’s not too late to turn that around and bring out the best in him or her. Yes it’s true, sometimes no manner of encouragement will bring forth a great performance, but it’s often quite surprising what will happen by making an extra effort.

On the other hand, you may have discovered that indeed this worthy employee has flown under the radar too long, and has not been given the proper kudos. What do you do? The best way to remedy the situation is to sit down privately with him or her and first sincerely apologize for the oversight. Then ask what can be done in their eyes to reverse the negativity. Do they want simple verbal acknowledgment? Do they feel they were overlooked for a promotion, or are their skills being underused? Listen openly, and if need be, tell them that you want a few days to fully absorb the suggestions they gave. A followup meeting will be necessary in this case. The important thing is to give room for the employee to express their views on the situation so you can better address it and make adjustments. At that point you’ll be able to see where improvements can be made if possible.

If you feel there’s simply been a misunderstanding – that in fact you did show the employee appreciation and they didn’t recognize it as such – find that magic middle ground and offer something else that makes you both comfortable.

When an employee doesn’t feel appreciated, you both lose. The solution may be as simple as letting that employee know the are indeed valued and needed. Other times bigger steps need to be taken; but in the end what you gain for your efforts is a happier, more dedicated employee. And if strides are made to correct an unhealthy situation, your employee will have a deeper respect for both you and the company that worked so hard to show true appreciation.

Employee Appreciation Gone Wrong – A Speak-Out

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:10 +0000

One guy's thanks is sometimes another guy's pain in the cranium...

Last week we asked people to tell us one thing an employer had done for them that made them feel truly appreciated. This week we decided to flip the coin and ask the reverse: What is the worst attempt an employer has ever made to try and make you feel appreciated? As one can imagine, the answers are anything but dull! Instead they give us a good look at what to do – and what not to do – to show our employees they’re valued. So read on. And if you have a story of your own to share, be sure and leave us a comment.

Beverly: The worst attempt I remember was getting to select a service award for 20 years of service from a flyer sheet and when the award arrived my boss said, “Hey, that watch you ordered has been sitting on my desk for a couple days. Why don’t you go grab it?” Tear jerking, huh?

Jillian: My boss approached my desk, and in a whisper asked if I would like to be second in command. When she wasn’t there I would manage the employees and handle emergency situations. I knew this “promotion” wasn’t a paid position, but I felt honored to be chosen. The first time I tried to politely exercise my power, I was rudely shut down by the employee and when I consulted with my boss about it, she said she would handle it. She never did. I realized later that no one was told of my new place in line; I guess she hadn’t wanted to insult the others by picking me to run things when she was gone. It still hurts to this day.

Bill: I worked for the same company for just shy of 10 years when I quit on good terms. In fact, I quit one week shy of my 10-year anniversary. I’d already chosen my anniversary gift and it had been ordered. It was a very nice watch and I was really looking forward to receiving it. About a month after I left the company I called the HR department to see what had happened to my watch because it hadn’t arrived yet. I was told that since I didn’t work the full 10 years, (7 days short of it, mind you!) the watch had been sent back.

Patty: What is the worst attempt? Wow, how do I choose? I was “awarded” my pin after my first five years of service. Every five years employees get a gold colored plastic pin. The center circle is a different color for each five years. This $2.50 pin is usually given to you late, up to a year for one employee, or when the supervisor is reminded it was your anniversary. At the staff meeting it’s just handed to you and they announce how long you have been working there. Some people clap. Then it’s your “duty” to wear the pin all day. As all staff do not attend the same meetings, it lets the rest of the office know you made it another five years. But the pin is so small most don’t notice it. Some employees collect them. Mine collects dust bunnies in the back of my bathroom drawer somewhere. And honestly, when my husband’s work found out that’s all I got, they felt horrible and gave me a watch as that’s what they do for their awesome employees. That’s sad!

Chuck: I used to proofread telephone books, believe it or not. Records were kept on each of us as to whether or not we missed any typos, etc. When an error was found against us, it was marked down in red ink on our sheet. If we made it a week with less than a certain amount of errors, we were allowed to choose a “prize” from a cardboard box of castaway items. Included (I remember it well) were things like packs of sticky notes, pens with the company’s former name and logo on them, even half a pack of stationery one boss found in her desk. It was almost embarrassing to whoever was “rewarded” with the chance to pick through the box. We always felt like we should refuse, but we were all young and didn’t know how to handle it, I guess.

Perhaps after reading through these stories you’re feeling a big “Oops” thinking of something your company has done for its employees that perhaps wasn’t such a hot idea. If that’s the case, don’t fret. This is the golden opportunity to turn things around and show your employees appreciation a little differently. When the opportunity arises to thank someone for a job well done, taking a moment to put yourself in the recipient’s shoes can help you see that things need changing; or perhaps the role reversal will verify that you’ve indeed found a great way to say thanks.

What Makes an Employee Feel Appreciated? A Speak-Out

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:35:14 +0000

What makes an employee feel appreciated? We may assume we know the answer to that question; we may even assume we’re doing it for our employees already, but are we? I asked a few hard workers an important question: ” What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?” Some of those questioned had immediate responses. But most had to think awhile; one even gave up. Following are their eye-opening answers.

What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?

Bob: Unfortunately I can’t think of anything great a company did to recognize me specifically, but at an employee group level, the company organized a few picnics that turned out to be fun events. I would have appreciated a simple verbal acknowledgment from my manager for a job well done.

Cecil: I always liked getting free things. (I once got a laser pen and pencil set.) The day we would grill out and have hot dogs and hamburgers. Gift certificates were nice. Unexpected things were always the best. Like coming into the office and saying the first sale of the day got $50. Salesman of the month with a gift certificate to a restaurant.

Sharon: During a performance review at a job I had in my early 20’s, a boss told me he wished all his employees worked as hard as I did. He was very sincere and I’ve carried that compliment with me all these 20 years later!

Sarah: OK, I can honestly say I don’t know the last time an employer did anything to let me know I was appreciated. Oh wait, I think on Secretary’s Day the other agents buy us a big lunch. But wait, that’s the agents. That doesn’t come from the employer. Scrap that. My supervisor brought us snacks for Christmas. For the whole staff she brought us one thing of celery sticks cut up, a small bag of carrots, and some dip. And two rolls of Ritz crackers for our ENTIRE staff. I think a dozen cookies too! Is this helping?

(Thanks, Sarah. Actually it does help! We appreciate your candor.)

Maria: In 1997, I received a gold necklace from a boss and his wife when I left the company. I am wearing it right now. Also, the continuous “Thank you’s” are so important.

Five people, five different companies five totally different responses. Or is it? One could read these answers and walk away with an overall impression: It really is in the sincerity of the recognition. One thing is for certain: Everyone wants to feel appreciated and recognized for the time and effort they put into a company. If you’re wondering whether or not your company is doing its best to make the employees feel valued, you might try a similar survey, asking employees to give their responses anonymously. Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results. Or maybe it’ll be some pretty difficult reading material. Either way, it’s important enough to take the time to find out. In the end, you’ll have happier, more productive employees that are willing to go the extra mile.

Perhaps you’re the employee with a story to share. Please feel free to comment on this post and tell us what an employee has done to make you feel valued!

Check back next week when our next Speak-Out asks people to share their stories when employees tried to make them feel appreciated – but didn’t. More eye-opening stuff to come, so subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss out!

Last-Minute Holiday Awards Presentation Tips

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:06:45 +0000

For many companies, the holidays mean the perfect time for award presentations. Perhaps your company saves this special time of year to hand out plaques and awards for a job well done, years of service, and other mile-markers. To make your presentations more meaningful than a visit from St. Nick himself, it’s always best to make the occasion stand out.

For some companies, years of service awards are sent directly to the recipient’s house. That approach may be easy, but it’s certainly lacking. The office Christmas party is the perfect time to hand out the award while everyone is present. Set aside a special time during the party to recognize all those special achievements. Such an occasion is sure to be remembered fondly for years to come.

If the holiday party has already come and gone, or if your company cut back this year and isn’t having its usual shin-dig, try pulling coworkers together in the break room for a quick but thoughtful presentation. Simple things like making sure there’s plenty of good fresh coffee, some holiday cookies, and perhaps some music and a few decorations will help mark the event as something notable.

In many ways, an award’s presentation can be just as important as the item itself, perhaps even more so. It shows the company truly appreciates its employees, and isn’t just going through the motions of passing out plaques because that’s what a company is supposed to do. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to let your employees know how important they are! There’s nothing like the spirit of the season to make your thanks be even more heartfelt than ever.

Planning a Fun & Inexpensive Work Gathering: The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:17:18 +0000

Ice Cream Socials are a Great Way to Reconnect at the Workplace

Yes, it’s November and rather chilly in most parts of the country. But what better time to plan a little break in the daily routine! I’m talking ice cream social – bowls, cones, hot fudge, neapolitan, rocky road, and all your coworkers. There’s nothing like a moment to chat with your office mates or get better acquainted with other departments, even shut the production line down and hand out the cones, to help everyone refocus and reconnect. The excitement of changing the pace can actually energize your work staff, make them feel appreciated, and reminding them the workplace can be enjoyable too!

What you need: Simple stuff here: Bowls and spoons, ice cream scoops, perhaps some cones. Marischino cherries, hot fudge, chopped nuts, perhaps whipped cream. A couple of flavors of ice cream, even a low fat or frozen yogurt variety if that’s how your group rolls.

Give ‘em a Reminder: For an extra bit of fun, provide the group with ice cream scoops sporting the company logo. They’ll remember the event – and the company – next time they dig into a pint of Ben and Jerry’s at home. Add an appropriate motto to the scoop such as “Digging in Together” or “(Company Name) Employees are Cool!”

Remember, it’s not always the big fancy hullabaloo that’s needed. Just a break in routine, a reason to get together, and the simple reminder to employees that they’re thought of and appreciated.

Like the ice cream scoops? We’ve got ‘em. Just contact us at 1-888/664-6449 to order today. We’re a pretty speedy bunch (who thoroughly enjoys ice cream) so you’ll have them in time for your special event.