How Do You Make Employees Feel Valued? The 5 Best Ways To Make Them Feel Appreciated.

The economy is still a little shitty, so you’re probably looking at another year of praises instead of raises.  Yippie.  How long will your employees hang around until they start looking for something better?  Might not be long.  Could be a while.  It’s tough to say, but one thing’s for sure — they’ll stay around a lot longer if they feel appreciated.

So praises then, but let’s face it — you suck at giving praise.  Here’s what you should do:

1. Buy meals.  Don’t just bring in pizza or bagels, ask your employees what they want.  If everybody likes sesame seed bagels, it’s no use buying any cinnamon-raisin.  Same with the 6-foot sub.  Why commit to all turkey when it’s just as easy to order individual sandwiches.  Customization is key.  You are trying to show that you care about what they want, so ask them what they want.
2. Don’t cheap out.  While it’s tempting to eye the coffee machine as an easy way to save a few bucks each month, don’t ditch it.  And if you don’t have one, get one.  An in-office coffee machine is like a $30-40 monthly raise for coffee drinkers.  And again, ask the employees what they want and provide it.  Don’t buy French vanilla if everybody prefers medium roast.
3. Single people out.  Did somebody on the team step up to really help the organization?  Single that person out for praise.  Say thanks.  Mean it.  Don’t backhand it.  Don’t add a joke.
4. Make people leave early … preferably on a Friday.  Tell them to pack up and leave.  Things can wait until Monday.  They worked hard this week (and they will now work harder next week).
5. Buy drinks … early.  Spring this on people.  Tell them to pack up at 4PM.  Then head over to the local bar.  Buy a few rounds.   And don’t do it on a Friday — people have their personal lives to live.  Do it on a Tuesday.  Don’t wait until 5:30 to start — you have to start early.  Don’t hang around until 6PM.  Buy, wish everybody well, close the tab, and leave.  Nothing good happens after 2 hours of drinking with subordinates.  Let them hang out, a little liquored up, without you around.

That’s it.  Follow the list and you’ll avoid being a Michael Scott.  You just may end up being the next Jack Welch.