Holiday bonuses are nice but those are often expected. To really thank your team, aim for something that will surprise them. This is a week for giving thanks, something we usually think of in the context of our home and a gathering of family and friends around a traditional meal. But before you go off for that extra-long weekend, have you thought about how you might thank your employees this holiday season? Without them, you literally wouldn't have a company.
Holiday bonuses are nice, and depending
on your company's practices may be expected. But here are 10 non-cash perks
that will let employees know you're thinking of them in a way a check can't:
Let employees know you'd like to make a
donation in their name to a charity of their choice, either making a small
donation available to each one or letting them vote on a charity to receive a
more sizable gift.
Message: We care about what you care
about.
One CEO I met tasked with turning around
morale at a large company would actually stand in the company's cafeteria once
a month dishing out food to employees. In a smaller company you can order in
food and then you and other top leadership can wait on employees, bringing them
their dishes and picking up afterward.
Message: We're all in this together.
If you're in an urban area where
employees take public transportation to work, look into subsidizing those
expenses. Many cities have special plans that save on your taxes while helping
employees pay for their rides.
Messaage: We appreciate you coming here
every day.
During the Christmas school break or on
snow days, invite employees to bring children with them to work. Set aside a
space for them to play and arrange an on-site baby-sitter to watch the kids and
perhaps take them outside for a snowball fight.
Message: We know you have obligations
outside work and we want to help.
It could be a silver cup, the original
prototype of your company's product or even a beloved stuffed animal. Whatever
it is, it should symbolize appreciation and achievement to your team. On the
last day of the month, present it to an employee who's done something
exceptional for your company, his or her co-workers, or the community. On the
last day of the following month, that employee will present it to another team
member who's done something exceptional. And so on.
Message: Recognizing contributions is
everyone's privilege.
Until recently, Google famously gave its
engineers one day a week to work on a project of their choice. You don't have
to go that far, but one day a month, or a few days out of the year, invite
employees to work on whatever they want, including volunteer or community work.
Message: We care about what excites you.
7. Lend out your office.
Get out of your office for a week or two
and let one of your cubicle dwellers use it instead. Encourage other executives
with offices to do the same.
Message: You're valuable too.
Do you have a fancy car that you use for
sales calls or have purchased or leased for personal use to reflect your
company's success? Reward an employee who's done something special by inviting
him or her to drive it to a sporting event or business function.
Message: We trust you.
If no one in your office is allergic,
invite employees with well-behaved dogs to bring them to work. You may find
some stay later when they don't have to worry about rushing home to walk their
dogs. Consider having a groomer come to the office as a special bonus.
Message: We understand how much you care
about your pet.
This could be a lunchtime yoga class,
discounted gym membership, exercise equipment room, company hikes or bike
rides, or even a fresh juice station. Gauge your employees' preferences and
fitness levels to determine the right mix for you.
Message: We care about your health
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