If you’re like most channel partners, your focus is usually centered on your customers – and rightly so. But now that the holidays are here, it’s time to give a little back to the people who give so much to you, and to the customers you serve.
The holiday season is a time when we show our appreciation for the people we care about. It’s a time to say thank you to everyone from your mailman to your mother. That most certainly includes the people who keep your business running every day. While not every company can manage a holiday party or bonuses for every employee, there are still plenty of ways to reward your team at year’s end.
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- Treat with treats.
“There’s food in the breakroom” has to be every employee’s favorite phrase in the entire office lexicon. Consider bringing in a catered lunch for a large crowd, or taking your small office out for a meal. Even something as simple as a spread of donuts and bagels can go a long way toward making your team feel appreciated. - Shout it from the rooftops.
Don’t wait until evaluation time to tell your team members that they’re doing a good job. Make it a habit to praise or congratulate your people regularly—and always do it in front of the team. You can take it a step further with personalized awards. Use these certificate templatesto recognize employees for a positive attitude, innovative ideas, hard work or simply being a great teammate. Just print them on your Xerox color printer and they’re ready for framing. - Write it down.
In the age of email, a handwritten note packs more punch than ever before. Taking the time to write out a thank you note is a great way to let someone know that you appreciate them. have is forever. - Have some fun.
Team building activities can be as valuable an investment as emerging technology. They reduce employee turnover, and can even help make your office more productive, considering that happier workers who feel appreciated are willing to give more. Poll your team and find out what they’d like to do, then plan a special – and simple – event that will bring everyone together. Inexpensive events like picnics, happy hours or bowling nights go a long way toward strengthening bonds and morale. - Give a gift.
Small treats like movie tickets or Starbucks gift cards are inexpensive ways to thank your employees at holiday time, and all year long. Wholesale warehouses like Costco or BJ’s make it easy to keep a supply handy in your office.
- Treat with treats.
- Make them famous.
If you don’t already select an employee of the month, it’s time to get into the game. It doesn’t take much work to recognize an employee each month. You can do so by posting their photo and story on your website or social accounts. Tell the world why they’re an asset to your business, and what earned them the Employee of the Month recognition. This not only makes employees feel good, but also reflects favorably on your business to potential employees as well. - Give the gift of time (off).
Time off with pay has extra value during the busy holiday season. When your team – or an individual team member – has been giving a little more, give back by offering them a day (or even a few hours) off on the clock. - Give a gift to a charity they support.
Is there a cause that’s close to an employee’s heart? Make a donation in their name. - Ease the tension.
Imagine the delight in your employees’ eyes when they see a massage therapist walk in the door. Between work stress and neck strain from sitting at a desk all day, office life can be tough on the body. Treat your team to a round of 15-minute neck and shoulder massages as a thank you this season. It can be more affordable than you think. - Celebrate them on a personal level.
Work anniversaries, birthdays and other significant dates are important to all of us. Celebrating them as a team makes your employees feel special. Banners, greeting cards and other decorations are an affordable and easy way to make someone feel noticed and appreciated. You can even do it right in-house with Xerox banner templates that can be used to create banners right from your Xerox printer. The banners print out in 4 pieces you can join together so you can make any day a “banner day.”
Employees who feel appreciated are more willing to go the extra mile, both for you and for your customers. Whatever holiday you celebrate – and even if you don’t – gratitude is the attitude we should all adopt, all year long, and there’s no better time than today to get started.
Find out how channel partners just like yourself are making their teams feel appreciated and valued this season by joining our private Xerox Channel Partners LinkedIn Group.
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