7 unique ways to show employees they are appreciated

We champion teamwork at Award Crafters, a Trophy Shop in Chantilly. We love working together to make magical moments and memories. In our designs, in our retail experiences, and in everyday life.... because well, it's awesome! Employees are any company’s greatest asset and making them feel appreciated is an important step in keeping their spirits and motivations up. Recognition and appreciation not only help boost morale in the workplace, but that extra pep can also lead to an increase in performance.

Here are 7 creative ways to show your employees you care.

1. Host "Fun Fridays." Embrace TGIF and offer a new activity or free food for employees to kick off the weekend. Think an ice cream bar, a yoga class, or a volunteer opportunity. It boosts morale and spreads the reminder that the office environment about more than just work.
2. Celebrate their notable achievements. Whether an employee had a big impact on a project or are celebrating a work anniversary, Award Crafter Chantillypromotional products and awards are the perfect way to recognize them. For example, an Oncology R&D department of a pharma company gives out annual Innovation Awards for teams that went above and beyond. The prize? A dragon trophy for being “Fierce Innovators.” Each team member was also gifted a Dragon card plus a personalized note to thank them for all their hard work.
3. Welcome new hires with a card. Oren Powell, a marketing operation manager, says that he gives cards and a free lunch to his team to welcome new hires and kick-off special internal events. “Giving a card is a great way to motivate people and create a positive atmosphere at the firm. Many of our employees – current and past – still have the card that I gave them when they first started working for our business.”
4. Watch another team at play. Head out to a ballgame or the football field to watch more teamwork in action. Bonus: bonding over sports or another non-work-related activity is a great way for employees to relax and get to know their co-workers better.
5. Start an annual holiday tradition. The holidays get busy, but they don't call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing! Make your office's lead-up to the holidays meaningful and memorable by hosting a dirty gift exchange, tackling a charity fundraiser, or volunteering as a group with friends and family. Most importantly, give them an award or promotional item to show that you care!
6. Invest in an office coffee bar or an espresso machine. Coffee has become a staple in our day-to-day work life. Not only is it a sweet and easy perk, but a beverage station also gives colleagues a chance to mingle, congregate, and build friendships that can translate into stronger teams.
7. Take employees on a corporate-sponsored retreat or offsite. Activate your "out of office" and take your team with you! Explore the great outdoors, a theme park, or just a change of scenery for a weekend or an afternoon. Time away from your cubicles can help a team solidify a vision and encourage employees to work towards a shared goal.

To learn more great ideas about ways to show employees they are appreciated, visit Award Crafter’s website at http://www.awardcrafters.com/.