What value are you putting on quality time in the budget?
I understand first-hand the intrinsic link which lies between staff engagement and the overall success of an organisation. So to make it easier for you, I’ve put together some of practical, affordable and easy to do tactics I’ve implemented over the years, that not only make people feel valued, but help to create a culture of gratitude and appreciation.
July: The gift of a personalised call
We text and email to communicate fast. Instead, how about creating a new habit to call one staff member or customer each day to sincerely thank them. Make it a habit by taking two mins to think about one person each day that deserves a genuine thank you, and call them on the way to or way home from work.
August: Be present
Share a coffee every week with someone from your team. You never know what you could learn or where it may lead. Be sure to give something of value while you are there. It doesn’t have to relate to business, it could be that you know their child plays soccer and you have access to a well-known player that you had autographed a book for them.
September: Social Acknowledgment
Recognise someone who went beyond the call of duty or had something extraordinary happens in their life. We talk about surprise and delight. When was the last time you did this? Make it your weekly ritual in September. It could be a bunch of flowers sent to an unwell staff member, or a card on their desk when they arrive to work just saying you noticed…..
October: Be creative
Arrive to work before anyone else and theme the office around one of your company’s objectives this year. You may have a goal to expand to a new territory, so you change the office to reflect things from that country or town. This could include a lunch of the local produce or an experience, such as a cooking class, to learn about the traditions and cultures.
November: Think time
Gift a tree day for people to sit under a tree to think and plan their next 30 days. As it drawers closer to the silly season, everyone appreciates the gift of time.
December: Connecting with the support crew
Send a thank you card by ‘snail mail’ to the loved one or child of a staff member, just let them know how grateful you are that XYZ works with you and what they add to the company. Keep them involved.
January: Cool down
On a hot day, buy some ice blocks or bring Mr Whippy to your workplace to cool everyone down in the afternoon. Make them feel like they are still on holiday while getting work done.
February: Job swap
Get rid of the ‘that’s not my job’ culture. The annual Job Swap Day allows others to go to work in someone else’s shoes. It creates an understanding and empathy for that person’s role while harnessing a more collaborative workplace.
March: Taste of Success
Baking for your team takes time and energy, something you expect from them every day. Give back with a treat that you handmade at home with them in mind.
April: Movie time
Add up the gender and age groups of your staff. Think about what movie genre would suit the team and book in a movie during the day, mid-week.
May: Slow down
Take two minutes to breathe between meetings. Mindfulness is critical to being present and hearing what others are saying. We often go back to back and run from meeting to meeting only to get to the end of the day and forget half of what was said. Stopping to reflect, write notes and prepare for the next meeting takes time. Make this time and notice the difference in your, and your team’s, productivity.
June: Praise your people
Be honest, kind and open to those who have really shown support to the company, not just monetary wise, but they could have come up with a new initiative that has saved time for others. Share the good news stories as often as possible.
