If there's one thing all business owners or HR managers can agree on, it's that motivated employees are the backbone of thriving businesses. And the impact of recognition on their motivation cannot be overstated. 

According to a recent survey by Nectar HR, a staggering 83.6% of employees believe that recognition significantly influences their motivation to succeed at work. Additionally, another survey revealed that 37% of employees prioritize recognition above other workplace elements. This underlines the critical role that appreciation plays in fostering a positive and productive work environment.

As you plan next year's goals, OKRs, and culture changes or upgrades, be sure not to leave out your company's reward and recognition policies. Below are some great tips to help you with improving your employee appreciation practices.

5 Employee Appreciation Tips That Actually Make A Difference 

1. Celebrate Professional and Personal Milestones

While many companies celebrate major work triumphs, it's important to appreciate your employees’ small wins too. Your appreciation should also go beyond acknowledging their professional achievements and extend to recognizing their personal milestones. 

Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or a personal certification, celebrating these moments demonstrates that the company cares about its employees on a holistic level. The recognition or appreciation doesn't always have to be in the form of a grand gesture; a simple, heartfelt acknowledgment can have a profound impact.

2. Don't Be Stingy with Raises, Bonuses, or Promotions

One of the best motivational drivers for employees is knowing that their hard work will be well-rewarded. More employees would even be eager to go the extra mile if they know that there are tangible benefits for outstanding achievements. This is why it is crucial to provide employees with clarity on the career path ahead. 

By being transparent about career progression, companies can instil confidence in their workforce, ensuring that every ounce of effort contributes to both personal and professional growth. 

3. Shout Them Out Publicly

In the era of social media, public recognition adds a powerful dimension to employee appreciation. Spotlighting employees' achievements online not only boosts their confidence but also enhances the company's reputation. Before you proceed with this though, be sure that the employee feels comfortable with the public recognition.

At Motherboard, we take pride in our culture of shout-outs and staff spotlighting, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both individuals and the organization.

4. Make Them Feel Heard

An essential but sometimes overlooked aspect of appreciation is giving employees a voice. Feeling heard and valued cultivates a sense of belonging and can significantly improve collaboration and creativity. 

Actively seeking and acknowledging employee feedback, even if it cannot always be implemented, builds a healthy and inclusive company culture.

5. Feed Them Well

Food, often dubbed the way to the heart, is a universally appreciated gesture. Treating your team to meals, especially during demanding periods, is a simple yet effective way to show appreciation. 

For remote teams or diverse tastes, platforms like Motherboard offer food and grocery vouchers, providing a flexible and personalized approach to employee benefits. With Motherboard, you can easily create a Food & Groceries benefit plan and create a budget for each employee. After that, your employees would be free to redeem vouchers to shop at their favorite food spots.

Conclusion

When it comes to employee retention and satisfaction, recognizing and valuing your team members can go far beyond monetary rewards. By implementing these appreciation tips, you can contribute to not just the professional but also the personal growth and well-being of your valued employees.

If you're looking to back up or support your culture with better employee benefits, consider using an employee benefits platform like Motherboard. We enable you to provide comprehensive and customizable benefits—from transportation to food & groceries and health & wellness—without breaking the bank. 

Explore the possibilities with Motherboard today!