Five Easy (and Cheap!) Ways to Reward Your Employees This Year

Many small businesses can’t afford to spend a lot of money rewarding their employees for a job well done and, since they cannot, often skip doing anything. Not a good idea! Acknowledge your employees’ hard work this year in any of these 5 easy (and not expensive!) ways:

• Give employees an extra day off to spend with family and friends over the holidays.
• Host a holiday party on a Friday afternoon. Just simple fare (cheese and crackers) is fine!
• Give each employee a handwritten note from you thanking them for all of their hard work and a job well done.
• Give each employee a book on a subject that interests them (mystery novel, travel, etc.).
• Give each employee a gift certificate/card ($25.00 is fine!) for coffee, movie tickets, a bookstore, etc.

Have a little more to spend?

• Consider allowing each employee to attend a 2 day conference or training workshop of their choice next year.
• Consider giving each employee a bonus check of $100 or more.
• Consider a larger party and invite employee’s family members. Provide gifts for the kids and snacks for all.

Even the simplest “thank you!” is a thoughtful idea and acknowledges your appreciation of your employees and their hard work for the business.

Your ideas? How have you been awarded for your hard work and/or how have you awarded your employees? Please share with others in the Comments field below.

Thanks!