Ways to Say Thanks that Won’t Break the Bank!
It’s that time of year again! Time to say "thanks" to your employees for all their hard work over the past year. Especially this year when it has been so tough for both companies and their employees. I know of so many smaller businesses that have struggled this year and are definitely looking forward to 2011! There are many ways to thank your employees for all their hard work – let’s look at some options for you to say "Thanks!" to your employees.
- American Express gift certificates
- Certificates for local restaurants – a family friendly restaurant for employees with children
- Movie tickets or tickets to a show
- Fruit basket or cookies or other food items
- A cash bonus
- Extra vacation days for 2011
- Time off around the holidays
- A gift of a book that interests them – non-business related such as a mystery, cookbook, etc.
- Unique notecards – hand-designed or handmade
- A scarf or set of gloves
- A magazine subscription
- A houseplant
- Picture frames
- Candles
The more you know about your employees – their interests, hobbies, etc. – the more personalized you can make the gift!
Even a simple "Thank you!" for all you have done followed by some cheese and crackers, fruit and wine on a Friday afternoon is a great way to acknowledge your employees.
Ideally – you have been saying "thanks" all year long! A simple "thank you for your great work on that project," or "thanks for staying late to finish that document" goes such a long way. For 2011 – plan to say "Thanks" to your employees on a regular basis! Acknowledge their hard work and you’ll find that you have devoted employees who are loyal to your business.
Other ideas? What are some ideas you have for saying "thanks" to others? Please share in the comments field below!
Happy Holidays!
Thanks Mary Ann for the addition. I frequent small businesses myself – always something unique to offer and I prefer to support smaller businesses over larger businesses. Happy holidays to you!
Best,
Gina
A great thought and sentiment Gina! One more thing to add, maybe you can help keep others employed by considering a gift that comes from a local small business.
Small business owners have suffered greatly over the last year and a half, many of them sacrificing much to keep their own people employed. If you can, purchase a gift certificate for a local store instead of a big chain, or find a unique gift from a small business. You’ll be thanking your employees, while also helping your local economy!