7 Ways to Show Your Employees That You Value Them

When you hire your first employees, or if you’re growing your business – there’s a lot of pressure to do right by your team. You want to create a company culture that keeps quality talent in your business, and nurtures each individual to grow. In order for that to happen, your employees need to feel valued. As a small business owner, you may not have the option to pay the highest wages, or give the biggest bonuses. So what can you do to make your team members know that they are a valued part of your business?

Here are a few ideas:

Offer More Vacation Time

Vacation time is good for all employees, for it allows them to relax and rejuvenate. A relaxed employee is more likely to be more creative in the workplace.  When overstressed people become overwhelmed and highly emotional, causing workplace tension that is not needed. Giving employees planned vacation times allows for them to relieve some of that stress – which can lead to fewer unexpected sick days. This may not be viable for brand new small businesses, but if you’re a little more established, it’s a great perk.

Show Recognition

If you are a brand new small business, you likely don’t have much by way of monetary rewards for your employees. However, what you can do is make sure you are acknowledging when your employees are doing well. Give your employees recognition publicly or within the company showing them you have noticed their hard work. Another nice touch is to give them something small and special for their birthdays.

Host A Lunch

Purchasing a free lunch for the office can make your employees feel valued. Purchasing the free lunch and allowing your employees to eat it together gives them time to get to know each other more and bond with one another. Don’t make this a part of another meeting, just make it about team building and taking a moment to celebrate what the team has accomplished so far.

Always Say “Thank You”

It seems really simple, but those two words can go a long way toward building trust and loyalty with your employees. Yes, you are paying your employees to do their work, but telling them thank you when they complete a task or when they do something for you shows them that you appreciate their help. It makes them feel as though their presence is valued in your office – because it is (or should be)! Saying thank you is a simple sign of respect and says that you see them as the individual they are – not just a worker bee.

Offer Parental Leave

If you’re more established, consider offering paid parental leave for your employees – if raises aren’t an option. While you are required to offer parental leave under FMLA, you are not required to pay for any part of it. Allowing parents to spend time at home to raise and care for their child boost morale of the parents, and relieves the stress of worrying about their newly born child being in the care of someone else. You may not be able to offer a full 12-weeks of pay, but you may be able to commit to a few weeks of paid leave for new parents. 

Show that You Trust Your Employees

Show your employees that them you trust them by giving them the freedom to own their own projects.  It is empowering to feel a sense of pride when we do good work and take personal ownership of results. Give them the opportunity to present new ideas, and to see them through. If they fail, don’t punish them – work through the process with them, and help them grow from the experience. You’re building leaders, and they need room to make mistakes.

Canine Colleague

While this may not work in every situation (due to leases and other restrictions), offering the option to bring your dog to work may be a good low-cost perk for your employees. Invite house-trained visitors to join the team. Offices who have adopted a “Fido Friendly” environment have seen a boost morale and creativity among employees. 

Every business is different, and what works for one team may not be an option for you. These are just a few options available to you as you build your own company culture. Have you used any of these ideas? What worked for your business?