Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 5, so I’ve been pondering what that looks like as a newly remote company. Within my circles, “appreciation” can sometimes feel synonymous with “awesome perks,” making it harder to compete as a seed-stage company. Kard doesn’t have the resources to provide round-the-clock meals, gym classes, and massage credits for every employee, but with the COVID-related office closings this year, that playing field has been leveled. Stealing from Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages, here are five currencies of appreciation to consider when you’ve maxed out on perks.
Humans love knowing that our work matters to others, which is why we find it so unsatisfying to do pointless work. Implementing channels for praise can let employees know how much their work means to you, to your customers, and to each other. Some will thrive on more public versions of praise, but for others, a few thoughtful sentences during a 1-1 will make a huge difference.
Have an employee for whom actions speak louder than words? Show them your appreciation by doing something thoughtful instead.
With the rise of loneliness during the pandemic, some employees may be looking to their job for camaraderie and connection. Yes, we may be tired of Zoom happy hours, but encouraging social connection at work can help reduce isolation. Freshen the company social scene with these ideas.
Google famously grants employees 20% of their company time toward a project of their choosing. Even if your company can’t afford that, you can still invest time in what matters.
Chapman’s fifth love language is typically gifts, but there’s a limit to how much swag you can buy your team. As the world shifts away from an in-person, perk-based economy, perhaps the new appreciation language is choice.
Employees are choosing where they’ll work and what hours they’ll keep. They’re deciding between higher salary or increased equity, commuting or resource optimization.
Not every employee will want to choose — too many choices can overwhelm. But for the right person, freedom in decision will make a huge difference in knowing how much you appreciate them.
Appreciation will look different for each employee, and part of being a great manager is finding out what makes them tick. Show them you care by taking the time to do so.
Originally published February 2021