Feeling valued at work increases more than just an employeeâs job satisfaction. The influence of recognition and appreciation has a profound impact on the entire organization.
One of the biggest factors impacting employee satisfaction and retention is feeling valued. When employees feel their contributions truly matter they are more engaged productive, and committed to the company.
Unfortunately, many organizations struggle with making staff feel appreciated day-to-day. Leadership leans on occasional perks or rewards expecting that to be sufficient. But a few flashy gestures here and there won’t cut it.
You need an ongoing, multifaceted approach to make employees feel valued. Consistency is key – incorporate these tactics into your regular management practices:
1. Check In Frequently
Don’t just connect with staff when you need something. Make time for regular one-on-one check-ins to show you care about them as individuals.
Ask open-ended questions beyond work tasks Show interest in their career goals, growth areas, and general well-being Be fully present and engaged during these conversations.
Schedule check-ins on a consistent basis, whether monthly or quarterly. Impromptu 5-minute chats in the office also make a difference Employees will feel valued knowing you make them a priority
2. Seek Employee Perspectives
Employees have unique insights into your products, customers, systems and more. Tap into their expertise by asking for input and ideas.
This could be through a quick hallway conversation or formal advisory group. Provide venues where you actively solicit staff perspective. And don’t just pay lip service – actually implement suggested changes when feasible.
Employees want their voices heard. Giving them opportunities to share input and improve the company shows tremendous value and respect for their competence.
3. Give Regular Feedback
Ongoing feedback is essential for employees to feel valued – don’t just do annual reviews. Make praise, coaching, and constructive criticism part of your regular management style.
Give feedback promptly so employees connect it to recent accomplishments. Be specific in calling out contributions: “You did a great job on the Johnson presentation by anticipating all their objections.”
Back up criticism with clear guidance for improvement. Employees will appreciate you taking time to thoughtfully help them grow rather than just criticizing.
4. Show Sincere Appreciation
Expressing gratitude is simple yet often overlooked. But meaningful, sincere appreciation can make someone’s day and deepen their emotional connection to the company.
Catch people doing things right and take a moment to thank them. Customize it with specific details like, “Thanks for jumping in to help Melissa with that client deadline. I know your plate is full, so that extra effort means a lot.”
Handwritten notes or impromptu team lunches also show gratitude. The key is authenticity – aim for quality over quantity in showing appreciation.
5. Remember Milestones
Make birthdays, work anniversaries, retirements and other milestones special. These personal life events show employees you see them as whole people, not just workers.
Mark major milestones with individualized gifts or experiences versus generic trinkets. Get coworkers involved too – a team card or video makes a bigger impact.
For smaller occasions, take a moment to personally wish them well. They’ll appreciate you remembering and taking time to acknowledge their life outside work.
6. Offer Flexibility
Providing flexibility demonstrates enormous trust and care for employees’ lives outside work. If possible, accommodate requests for alternate hours, work from home, or adjusted responsibilities.
Of course business needs come first – you can’t approve every request. But do what’s feasible while ensuring work gets done.
Employees will reciprocate your flexibility with greater dedication to their roles. They’ll feel like valued partners versus cogs in a machine expected to conform.
7. Follow Through Consistently
Few things make employees feel less valued than leaders failing to follow through. Frequent dropped balls, missed deadlines, and unanswered messages erode trust.
Set realistic expectations and deliver on what you promise. Hold yourself accountable for tasks big and small. Admit mistakes promptly and let people know if plans change.
Reliability shows respect for others’ time and contributions. They’ll have faith you’ll support them to drive results when you demonstrate consistent follow through.
8. Invest in Growth
Supporting career development demonstrates you want employees to keep growing with your company. Offer training, mentoring, and growth opportunities. Cover costs for external courses or conferences in their field.
Be flexible in allowing time for learning and self-improvement on the job. Have managers set development goals each review period and follow up on progress.
The investment in their growth pays dividends in more engaged, high-performing employees. They feel valued as professionals and reciprocate with greater loyalty and commitment.
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Consistent action is required to make employees feel truly valued day to day. Avoid superficial perks or occasional gestures. Instead, incorporate small but meaningful tactics into your regular leadership approach. When you show employees you respect their contributions, care about them personally, and support their growth, they’ll feel valued as essential members of a team. Those feelings lead to immense benefits for employee fulfillment, retention, and performance.
See the good.
Valuing employees in the workplace starts with a simple mindset shift. And, while itâs easy for many leaders to fall into the bad habit of only correcting negative behaviors, the best leaders actively search to see the positive change their people are making. Giving recognition doesnât have to be hardâitâs the simple act of noticing the good people are doing at work. Pay attention to what your employees are accomplishing day-to-day. Say thanks, watch for great work and call it out, and celebrate success to create a more positive workplace culture. Leader acknowledgement can be a powerful thing.
When employees develop strong connections with their leaders, they are:
- 11x more likely to stay with the organization for at least another year
- 3x more likely to stay with the organization for three more years
- More likely to rate higher on Talent Magnets (purpose, opportunity, success, appreciation, wellbeing, and leadership)
Help employees be seen and grow.
Show gratitude toward your team members by truly becoming an advocate for their growth. Employee recognition can help with visibility and career development by allowing employees to shine. Showcase their accomplishments and great work through your companyâs intranet or Wall of Fame so others will see their value. Highlight their unique talents and skills so they have the opportunity to network with others and be invited to work on special projects to elevate their careersâeven if that means theyâll eventually rise out of your department. Employees will feel valued, and theyâll remember your support and mentorship long into the future. Â
How to Show Your Employees You Value Them
How do you show appreciation to employees?
There are many ways to show employees how much you value them—from recognition programs and financial incentives to simple gestures, like listening and taking action on employee feedback. Knowing the importance of valued employees and how to show appreciation can create a strong company culture.
Do you value your employees?
Valued employees usually experience higher levels of job satisfaction, which can help increase productivity and reduce employee burnout. There are several ways to show employees you value them, including offering opportunities for improved work-life balance and recognizing employee achievements.
How do you show employees how much you value them?
Showing employees how much you value them can: Build trust: Employees who know you value their input, feedback and ideas often have trust in leadership and confidence in a company.
How to make your employees feel valued?
Offering your energy through small daily actions as well as responding to their aspirations will not only make your employees feel valued but also can propel your company to new heights. Do you know how to make sure your employees feel valued?
