50 Ways to Acknowledge Your Employees Before and After Labor Day

Andy O'Bryan, author of the newly released ebook Incentive Toolkit 2005, has compiled 50 ways employers can recognize their employees in honor of Labor Day.

(PRWEB) September 1, 2004 -- For most people, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, back to school, and another long weekend. Deep down however, when we stop for a moment and reflect as we often do on bank holidays, we all know that Labor Day is, in reality, meant to signify a time to recognize the achievement, struggle and determination of the working man and woman.

In honor of Labor Day, challenge yourself to start performing some of the activities on this list, as a way to acknowledge your employees. Then, when the holiday has passed, see how long you can keep these going, in an effort to better understand, recognize and appreciate what your employees do for you and your company every day of the year.

Here are 50 ways to acknowledge your employees in honor of Labor Day. See how many you are doing already, and which ones you could start doing better:

1.Ask them about themselves

2.Find ways to stay in an affirmative frame of mind, by saying yes as often as possible

3.If an employee makes a mistake, keep your emotions in check and mentor them to the make the right decision the next time

4.Be honest, ethical and forthright at all times. Stop yourself from stretching the truth about any issue that may arise

5.Listen to their needs and wants

6.Let them help you with your marketing plan

7.Listen to their stories about their families

8.Inquire if something is wrong if you feel an employee is acting different than usual

9.Remember the names of those employees in other departments you dont know

10.Find out the birthdays of your employees and remember to send each one a card when that day comes around

11.Present several options when they seek your advice, but also allow them to come up with their own solutions

12.Surprise them with an impromptu incentive, reward or thank you just for doing their job in the unique way that they do it

13.Stay with them a few moments after youve resolved an issue, just to make sure there arent any lingering questions they were hesitant to ask

14.Have lunch brought in

15.Let them take the reins on a customer issue, giving them the empowerment they deserve

16.Stop by their work area just to say Hi

17.Let them vent

18.Discuss their higher aspirations

19.Let down your guard

20.Come out from behind your desk when they come to see you

21.Tell them theyre doing a great job (you cant do this too often)

22.Learn something from them

23.Dont think with your mouth open

24.Make yourself accessible, answer your phone and return your emails

25.If you make a mistake, say youre sorry

26.Keep your promises

27.When you talk to them look in their eyes

28.Pass out their pay stubs and checks, and as you give it to them, thank them for the work they do

29.Acknowledge an everyday task they do, and tell them specifically how well they do it

30.Give them your undivided attention.

31.Ask for their opinion.

32.Encourage their creativity when faced with a challenge

33.Find out what theyre best at, and help them become masterful at it

34.Be genuinely glad to see them

35.Bend

36.Allow them to find their own way, but give help when requested

37.Give them immediate feedback.

38.Include them in conversations with your peers, dont make them feel left out

39.Respect them.

40.Be patient when theyre having a bad day

41.Send them to a meeting in your place, with their permission

42.Believe what they say

43.Laugh at their jokes

44.Encourage them to think outside the box

45.Let them look at the big picture with you

46.Share company goals with them, even if you think they wont understand it all

47.Encourage all types of feedback

48.Make sure your voicemail message is as friendly as possible

49.Introduce them to your bosss boss

50.Tell them if they ever have a question or concern they can call you at home, and give them your number

Andy OBryan is author of Incentive Toolkit 2005, the new ebook that gives employers creative and easy ways to motivate the great performance and reward the job well done, available at http://www.incentivetoolkit.com. To book an employee motivation session, consultation or keynote send an email to ajobryan@aol.com for a menu of topics.

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