The Power of “Thanks”

Let your employees know they’re appreciated with a unique thank-you.

By Cassie Dres

In Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em: Getting Good People to Stay (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2005), Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans stress how saying “thank you” in the workplace – both verbally and with rewards – allows you to develop connections and loyalties with your staff. If you calculate the cost of replacing an employee, the cost of offering “stay here” incentives to keep employees happy seems minimal. And gratitude doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the best gifts, after all, are the ones that show you care – and that you have taken the time to get to know who your employees are.

The authors offer some creative ways to show your gratitude to top performers.

Use your feminine strengths – empathy, communication and connection – to get to know your top performers. If you can’t afford to offer big-ticket perks like company cars or week-long spa vacations, consider personalized incentives you know each individual would appreciate. For a busy mom, it might be one day a week to work from home. For the young fashionista, it could be a manicure or pedicure. Compose a list of three options and let employees pick one each.

Get their input. Ask your employees to write down a number of ways they would like to be rewarded. Have them include some low- or no-cost ideas in the mix. Act as a genie and grant one of their wishes. Added bonus for you: Playing wish-giver is fun!

Allow an exceptional employee to participate in the interviewing and hiring process of a new manager – if possible, for a key position at least one level above her. This shows you value her input and involvement in the company.

Delegate a key project, one you may have wanted for yourself, to an employee. Offer assistance, but allow her to retain the leading role. Both of you will be able to learn from this experience. Added bonus for you: Delegating makes your life simpler.

Make the workspace more like home by offering a “shopping spree” or gift certificate to a local supply store. Personalized environments will make employees more comfortable. The newly decorated space also presents an opportunity to learn something new about key players.

Support your employee’s professional interests. Have a women’s business magazine delivered to her home. This encourages employees to grow and keep up with the latest information and trends. Added bonus for you: A more educated and informed employee.