Employees are key to any business’s success: they build your product or perform your service, and they interact with your customers. In short, they make your business go. Most leaders understand the need to hire the right people for the right positions, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. Building a company culture helps to keep employees happy and engaged, and at the forefront of building a culture is making employees feel valued.

Why show employees that you value them?

The reasons for showing employees that you value them may seem obvious, but they are worth noting. When the employees are valued, they are more engaged, and an engaged employee is a more productive employee. Employee engagement also reduces costly turnover. Since simple gestures can have a real impact on your business’s bottom line, it is worth taking steps to show your employees that you value them.

How to make your employees feel valued in the workplace

There are many ways that employers can show their employees appreciation, which makes them feel valued. 

Recognition

The first and the most obvious method to make employees feel valued is to simply recognize them. This can be individually or publicly, and it can be a small or large gesture—it’s the recognition that counts.

Appreciation

Appreciation and positive feedback are essential in making employees feel valued. Giving employees positive feedback can motivate them to work more efficiently. It will also show them you’re not out to criticize them, making it easier for them to absorb constructive advice when it inevitably comes.

Ask their opinion

Ask their opinion about different issues of the organization and show them that you value their feedback by implementing it as often as possible. Ask for insight about their job and the company, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback about your leadership.. 

Good communication

A high level of transparency makes employees feel trusted, and they feel like they are part of the company. Conversely, keeping everything secret will result in less trust and can negatively affect their performance.  

Consider compensation

Nothing tells an employee you value them like putting your money where your mouth is. Compensation can come in the form of a pay raise, a one-time bonus, or even gift cards, an extra day off, or increase benefits.

Motivate employees to praise each other

Encourage your employees to acknowledge the work and efforts of their coworkers. Doing so creates a community among your staff, and it can motivate them to work together and create synergy

Celebrate early and often

Something as small as coffee and donuts to celebrate the completion of a project can go a long way. By doing so, you’re telling your team that you notice, appreciate, and value their work.

Offer public recognition

Whenever possible, acknowledge your employees’ work publicly. This can be done by giving internal awards, nominating them for external awards, or even by making social media posts. 

Create new opportunities

Show the employees that you trust their capabilities and assign them more responsibilities. This will provide them a chance to grow and develop professionally.

Don’t forget to say “thank you”

“Thank you” – a simple but effective word that can make employees feel valued. You can say “thank you” individually or in a group; verbally or in writing. The important thing is that you say it. 

Celebrate work anniversaries

Celebrating milestone anniversaries can make employees feel seen and appreciated. By recognizing their years of service, you are telling them you acknowledge and appreciate the time they have spent with your business.

Invest in their continued growth 

Don’t be afraid to ask about career goals, and consider how you can help them achieve them. You might be able to help them work towards them, either by giving them exposure to a different department or investing in continued education.

These are simply ideas for how you show your employees that you value them. There is no wrong way to show your appreciation, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even the smallest of gestures can have a big impact on employee engagement, and in turn, on company culture—both things Omega cares about greatly. What about you? How do you make your employees feel valued?