While many think of recognition in terms of a monetary reward, there are plenty of cost-effective and creative ways to thank employees during financially difficult times as well. We hope that you keep up the great work … Leadership is personal. Thus, during difficult and uncertain times, amp up your communication. Although many organizations are investing in plans, surveys and committees to address safety, productivity and digital connectivity during these challenging times, according to Brian Kropp, Chief of Research for the Gartner HR practice, “these plans often do not address, nor impact, employees’ ability to focus on their work.”. You treat customers as if you're the owner of the company." Celebrate the accomplishments of employees by giving recognition that is personal, personalized, creative, and honest: If you have a team of now-remote employees to engage, it may look a little different but it’s certainly possible to build a sense of community and meaning to boost morale. There are times when it takes creativity and drive to exceed customer expectations. Recognition does not have to be based on the obvious, such as a reward for the most sales or highest performance but should be based on unique contributions. And encouragement letters can play a strong role in infusing positivity in people who are having a difficult time. Communicate the action and impact. At PeopleResults, we have an #Applause channel in Slack to share big wins. During challenging times, it’s important to give back and encourage others to do the same. Thank you so much for helping me out during these difficult times. Recognize employees' contributions and hard work during times of crisis. While you may not have traditional things to celebrate right now, there are always opportunities to celebrate demonstration of values and commitment to your customers and the company. Your showmanship, your creativity, and your hard work were more than crucial to the campaign’s success. Hearing from a boss is nice, but recognition in front of others and senior leaders is even better. Do it now.. A book, a cookie delivery, a fun tech gadget, a bottle of wine are inexpensive gifts that could hit (or miss) the mark. Thank you for your hard work While we try not to encourage employees working past their usual office hours, a little thank you note would be great as employees would realise that their hard work has not gone to waste. You can inspire your employees by assisting them to connect more with their end-customer and their job’s purpose. 41. That visible support – especially in difficult times – generates trust, appreciation, and a tremendous amount of goodwill and loyalty. At difficult times, you want someone who can motivate you to stand up again and face the challenges. Your dedication and sacrifice will contribute to the growth of the company and the building of our reputation. Thank you notes deliver a classic, personal touch that never go out of style. 40. 1. 40 Thank You Notes to Staff. So how can organizations build or continue to nurture an appreciation-rich culture when times are challenging and it doesn’t feel like there’s much to celebrate? As managers, it’s essential to express gratitude to your employees, especially in this time of uncertainty and social distancing. Some current examples of companies that have stayed positive in the support of their people: Receive our weekly blog, Leadership Insights. Thank you for using your remarkable talents and skills to fuel our mutual efforts. If you have a very strong relationship with professional peers at your level in the institution, there may be times when you can have -- as the cliché goes -- an open and honest exchange of views. You listened, understood the underlying concerns, and clearly supported your point of view” is more meaningful than “great job.”. While the whole world is braving a pandemic currently, there are the coronavirus helpers that are not staying back at home comfortably but going out there and doing everything to fight COVID-19. Please be proud of the work you do, the perople you are, and the difference you make. A manager in the surgical stapler instruments division at Intuitive Surgical created the “Red Stapler Award” for employees to recognize peers who have demonstrated the values they admire. Dear Sarah, Thank you for assisting Project Manager, Alice Lee on the recent project. You don’t have to do it alone. We want to support you through this difficult time and our call will be to ‘check in’ with you, not to ‘check-up’ on you. How to Recognize and Thank Employees During Tough Times, IN Office: 135 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 1675 Indianapolis, IN 46204. Take over the last 10 minutes of a meeting for surprise high-fives. Learn more about our insights and capabilities. Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality work in a timely manner. 20 percent of respondents in a study of 200,000 TINYpulse users from more than 500 organizations cited camaraderie and peer motivation as their top driver to go the extra mile. Communicate the action and impact. Thank You Messages & Positive Quotes For Coronavirus Helpers and Healthcare … But, it’s your duty as a leader to think about your people, too. by Andrea Davis. We are happy to have an employee like you. Recognize specific actions.. 5. Tough times are, ironically, one of the best times to prove that your employees are your greatest asset. "Thank you for handling that difficult … Thank you for a skilled display of team management throughout the campaign, and thank you for helping us finish it. , Partner and Cofounder of FlashPoint, is passionate about all things leadership. For example, you can recognize a helper today and recognize a supportive friend tomorrow. Thank you. One of the easiest ways to boost employee engagement is to thank them. Again, thank you so much. Below are some best practices and thought starters to help you show appreciation for your employees. The best leaders cultivate strong connections by regularly reaching out, lending an ear, asking questions and taking a sincere interest in their people’s well-being during tough times. I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God. When colleagues provide you with major help at work, lend a hand when you're in a jam, assist with a challenging project, or generally go above-and-beyond what's required, it's a kind gesture to send a letter of appreciation.You can also send a note or email message to a colleague who has covered for you while you were out sick or on leave. You truly are a great employee. Thank you for being there. I am very touched and proud of how our employees, our Trenders, are stepping up even more than usual to engage in acts of generosity and community support. In times when you can’t relay your appreciation face-to-face, 2-way communication via a phone conversation or video call is an excellent way to make a deeper connection. “When it is obvious that goals can’t be reached, don’t adjust the goals, but adjust the action steps.”. But, it’s your duty as a leader to think about your people, too. CIPD says a big ‘thank you’ to the hard-working HR teams putting people first during the COVID-19 pandemic The CIPD is asking people professionals to share stories of their dedication to supporting people and organisations through these challenging times. Try This. Love your quick-thinking! For those of you who will be departing the organization, I thank you for your contributions to Starbucks and wish you and your families the best during this difficult time. Tanner says it’s important to remember “members of your team who provide support, who work behind the scenes to get things done, especially those who are consistently, and thankfully, the ‘low drama’ types.” They may not seek the limelight but their contribution deserves recognition. 1. Dear [Name], Thank you very much for your time and consideration today. We are highly satisfied with your skills. See you soon people! Leverage collaboration tools like Slack and MS Teams to highlight team successes. We’re all facing a lot of challenges right now, from the financial strain and uncertainty in our businesses to the personal roller-coaster we’re all on. Sharing personal views may make you feel better, but it can unfairly burden your direct reports or peers. A professional thank you letter goes a long way to show that you are thankful for the hard work your employees have put into their jobs every day. ... 3. :) Hello Team! Both the audience and the recipient were encouraged by the heartfelt, sincere celebration and the explanation that the Red Stapler Award is about and for the employees, their values, and their reasons for working at the company. You’re a superstar! Thanks! In the midst of these difficult times, we have also seen the amazing power of positivity and kindness around the world. My family and I are grateful to all of you for your dedication and caring. Birthday celebrations, wedding and baby showers and team lunches bring a welcome dose of levity and festivity. When going through difficult times, it’s harder to … This is even more important to encourage and reinforce now that many of our workforces are working remotely. Tap into the power of peer recognition and engage managers in the effort. 2. As a start, try to make it a habit to thank someone every day. Your help has been invaluable; I don't know how I would have managed without your help and support. As a small token of appreciation, I would like to take the team out for dinner tomorrow. Leadership experts Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner found that employees whose leaders celebrate accomplishments rate them as 30 percent more effective and report they feel up to 26 percent more engaged at work. Photo by Wilhelm Gunkel on Unsplash. Thank you for your hard work! We all could use a dose of appreciation in these days. Many feel isolated, ignored and unsettled when adjusting to a new or remote work environment. Shoot off a text or quick email to deliver your thanks quickly and informally. It’s always about the “who” over the “what”. During challenging times, there is always someone who is going the extra mile … We are asking a lot of employees right now. Thank you for being on the frontline during this very difficult time. But they may be wondering, how do I show appreciation right now when everything seems to have changed? 4. How can organizations and leaders help employees stay engaged with their work, with so many distractions? I’m amazed by how you maintain your performance while taking on even more work. Learn more about thank you letters. Tell stories about the great things you and your employees are doing. Heroes are not those who fly in the sky but are the ones who are by our side in difficult times. April 20, 2020. 2. Thank you to each one of you for completing the latest project not only ahead of schedule but also under the budget. Thank You Messages to Employee for Hard Work. Your support was vital during the hectic season. – Decades of research on trauma and resilience have shown that when people feel their lives have meaning and purpose, they have a far greater capacity to deal with traumatic events and difficult times. If you panic, however, and don’t say a word about it in person, absolutely reference it in the thank you note, in the form of an apology. However you decide to recognize an employee or team, make it sincere, consistent and meaningful. Your reliability is a great asset to the team. Thank you for being someone I can rely on. The act of giving back brings people together to contribute towards the same good cause. Don’t underestimate how meaningful it is to know that coworkers appreciate your efforts. Especially during challenging times, don’t stop celebrating team successes, individual achievements and major life events. You may be without a job, have an illness or facing a difficult situation of some kind this Thanksgiving. You're willing to take a risk without having to ask a lot of questions. Loneliness and a feeling of isolation will undoubtably start to set in, but peer encouragement can be a good antidote to that. Practically overnight, employees had to shift where they work, transform how they deliver work and take on more work, all while navigating unprecedented health and financial uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s inspiring and motivating to see everyone pile on their congratulations, likes and positive vibes. The deep nostalgia that is central to the word saudade can easily be felt in times of transition or when you're in a completely unfamiliar place. Here are some tips for engaging both in-office and remote teams: There are many paths to recognizing employees, but the best place to start is always, always with a simple “thank you.”. We appreciate your passion and your way of solving problems. Our very best wishes that you stay safe and well. Anyone can be creative, but very few can be artistic, and you are one of them. Thank you for all the hard work you did for the company. From being a friend to leading other employees, you have made our workplace a place where everyone feels positive and ready to do more. Employee recognition is important for morale, and a simple thank you note to staff is an indication that you as the leader care about your employees. Weave recognition into company-wide communication. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”. Colin Powell. It may not be a good time for the company, but you will still want … The first thing you need to get accustomed to is to say, “Thank you for your dedication and... #2 Write personal notes or Post-its. “The way you handled difficult questions during the meeting put our client at ease. Encourage teams or coworkers to recognize outstanding work among their peers. Robert Quillen (1887-1948), American journalist & humorist One size does not fit all; know what matters to the person. How to Recognize and Thank Employees During Tough Times. many organizations are investing in plans, surveys and committees, these plans often do not address, nor impact, employees’ ability to focus on their work, “members of your team who provide support, who work behind the scenes to get things done, especially those who are consistently, and thankfully, the ‘low drama’ types.”. Thank you for that brilliant idea to solve a mind-boggling problem. 20 On behalf of the people in charge of AVM Industries, I would like to say thank you, Rhodes. How To Recognize and Thank Employees During Tough Times 1. Confucius. You'll find her wearing many hats—from managing business development and operations to creating solutions for clients. Luz Wozdusiewicz: Yale Medicine, Medical Billing Compliance: Thank you! Many feel isolated, ignored and unsettled when adjusting to a new or remote work... 2. Preferably somewhere off campus. Having someone who can encourage you to keep moving ahead is what you need at weak times. Dear employee, I know how much you worked hard. Thank you for getting us an amazing deal at the most reasonable budget. I sincerely appreciate your generosity. A few words of thanks go a long way. A reliable employee is the best gift a leader can ask for. 3. We’re all facing a lot of challenges right now, from the financial strain and uncertainty in our businesses to the personal roller-coaster we’re all on. You may think that writing a thank you note to an employee is insignificant. Taking the effort to notice, write and send your sincere thanks is a meaningful act of appreciation. O.C. "We are so proud to have you as part of our work family. Thank you for the extra hours you worked to ensure our latest project was completed on time. Create small groups or pair team members together to answer questions, check-in with each other or offer informal encouragement. Engagement experts at TINYpulse found that peer recognition is a powerful tool for supporting employee engagement. Work Family. Thank you during difficult times… Posted by Adam Levin on May 8, 2020 in Uncategorized | No Comments These are incredibly difficult times, often not being able to directly help friends and family during this terrible pandemic. Managers are another natural fit in the efforts recognize employees. It would be easy to be a boss if every employee was as great as you are. Here are five messages that you can share with your employees during these times of unpredictability, to give hope, ease fears and show gratitude. Best Quotes for Thank You Notes to Employees (Year End & Speeches) “There are no secrets to success. 10 “Thank you” ideas for your employees’ hard work #1 Say “Thank you” often. Thank you for taking ownership of your work. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people miss their friends, loved ones, or the simple pleasure of going out to a favorite cafe or being in a room buzzing with people. In the sixth edition of The Leadership Challenge, Kouzes and Posner share a story about the powerful impact of peer-driven recognition. Give a shout out on social media. Be available and check-in.. The first winner was recognized for his ownership of a project, and his courage to continue it even though internal teams were pursuing another option. Unfortunately, many times we are stuck in our office away from the people we serve. Your negotiation skills are seriously commendable. Thank you for the commitment and hard work during these unprecedented times Starting this week we will be contacting all care providers over the next few weeks. Helen Keller (1880-1968), American deafblind author, activist & lecturer If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(31071, '17d96b80-37eb-4a41-bc8d-6bbe19125e0d', {}); Andrea Davis “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~Meister Eckhart . A few examples include: Now, ideally you should call the moment you realize you’re running late and also address it when you arrive.