Monday 19th January 2015 is ‘Blue Monday’ – arguably the most miserable day of the year for workers in the UK. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Here are 3 ways you can keep your employees happy and motivated in the new year.
1. Recognise your employees
You can recognise the efforts of your staff in a number of ways, so there’s really no excuse not to show your appreciation now and again.
Employees love to be praised for a job well done, yet too many companies often overlook individual success. A pat on the back motivates them and inspires them to do more, not to mention makes them happy.
You can leave handwritten thank you notes on their desks, or even hand out small gifts – everything from vouchers and gift cards to an extra day of holiday time – to show how much you value their work.
Weekly employee recognition awards are also a good idea.
2. Organise days out
A day out gives employees something to look forward to, so organise a few during the course of the year.
It’s a chance to let off some steam and bond with colleagues. Paintball, for instance, is a great staff activity. Not only does it get workers out of the office, it also promotes team building in a fun environment.
What you do and where you go will depend on your budget. But off-site excursions don’t have to be big and flamboyant; it’s the thought that counts, so don’t be afraid to keep it small and fairly low-key.
After all, workers will appreciate whatever time off you give them, whether it’s a couple of hours or an entire day.
3. Offer free food
Never underestimate the power of food – especially when it’s free!
Offering tasty treats like cakes, chocolates and sweets in the office can significantly boost staff morale, so don’t be afraid to push the boat out. Doing so shows you value and appreciate all of their efforts.
But why stop there? You could even provide free hot meals at lunchtime. After all, workers would be lying if they said they looked forward to their packed lunches, usually consisting of a sandwich, crisps and a piece of fruit.
Spicing up their work life with delicious cuisine will lead to a happier environment and greater productivity.
