4 Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Team During the Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for giving, and what better way to show your employees how much you appreciate them than by giving them a little something extra? Here are 4 ways to show appreciation for your team during the holiday season and make sure that they feel appreciated.

1. Give the gift of time off. Time is the most precious commodity we have, so why not give your employees the gift of time this holiday season? Consider giving them an extra day or two of vacation time. Or, if you can't afford to give them extra time off, consider letting them leave early on Fridays in December. Whatever you do, just make sure you're showing your team that you value their time and appreciate their work-life balance.

2. Have a festive office party. One of the best ways to show your employees how much you appreciate them is by throwing a festive office party, either onsite or at a local venue. This doesn't have to be anything fancy; just make sure there's plenty of good food. Treating them to a nice meal or even hosting a Potluck where staff can show off their cooking skills can be a fun way to spend some non-working time together. If you really want to go above and beyond, consider hiring a DJ or band to provide some holiday music entertainment.

3. Get creative with Secret Santa. Instead of doing a traditional Secret Santa gift exchange, try adding a charitable component. Ask everyone to bring in an item for a local charity along with their Secret Santa gift. This will add some meaning to the exchange and help those in need this holiday season. You can also try setting a theme such as local gifts, for the kitchen, or beverage related gifts. Make sure you remember to set a price limit and more importantly have fun!

4. Give Personalized Gifts. Everyone loves to see their name on something, and personalized gifts can be a great way to show your appreciation and give your staff something that they will keep forever. Here are a few ideas for popular gifts that are sure to be a hit and don’t require buying a large quantity.

Engraved Desk Accessories: A desk is not a desk without a few key accessories. And what better way to show your staff how much you appreciate them than with a set of personalized desk accessories? Add a touch of sophistication to their office space with a beautiful, engraved desk plate, picture frame or pen holder. Whatever you choose, they're sure to love it!

Customized Tumblers: Is there anything better than curling up with a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter day? These modern-day mugs do a great job of keeping liquids hot, or ice cold for hours. You can add your company logo and your employee’s names for a practical gift that’s guaranteed to get used.

Personalized Notebooks: Who doesn't love a new notebook? Help your staff stay organized and motivated in the new year with a personalized notebook. You can have them engraved with your company's logo or simply add their name for a more personal touch. Either way, they're sure to get good use out of their new organizer.

The holidays are a great time to express your appreciation for your team, but don't forget that it's important to show your gratitude all year round. By taking the time to show your appreciation, you’ll not only make your staff feel good in the moment, but you’ll also foster a stronger sense of morale and ensure that they know their hard work is appreciated. At Awards4U we believe that a little recognition goes a long way towards keeping your team motivated and engaged. So, make sure to take the time to say "thank you" every chance you get - not just during the holidays!