How appreciated your employees feel is a major factor in retention and engagement levels, so the holiday season is an opportune time to focus on it. This year especially has been so challenging for businesses and workers alike, so some holiday cheer is in order – even if you don’t have much of a budget to work with. Show your employees appreciation this holiday season with these five meaningful and cost-effective ways:   

1. Time Off  

Additional paid time off is among the simplest, yet most impactful ways to delight your employees. Even if they are highly engaged, the holiday season is generally when many workers start to feel wistful for time away from work to decompress or spend time with family and friends. If you can swing it, offering the gift of time off will likely be greatly appreciated by your team and feel like their work is truly valued by you.   

2. Gift Cards  

Picking out gifts for a group is particularly challenging, and often comes across as impersonal to employees if you get everyone the same token. Ensure you are offering a memento that will be truly useful and appreciated to your team by giving out gift cards to area businesses or credit card gift cards they can use for whatever expenses they desire. Even if the amount is nominal, having the freedom to decide how to best use it will likely be enjoyed.    

3. Recognition  

Thoughtfulness will typically win out over expense when it comes to employee appreciation. A simple and yet often underutilized gesture is to provide personal recognition for their hard work. Consider writing out individual notes to employees in which you acknowledge their specific strengths and contributions to the organization. Even if you can’t afford to spend much on a physical gift, this act will be far more memorable than anything you could have bought for your team.   

4. Stress Reduction 

The holiday season can be very busy for employees in terms of personal tasks they need to complete. Show your appreciation by making their lives easier and offering up time in the workplace for them to tackle the items on their holiday-related To-Do list. Whether it’s an in-office gift wrapping session or being flexible with allowing them to place some online shopping orders, it not only builds camaraderie if it’s done in a group setting, it reduces their stress at the same time.    

5. Free Food  

Arrange a catered lunch, or even just some smaller treats if budget is an issue, as a thank you to your team this holiday season. Showing employee appreciation by providing food is a classic gesture for a reason – people tend to love a free meal since it saves them time and money. Plus, it breaks up the monotony of the workday and gives everyone a chance to socialize a bit.  

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