Employee Appreciation Day: How To Appreciate Millennials In Your Workplace

By Mikee Canaman

One of the main reasons millennials are usually given a bad rep when it comes to the workplace is because they have a different take on things. My team members, for instance, enjoy working at a company they believe have plenty of better opportunities for growth. More than a paycheck, they value the camaraderie and purpose that comes with their roles.

This, in turn, has driven them to always do their best. And as a ‘thank you’ for all their hard work, FutureSmart proudly celebrated National Employee Appreciation Day last March 6. This day, which is observed on the first Friday of March each year, is when employers around the world make the extra effort to appreciate their employees’ hard work and dedication. After all, employees are a company’s greatest asset.

When employees feel valued, their stress levels decrease. This has a positive effect not only on their overall performance but also on their well-being. They tend to sleep better, have increased metabolism, and have improved relationships with their colleagues. This has been proven time and again by various studies on this topic. If more companies could practice a culture of gratitude, they will find happy workers who are willing to go the extra mile – as well as spread a lot of that positive vibes.

Another outcome of appreciating employees, especially millennials, is loyalty. This not only applies to your staff but for customers as well. Research done by the Gallup Organization shows that companies that empower employees observed 50 percent more customer loyalty. As it takes plenty of time and resources to acquire new customers, increased customer loyalty is definitely a win for revenue.

But celebrating National Employee Appreciation Day isn’t the only way to achieve these results. Keep in mind that empowering employees should be a business decision, not just something to be done once a year. There are plenty of affordable (and realistic) ways to show your workers that you are grateful for their hard work.

Start by calling out even small accomplishments, such as getting more subscribers or winning over a new client. Don’t forget to stock the office pantry with staples like coffee, tea, juice, and biscuits. Is there an activity that the majority would love to do on a regular basis (i.e. bowling, eating samgyupsal, karaoke, etc.)? Take them out for a treat! Be creative in fostering an attitude of gratitude.

It’s your turn: what do you appreciate about your employees? And how will you express it every day?

 

Mikee Canaman is the Senior Manager of FutureSmart, an innovation firm committed to provide data-driven strategies and breakthrough technologies for organizations – private or government-led, to sustain relevance for the future. She is also the Vice Curator of the Iloilo Hub, part of the Global Shapers Community — an initiative of the World Economic Forum, shaping impact in innovation, education, and tourism.