Thanksgiving is a time of the year to reflect on the gratitude we feel for the people in our lives. It is a great habit to have in your practice to regularly thank your employees, and if you aren’t doing that already, now the time to start. Showing appreciation to your employees will show them that their work is valued and will motivate them to continue to do a great job. It also encourages your team to pass the gratitude to others in the workplace, and you will see personal as well as professional growth. Here are a few ways you can show your staff how thankful you are this Thanksgiving.
Just Say It!
The easiest way to show your appreciation is to simply say it. A small “Thank You” goes a long way, particularly when your employees have done something for you personally or have done a great job. You should encourage other members of the management team to acknowledge the staff throughout the year, too. A culture of gratitude encourages a positive work environment and spreads quickly.
Write It Down
In a time where most messages are communicated over text or e-mail, isn’t it great to see a handwritten letter in the mail? Writing a note by hand and addressing it to your employees is a quick and easy way to give them an extra boost. Keep a stack of fun blank cards at your desk and when you see an employee going above and beyond, send one out. Be sure to let your team know you are happy they are a part of your staff and that you value them both as an employee and as an individual.
Give A Helping Hand
You might be the one in charge, but you weren’t always in that position. Demonstrate that you are a real leader, and that you are appreciative of all your employees do, by pitching in and helping out when needed. That’s not to say you should micromanage their every move or imply the job won’t get done if you aren’t involved. Helping out shows that you aren’t above the work your team does every day at your practice and that you are thankful for what they do.
Pay it Forward
As we stated before, gratitude is contagious. It can spread like the flu through your practice, but is much more desirable. There’s an old saying that it is not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy. When you cultivate an environment of gratitude in your practice, you will see everyone being more positive toward each other.
Celebrate!
You don’t really need a reason to throw a great party, but the holiday season is the perfect time. Many companies have holiday parties closer to Christmas, and getting things planned around Thanksgiving will give you a great head start. Show your team how much you appreciate them by giving them the chance to relax and have a good time. Holiday celebrations don’t have to be lavish and expensive affairs; they can be casual and you can keep costs down if you host it in your office. If you have a bigger budget, don’t be afraid to go all out!
Remember, showing your appreciation to your employees will create a more positive and productive atmosphere. Plus, after all the hard work in, your employees deserve to know how thankful you are for them this Thanksgiving. Here at ChiroDestiny, we are certainly thankful for you learning and growing with us. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!