In anticipation of the winter holidays, most everyone would rather be at home with their loved ones than stuck behind a desk, and why not, after another year of layoffs, furloughs, and salary reductions?  Coupled with such morale reducers, many employees continue to shoulder the burden of increased responsibility caused by lighter staffing levels.  If you take a close look, you might see your employees suffering from the winter-holiday blues.  The good news is, there’s no better time of year to perk up employees by showing them that their hard work is appreciated.

Employee appreciation is more important than you may realize!  Globoforce’s recent Workforce Mood Tracker illustrates just how important it is, and highlights a trend of employees feeling less and less appreciated on the job.  In a significant increase over February 2011’s survey results, these latest figures show 39 percent of workers don’t feel appreciated at work, and more than half are dissatisfied with the level of recognition they receive.  What’s worse—largely because they don’t feel appreciated, over one-third of survey respondents are actively looking for a new job.  Could your workforce be slipping through your fingers?

Employee recognition—or lack of—is a powerful reason why workers seek employment elsewhere.  In fact, half of the workers surveyed by Globoforce said they would leave their current job for an employer that clearly recognizes employee efforts and contributions.  So how can your business retain those employees who are feeling underappreciated?

• A little praise goes a long way.  The holiday season can prove especially difficult for employees to stay focused, but they still work hard to keep your business running, so don’t be afraid to pass out the compliments.  Be sure to recognize positive behaviors and top-notch work.  It shows you care and that you’re paying attention to their work habits.  Instead of making excuses to withhold praise, seek out opportunities to offer praise.  If this is something new for you, consider implementing a holiday recognition program where managers and supervisors can tell you about jobs well done.  Be sure to watch management staff for exceptional work that you can praise, too!

• Have a heart. Although personal needs can crop up at any time, employees may be more likely to ask for special consideration and flexibility this time of year.  How should you respond?  Offering compassion and kindness will show employees that you appreciate them and the work they do, and that you are sensitive to their personal lives.

• Make over the break room.  Is your break room still rocking that garage-sale couch and the TV with bunny ears?  Bring your employees’ relaxation space into 2011 with an inexpensive makeover.  See how a fresh coat of paint, a new table and chairs, a flatscreen TV, and a new couch can perk up the space.  Experiment with something fun and modern!

• Party down!  Few things say “appreciation” like an office party.  This can be as simple as a holiday potluck or as extravagant as a black-tie Christmas party.  Either way, your staff will appreciate the time to relax and connect with coworkers and managers outside the stress of the office.  It’s a great way to promote camaraderie and increase morale.

Simple employee appreciation is a powerful motivation and retention tool.  You work hard to attract the best and brightest candidates, so keep them on board by appreciating their hard work.  Employees who feel recognized are not only apt to stay with their employer, but are encouraged to work even harder, so as an added bonus to increased retention, your business is likely to see improved productivity!

For more information and other great tips on how to motivate and retain employees, the HR consultants at YES! Your Human Resources Solution can help.  As Orange County’s premier HR consulting firm, we can answer any questions you might have and can help you prepare a personalized motivation and retention strategy unique for your business’ needs.  Why keep waiting when you can start appreciating your employees?  Visit our website or contact us today for a free consultation.