How to reward employees and improve retention

Software company Oracle said employers are now realising that they must address all aspects of employee health, including stress and anxiety, in order to avoid a decline in productivity and prevent work burnout.

Off the back of this research and research from Reward Gateway, which found 90 percent of HR workers believe recognising and rewarding employees can help improve employee retention, a chief executive (CEO) has highlighted four ways companies can reward their staff for a challenging year:

Take some time to chat

Communication is key and taking some time out to chat to your employees can really help to boost their morale. If your staff are working remotely, this is even more important, as working from home can often feel isolating. Consider scheduling a quick video call once a week or month to catch up with them and thank them for their great work. This will also give them the opportunity to bring up any worries they may have.

Send some handwritten notes

A small handwritten note can often mean more than you think. Take the time to write out a personal message to each employee to show your appreciation. If you’re working remotely, you could send out some gift cards, thank you cards, or even a simple email. Try to keep them personal to each employee and remind them that they’re doing a great job.

Give them an extra break

If there’s one thing that can help reduce stress it’s a holiday. So, it could be a good idea to reward your employees with an afternoon or an extra day off before Christmas. They’ve worked extremely hard all year and some much-needed time off could be just the thing to show them your appreciation. Plus, they’ll be coming back feeling more refreshed in the new year.

Send out some small gifts

Who doesn’t love receiving a gift? Sending out a few presents can help boost employee morale so have a think about what they might like. Consider items that might help brighten their workspace, boost their mood, and increase productivity, such as potted plants, desktop gardens, blankets, or a relaxing tea or coffee hamper. Alternatively, you could hand out some items printed with your company logo. Mugs, stationery, and clothing always go down well. Plus, they’ll help your employees feel more connected to your company even if they’re working from home.

Paul Rowlett, CEO of EverythingBranded, said: “Looking after your employee’s mental health is as important as ever. These are just some of the ways you can thank your staff for all their hard work during these difficult times.”