It’s been an incredibly challenging year for most workers, who continue to be asked to do more with less resources. That’s why it’s especially important to recognize and reward employees for their contribution, as the year winds down. While turkeys are certainly nice, they aren’t exactly what most workers are wishing for this holiday season.
Here’s what employees say they value most from their employers:
Cash-We hear all the time that the money isn’t what really matters, but at the end of the day, it’s the money that people remember. Having a little extra to spend on heat or presents for your family goes a lot further than a pat on the back.
The gift of paid time off-Having an extra day or even a few hours off with pay is a good way to acknowledge the efforts of those who have contributed to the organization’s success. Go ahead. Send half the employees home early on one day and the other half on another so that business can continue to operate.
Continued development-Help your employees (and your organization) by investing in their development. Provide employees with IOU’s for a workshop of their choice next year or a promissory note for funds they can use to support their learning.
So before you decide that a turkey is in order this holiday season, think about the following. In a recent survey, 84% of workers said they were planning to look for a new job in 2012. Now if that doesn’t convince you to ditch the turkey, I don’t know what will.
