For most companies, it’s been a crazy year. Employees have stepped up to the challenge, modified their work structure, learned how to ZOOM, implemented new processes and found ways to keep things going in the face of uncertainty. As a leader, have you taken the time to personally acknowledge their contributions?
For most leaders, making in through the day is like being caught up in a whirlwind. Between meetings, projects, deadlines, emails and the latest crisis, it’s easy to forget about the good stuff that is happening and the employees that make it so. Acknowledging good work is just as important as returning a call from the CEO. If you don’t think so, you’ve missed the mark.
In the world of thank-you, there are only a few things more thoughtful and meaningful than a handwritten note. As the VP of Customer Service, I would often send out cards to employees who went the extra mile to help a customer. I hand-wrote a message in it specifically addressing the employee’s action and relayed a genuine thank-you for their contribution in making our company better. Employees would often tell me how much they appreciated that I took the time to write a note. I knew it meant a lot to them because when I toured the various departments, I’d see my notes pinned on personal bulletin boards or propped up on the employee’s desk.
When was the last time you wrote a personal note to an employee to say thank you? Maybe today would be the perfect time to start. Be specific and genuine. If you are working remotely, mail it to your employee’s home.
Recognizing employee contributions should be top of mind for every leader and handwriting a note is a powerful way to say thank you. Employees will not only appreciate the note but the fact that you took the time to write it.