Valentine’s Day is a great time to show someone that you care about them, and whilst we traditionally think of this as a day for couples, there is no reason why it can’t be extended to others. It can be a great excuse to show your employees how valued they are, and it can sometimes be more appreciated that doing it at expected times such as Christmas. So, how do you go about doing it?
Why make the gesture?
It is important for business owners and managers to show their staff that they are appreciated in order to increase productivity and the retention of the best talent. When employees feel as though their efforts are being appreciated by those above them, they will often feel more motivated to give their very best. It can make them more loyal to a business, and as your reputation as an employer grows, it can help to attract more of the best people out there towards you.
Send a card
You don’t have to go down the route of a traditional Valentine’s Day card filled with hearts and teddy bears, but anything that gives you the opportunity to write a few heart felt words about how appreciated they are can have a massive effect on morale. Tell them a little bit about what they do well, highlight a particular success and offer them your thanks.
Offer some treats
One of the best ways to improve the mood of a workplace is through food. It is a great way to show a little gratitude and is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. As it is Valentine’s Day, you get offer round some chocolates or even some specially made cupcakes. This gives you the option to personalise things, so that they could either have a Valentine’s Day theme or add some corporate colours or logos to them.
To make a real statement, you could consider laying on a delicious office buffet. When a team eats together it can often help to build stronger relationships and encourage greater productivity.
Doing this as a treat can be a great way to show everyone that they are seen as important to the business, provide a short, well-earned break and give everyone the chance to relax together. This is still an easy option, as you can order the buffet to be delivered by caterers, meaning that you do not have to lift a finger.
Decorations
There is no better way to get into the spirit of things than to decorate your workplace on the day. Streamers, balloons and confetti can be a fantastic surprise for everyone and can go a long way towards lifting the mood. You could even challenge individuals or departments to decorate their own areas and reward the most creative efforts, as this can include those who work remotely as well.
Show kindness to others
We can all be guilty of letting events like this one become all about us, so instead make a gesture to a charity or community group. Offer to help them out with something, run a fundraiser or dress-up day for them or make a donation. An act of kindness towards others can be a great way to pull a team together and make them all feel better about what they do and where they work.
As Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday this year, it can be a great way for employers to show their staff that they care. No matter how big or small the gesture that you make, it can be important to show employees just how much they mean to you.