Giving Thanks All Year Long

It’s that time of year again when companies thank their employees for their contributions. Some do this by offering an additional day or two off during the holiday season, while others throw a modest holiday bonus check to their people.

That’s all fine and good, but what I would like to know is why giving thanks is only done once a year.

Organizations that thank their employees all year round do so by paying fair wages, when they are in a position to do so. These are the companies that have held their own through the pandemic and are rewarding employees for their contributions, when they could have easily used the pandemic as an excuse for freezing wages or cutting salaries.

Companies that allow their employees to take time off when necessary, demonstrate their appreciation daily. They send the message that we trust you’ll be at work when you need to be. These same organizations have no problem getting employees to pitch in at a moment’s notice.

My favorite are the organizations that pay their employees well below market and then thank them for their efforts by providing them with large year-end bonuses that bring people up to market. Since many employees are thankful to be employed, many fail to recognize this bait and switch approach.

I bet the owners are thankful about that.

There is a lot to be grateful for this holiday season and throughout the year. Let’s spread the cheer and give thanks daily, and perhaps employees will cheerfully service your customers and clients in a way that makes you thankful to have them as part of your team all year long.