Christmas time is a great time to appreciate your employees. It can be tricky, but it can also really show some appreciation and understanding at a time of year which sometimes puts people in hard financial situations. Personally, I am not a fan of giving employees turkeys or cheese balls. I think that as an employer a gift that would actually show some appreciation and help employees out at Christmas is either a generic gift card or a cash bonus. It can get expensive doing this for all employees, but even if it is just $50 it makes a huge difference. Think of all the food or toys someone could get at Wal-Mart with $50.
There are some employers out there who go the extra mile and set up a "Christmas Angel" type program for employees that have had a rough year and probably won't be able to have Christmas without a little help from coworkers. The idea is that employees nominate other employees who might need some assistance and then an anonymous card is hung on a tree with the age of the employees child and some ideas of gifts that one could buy for the child. Employees come together and make Christmas happy for these people who might not otherwise be able to provide Christmas for their families due to major medical expenses and catastrophies. This program is one of the coolest things I've heard about at a workplace and I think it is a fabulous idea.
The thing you do not want to do is set a precedent of giving generously to your employees so that they expect a $1000 bonus each year and begin assuming that they will receive it to cover their holiday expenses and then one year suddenly the company decides to no longer provide that bonus. If the bonus is going to be significantly less or completely different, it would be a good idea to get the word out early in the year that the budget is tight and employees should be prepared for smaller or fewer bonuses. Being up front and honest is always better than a surprise that puts someone in a financial bind and a grumpy mood.
Remember, small tokens of appreciation like a handwritten Christmas card from a supervisor are appreciated alongside any other kind of gift that a company might want to provide for its employees.
"The way you see them is the way you treat them and the way you treat them is the way they often become." Zig Ziglar
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thanksgiving - Time to Reflect
Thanksgiving is less than a week away. It is my favorite holiday because there are no strings attached. This holiday does not require obligatory gifts or excessive decoration. This holiday is about getting together with loved ones and sharing in a generous meal and reflecting on the many blessings that we have been given. I think Americans often overlook the simplicity of this upcoming holiday and get caught up in the shopping frenzy and the football games and the stress of having company or having to prepare a fancy feast for the family.
As an employee of your organization or company, whichever it may be- take a moment to reflect this week on the blessings God has provided you through your employer. First, you are employed. Praise the Lord for that! There are lots of people who are not employed right now. Second, you live in a country where there are at least minimum wage standards and laws that protect you from harassment and discrimination and being overworked without proper pay. There are other things to be thankful for such as benefits like medical insurance, paid time off, having holidays off, etc. Seriously, take a moment to step back from the office politics and think about what the job really means to you and your family.
As an employer or supervisor, take a minute to reflect on your employees and all the hard work they have put in this year to reduce costs and increase revenue. If you work in a care industry like nursing, think about the selfless efforts your employees put in day in and day out with minimal complaining and the services they provide for people who really need them. Is there a way you can show appreciation and gratitude to your employees this thanksgiving? Remember, heartfelt words mean just as much as a twenty pound frozen turkey. Think about what would really mean something to your employees. Words of kindness and gratitude are free and are always welcome when they are genuine. If you are out of the office this week or away from family and friends, consider sending the all powerful e-card to express some gratitude! Here's an example of a site that provides free Thanksgiving e-cards: http://www.123greetings.com/events/thanksgiving/
I am thankful for all of my various employers and all the people that have taught me so much over the past few years. God continues to bless me with generous and kind people to teach and mentor me while supervising or working alongside me in office settings. Thank you for your generosity and may God richly bless you for your kindness!
"Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your maker, to the architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. It’s a phenomenal lesson." Bob Proctor
As an employee of your organization or company, whichever it may be- take a moment to reflect this week on the blessings God has provided you through your employer. First, you are employed. Praise the Lord for that! There are lots of people who are not employed right now. Second, you live in a country where there are at least minimum wage standards and laws that protect you from harassment and discrimination and being overworked without proper pay. There are other things to be thankful for such as benefits like medical insurance, paid time off, having holidays off, etc. Seriously, take a moment to step back from the office politics and think about what the job really means to you and your family.
As an employer or supervisor, take a minute to reflect on your employees and all the hard work they have put in this year to reduce costs and increase revenue. If you work in a care industry like nursing, think about the selfless efforts your employees put in day in and day out with minimal complaining and the services they provide for people who really need them. Is there a way you can show appreciation and gratitude to your employees this thanksgiving? Remember, heartfelt words mean just as much as a twenty pound frozen turkey. Think about what would really mean something to your employees. Words of kindness and gratitude are free and are always welcome when they are genuine. If you are out of the office this week or away from family and friends, consider sending the all powerful e-card to express some gratitude! Here's an example of a site that provides free Thanksgiving e-cards: http://www.123greetings.com/events/thanksgiving/
I am thankful for all of my various employers and all the people that have taught me so much over the past few years. God continues to bless me with generous and kind people to teach and mentor me while supervising or working alongside me in office settings. Thank you for your generosity and may God richly bless you for your kindness!
"Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your maker, to the architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. It’s a phenomenal lesson." Bob Proctor
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What are your benefits?
Employees are looking for benefits. These come in all shapes and sizes and mean different things to different people. Defining your benefits and continually monitoring and improving them is a way to keep employees interested in your company. It is also a great way to recruit new hires. Benefits don't have to be health, dental, and vision insurance. They can be paid time off, increase in pay at 30 days, production bonuses, continuing education stipends, flexible scheduling options, child care discounts, etc. Think about what your company currently offers employees. How can you make imrpovements to your benefits?
Think about offering a paid day off to those who go 3 months with perfect attendance. Consider offering everyone a paid day off on their birthdays. Ask your employees what they are looking for- maybe "suggest" some options and see where it goes- you never know what you'll get if you don't make some basic "suggestions" and leave the floor open to any ideas. Your employees will feel empowered if you allow them to help make improvements to your benefit offerings. Empowered employees take ownership and have a tendency to take a little more pride in their jobs and find fulfillment in their work. Isn't that what we all want? Leave me some feedback with your ideas on alternative employee benefits.
"Some of the best business and nonprofit CEOs I've worked with over a sixty-five-year consulting career were not stereotypical leaders. They were all over the map in terms of their personalities, attitudes, values, strengths, and weaknesses."-Peter Drucker
Think about offering a paid day off to those who go 3 months with perfect attendance. Consider offering everyone a paid day off on their birthdays. Ask your employees what they are looking for- maybe "suggest" some options and see where it goes- you never know what you'll get if you don't make some basic "suggestions" and leave the floor open to any ideas. Your employees will feel empowered if you allow them to help make improvements to your benefit offerings. Empowered employees take ownership and have a tendency to take a little more pride in their jobs and find fulfillment in their work. Isn't that what we all want? Leave me some feedback with your ideas on alternative employee benefits.
"Some of the best business and nonprofit CEOs I've worked with over a sixty-five-year consulting career were not stereotypical leaders. They were all over the map in terms of their personalities, attitudes, values, strengths, and weaknesses."-Peter Drucker
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Appreciation is a WIN, WIN, WIN situation!
I love appreciation. I love how it makes me feel when someone says they appreciate me or when someone tells me what a great job I did on a project. I know that it is stereotypical for a Generation Y person to seek praise for even the smallest tasks... But let's be honest- we all love praise (even those Baby Boomers)!
One of the coolest resources for employee recognition ideas and products is http://www.baudville.com/. This company is my inspiration! I love their ideas. If you've never checked out Baudville, you need to right now! I would spend all of my money there if I could. When I go to work, I am looking for ways to appreciate people. It is something that I've done for years and it is something that is very rewarding for me. As much as I love it when people appreciate me, I love it even more to see someone's face light up when they know that they are appreciated.
There is a report that over 60% of Americans do not feel appreciated at work. This report supposedly came from the Department of Labor. I don't know how someone could have come up with concrete numbers on this, but the point is Americans work hard and should be appreciated for it. There's a book called "The One Minute Manager" by Blanchard and Johnson. It's a great book. You can read it in about an hour. This book talks about how you can appreciate people in one minute. Just go and spend one minute with your employees each day and let them know you appreciate them. It makes sense. It's easy. Why don't we do it?
Most people don't spend nearly as much time researching appreciation and recognition ideas as I do. As I'm looking at my time spent on the research I do on the subject, I am realizing that it's become a hobby. I love promoting positive ideas and feelings in the workplace. Appreciation and recognition have become some of my core values. I apply these principals in my personal life as well. Friends and family love feeling appreciated just as much as coworkers. A quick email or text message can make someone's day. It can help mend rocky relationships. Find time to appreciate someone today. Need some ideas? Considering my passion for the subject, I'd be more than happy to share some ideas with you.
Today's challenge for you: Send an e-card. http://www.baudville.com/epraise
Why not make someone's day today?
"I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And I have done that ever since, and I win by it. I know."Colonel Sanders
One of the coolest resources for employee recognition ideas and products is http://www.baudville.com/. This company is my inspiration! I love their ideas. If you've never checked out Baudville, you need to right now! I would spend all of my money there if I could. When I go to work, I am looking for ways to appreciate people. It is something that I've done for years and it is something that is very rewarding for me. As much as I love it when people appreciate me, I love it even more to see someone's face light up when they know that they are appreciated.
There is a report that over 60% of Americans do not feel appreciated at work. This report supposedly came from the Department of Labor. I don't know how someone could have come up with concrete numbers on this, but the point is Americans work hard and should be appreciated for it. There's a book called "The One Minute Manager" by Blanchard and Johnson. It's a great book. You can read it in about an hour. This book talks about how you can appreciate people in one minute. Just go and spend one minute with your employees each day and let them know you appreciate them. It makes sense. It's easy. Why don't we do it?
Most people don't spend nearly as much time researching appreciation and recognition ideas as I do. As I'm looking at my time spent on the research I do on the subject, I am realizing that it's become a hobby. I love promoting positive ideas and feelings in the workplace. Appreciation and recognition have become some of my core values. I apply these principals in my personal life as well. Friends and family love feeling appreciated just as much as coworkers. A quick email or text message can make someone's day. It can help mend rocky relationships. Find time to appreciate someone today. Need some ideas? Considering my passion for the subject, I'd be more than happy to share some ideas with you.
Today's challenge for you: Send an e-card. http://www.baudville.com/epraise
Why not make someone's day today?
"I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And I have done that ever since, and I win by it. I know."Colonel Sanders
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Tips for Entrepreneurs
Check out these small business tips from the web. I think these will be appreciated by my other small business owner/entrepreneur friends.
http://invoicebubble.com
Free invoices - you make your own invoices. It's beautiful! Your customers don't even know that there is a 3rd party company - you can get paid through paypal. This looks simply great. I'm most likely going to use it myself...
I got the idea to check out invoicebubble.com from workhappy.net -- so go check out that site too. They have great business ideas for small business people- "Killer ideas" they say.
www.workhappy.net
I realize these are not "HR related" tips- but I think they will still be helpful to small business owners/ managers. Also, you will learn that I am interested in all things entrepreneur, therefore I will share with you.
"People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence."Jack Canfield
Please let me know if this was helpful to you.
Thanks,
Tara
http://invoicebubble.com
Free invoices - you make your own invoices. It's beautiful! Your customers don't even know that there is a 3rd party company - you can get paid through paypal. This looks simply great. I'm most likely going to use it myself...
I got the idea to check out invoicebubble.com from workhappy.net -- so go check out that site too. They have great business ideas for small business people- "Killer ideas" they say.
www.workhappy.net
I realize these are not "HR related" tips- but I think they will still be helpful to small business owners/ managers. Also, you will learn that I am interested in all things entrepreneur, therefore I will share with you.
"People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence."Jack Canfield
Please let me know if this was helpful to you.
Thanks,
Tara
Welcome!
Welcome to the TNT human resources consulting blog!
This is where I am going to keep you up to date with all of the exciting adventures that await in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. Get ready world, the newest human resources management consultant is about to unleash some positivity in the workforce!
This is where I want you to get to know me as a professional and learn about what it is that I can do for your business or your organization.
I will share stories and ideas on the blog-- these are sure to spark your interest and generate some discussion on how I will work with your organization to make your dreams of engaged employees a reality!
"Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' Never forget this message when working with people." Mary Kay Ash
Enjoy your Saturday! Thanks for stopping in,
Tara
This is where I am going to keep you up to date with all of the exciting adventures that await in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. Get ready world, the newest human resources management consultant is about to unleash some positivity in the workforce!
This is where I want you to get to know me as a professional and learn about what it is that I can do for your business or your organization.
I will share stories and ideas on the blog-- these are sure to spark your interest and generate some discussion on how I will work with your organization to make your dreams of engaged employees a reality!
"Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' Never forget this message when working with people." Mary Kay Ash
Enjoy your Saturday! Thanks for stopping in,
Tara
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