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
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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
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