Monday, February 28, 2011

March 4 is Employee Appreciation Day- Are you Ready?

To ensure a job well done never goes unnoticed, keep thank you cards and gifts handy.


Our hand blown, "You're a Star" Tokens of Appreciation are individually gift boxed with thank you cards blank inside for your personal note of gratitude.
Give an assortment to every manager in your company to promote everyday instant recognition

Ask me about commissioning them in your corporate colors!

 
The stuff of recognition - the awards, plaques, certificates, gift cards, isn’t the real recognition. The recognition comes with the thought and connection the employee feels. Meaning must be tied into the object for the award or gift to be a valued part of the recognition experience for the recipients. Employees are looking for meaning, and sincere appreciation for their personal value to the organization.

Here are 3 ideas you can start this month to ensure that you are providing recognition that works, making the most of your budget and time, inspiring and appreciating your team, and growing your company this year. Try one for three months and send me an update. I would love to hear your success.
  1. Show appreciation and say thank you to small things
    Show appreciation by genuinely saying thank you more often and to small things you would typically take for granted. Old school thinking is that you don’t have to say ‘thanks’ because your employees already know you appreciate them, or that too much praise will have them asking for a raise. It is a fact, thank you can never be said enough, especially now. Thank yous also encourage people to be focused on a positive outlook, rather than negative one.
  2. Listen, really listen to their ideas
    Communicate to your team how important their thinking is to answering cost savings issues. Listen to their solutions and improvements, and recognize their great ideas specifically. Thank them for how they are helping the company grow.
  3. Look at your existing recognition programs for their true recognition value
    Review all your tangible awards, promotional items, and incentive gifts for recognition potential. Look for ways to simplify. You don’t have to go over the top—just ensure you are sincere. For example, choose locally made items, especially if sustainability is important to you and your company. Present in person, include a brief explanation why you chose the award, how it reflects the company values, and how it reflects your appreciation for their specific accomplishment.

When it comes to sincerely recognizing your team, it doesn’t have to be a lot of work or expensive, just meaningful.

Interested in learning new insights on recognition strategies that work? Call me today at 604-730-2600. I would love to speak to you.

Sincerely,
Janet

Tuesday, February 22, 2011




 



This year once again, we at Janet Helm are proud to be the award sponsor for Business in Vancouver's  Influential Women in Business Awards. Each honoree will share her lessons learned as she rose to the top in her field. Join me to hear their stories and celebrate the accomplishments of these women at the Influential Women in Business Awards Luncheon March 2.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Bev Briscoe, President, Briscoe Management

Tracy Redies, President and CEO, Coast Capital Savings
Evaleen Jaager Roy, Principal, Jaager Roy Advisory Inc
Amiee Chan, President and CEO, Norsat International
Tina Osen, President & CEO, HUB International Insurance
Christine Day, CEO, Lululemon

More about the event here



Friday, February 11, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

 A few years ago my husband and sons started collecting heart shape rocks for me.
I display them alongside one of the kindergarten popsicle stick crafts from years gone by.
 I am grateful.


Valentine’s Day. Funny I have never thought of it as a day only to celebrate my husband, but more of an occasion to show appreciation to everyone in my life- whether at work or home –my kids, friends, teachers, co-workers, suppliers, and clients. 
For some, saying, thank you (like saying sorry) comes easier to some than others. 
With Random Act of Kindness week starting on Valentines’ Day this year-  for those squeamish about the four letter Lword in the workplace you can use Random Act of Kindness Week  as an excuse to take a moment out of your day to say, “ thanks. I think you are doing a great job.”
Emails, texts and  tweets are a quick and easy way to show your appreciation.
Your message doesn't have to be poetic or lengthy, just genuine. 

Workplace gratitude. It is an attitude that is passed on, not just from the boss to the employees, but employee to employee, leader and employees to customers and suppliers.

All it takes is you to start the gratitude roll…. Go for it.
Share with me what greatness shows up for you at work and at home!
Happy Valentine's Day.
Love Janet