7 simple ways to show employees you appreciate them

We’re already one month into 2014, but it’s not too late to set some resolutions. Why not consider how you could transform your company with more appreciative actions in the new year?

Make a difference in your employees’ happiness and productivity with these seven resolutions:

1. Say “Thank you.”

The end of the year is a great time to review your employees’ efforts and write a card noting their dedicated work. Everyone should be recognized for the contributions they make.

2. Pledge to start small immediately.

If you haven’t started making small acknowledgements of your employees’ work, it’s time to think about how you can start taking those actions. Start with thank-you notes or gifts with a card. Starting small is the first step to thinking big.

3. Plan quarterly appreciation events.

Make time on the calendar for regular recognition events.

These events don’t need to be a huge time or resource sink, but regularly taking your team to lunch, bowling or for drinks after work will pay dividends in more-invested employees.

4. Push an informal culture of gratitude , starting with management.