Facilitated Discussion by Alysia Kehoe, Kehoe Consultants
Several weeks ago, I was the guest speaker for an all female entrepreneurial owner’s Fast Tracprogram sponsored by Midlands Technical College, the City of Columbia OBO, and our Richland County Library.
My speaking subject for the evening was, “Relook at Retention & Engagement.” I thought this article fit well with my program that evening, and would like to share excerpts with you, as well.
People love to hear, “Thank you for your hard work.” Those six words can make anyone feel valued, appreciated, and seen. A Gallup poll revealed that employees appreciate being recognized at least once a week; however, 65% of employees report that they’ve received no recognition in the past year.
It takes concentrated effort to build a company culture that’s abundant in expressions of praise and appreciation. A recognition-rich environment that celebrates your people and their accomplishments, large and small, can lead to a number of positive results in the workplace.
Big Hint / Idea from Alysia # 1:
Get a copy of my handout “Relook at Retention & Engagement” here.
Why Is It Important to Say Thank You For Your Hard Work?
Employees who feel appreciated are twice as likely to be engaged in their work, three times as likely to feel a sense of purpose in their work, and four times as likely to feel happy at work.
In a comprehensive Gallup report regarding employee engagement, a focus on strengths was listed as one of the five key factors that drive engagement. By voicing your appreciation in a direct and genuine manner, you can increase employee engagement and retention within your organization. Furthermore, employee recognition leads to increased productivity and improved job performance.
Saying thanks is good for your people and good for your business.
Sometimes it can be difficult to put into words just how thankful you are for an employee’s contributions.
Big Hint / Idea from Alysia # 2:
‘Thank You’ One Liners. Here are a few to try:
Thank You Messages For Work
Specificity is a key component of employee recognition. Use these messages as a base to craft the perfect ‘thank you for your hard work’ message and watch your employees thrive.
Work Ethic
- “Your work ethic sets a great example for everyone else, including myself.”
- “You don’t stop until you’ve completed a job well done. Thank you for consistently working to produce high-quality results.”
Team Spirit
- “I appreciate the team spirit you share that’s built a feeling of camaraderie with your colleagues.”
- “You have a gift for always building others up. Your positivity and kindness are always appreciated.”
- “You have a gift for making sure everyone feels heard. Thank you for empowering others.”
- “I am constantly in awe at how you promote a spirit of collaboration among others. Thanks to you, every project is completed with ease. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Performance
- “Congratulations on this latest achievement. I know it’s just one of many.”
- “You’ve been crushing your goals lately. I’m glad to be working with someone as exceptional as you.”
Milestones
- You’ve been an integral part of the team from the beginning. Congratulations on another year of exceptional work.
- Your journey with [company] has been inspiring. Congratulations on your new role– I know, without a doubt, that you’re going to continue to impress us.
Attitude & Professionalism
- Your enthusiasm for the work you do doesn’t go unnoticed. You make the workplace a better place to be.
- You are an incredible representative of our company. Thank you for all you do to ensure our clients/customers are happy. Please know that we hold you in high esteem!
Personal Contributions
- Thank you for speaking up during the meeting. You had valuable insight to share.
- Your attention to detail ensures that every project goes off without a hitch. I admire and appreciate such a high level of precision.
Big Hint / Idea from Alysia # 3:
Three Dynamic Ways to Start Coaching:
30 Second Coaching:
Next time you see a staff member in the hallway, give them a quick coaching moment. Specify what you liked; say:
“That was a great report you made at our meeting today. I specifically liked your 3 ideas for creative ways to approach a new client. Well done!”
… 9 times out of 10 the person will ask you for more positive feedback!
Non – Verbal Coaching:
Send positive feedback to a staff member or associate via a handwritten note (this is the most effective, sincere way!) or by text.
Teach Back Coaching:
Next time you ask an employee to learn a new concept or skill, ask the individual to then ‘teach back’ the new concept to you. Then you’ll know that they firmly have that concept in their head and can use it.
Big Hint / Idea from Alysia # 4:
Great Resignation & Great Reshuffle Solutions
Here’s what people want in their next job or why they are looking…
- A job to match their “Passion”
- Felt their manager did not communicate enough with them
- Salary to low; Want a better job title
- Want a better work culture
Once a Quarter or so, have a “Stay Interview.” Ask an individual:
What is the reason you would leave your current Job?
First answer is usually ‘money,’ so ask again…
Peel back the onion and ask the same question a total of three times in your conversation.
By the third time you ask this question, you should have what they really want and need to stay in your organization. It’s a great retention conversation piece!
Big Hint / Idea from Alysia # 5:
Double Down on Appreciation and Communication:
- Receiving thanks can be a powerful indicator of intent to leave or stay with a company.
Appreciation For Work
- “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” — Voltaire
Thank You Team Quotes For Work
Inspiration from a familiar name or the words to eloquently voice how you feel. These quotes are the perfect way to thank your team for a job well done.
Pair them with a personalized message that says ‘thank you for your hard work’ to let your team know just how much you appreciate them.
- “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan
- “Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs
- Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” — Henry Ford
- “None of us is as smart as all of us.” — Ken Blanchard
Questions or thoughts? Please contact alysia@kehoeconsultants.com for a free consultation.
Have you read Alysia’s book?
“Reinventing Yourself : Transitioning Into Your Passion, Purpose & Encore Career”
For more information visit: www.amazon.com/author/alysiakehoe