Roberta Matuson* wonders why so many organisations leave it to the year-ending Festive Season to thank their employees.
It’s that time of year again when organisations thank their employees for their contributions.
Some do this by offering an additional day or two off during the holiday season, while others throw in a modest holiday bonus to their people.
That’s all fine and good, but what I would like to know is why giving thanks is only done once a year.
Organisations that thank their employees all year round do so by paying fair wages, when they are in a position to do so.
These are the organisations that have held their own through the pandemic and are rewarding employees for their contributions, when they could easily have used the pandemic as an excuse for freezing wages or cutting salaries.
Organisations that allow their employees to take time off when necessary, demonstrate their appreciation daily.
They send the message that we trust you’ll be at work when you need to be.
These same organisations have no problem getting employees to pitch in at a moment’s notice.
My favourites are the organisations that pay their employees well below market and then thank them for their efforts by providing them with large year-end bonuses that bring people up to market.
Since many employees are thankful to be employed, many fail to recognise this bait-and-switch approach.
I bet the owners are thankful about that.
There is a lot to be grateful for this holiday season and throughout the year.
Let’s spread the cheer and give thanks daily, and perhaps employees will cheerfully service their customers and clients in a way that makes you thankful to have them as part of your team all year long.
*Roberta Matuson is President of Matuson Consulting which helps Fortune 500 companies and high growth businesses create exceptional workplaces leading to extraordinary results. She can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared at matusonconsulting.com.
