Little Things to Boost Morale

[The Amish Tyrant]

I work in an office with several staff members. Hours are basically 9 to 5 with one 11 to 7 shift each week, but I regularly go in early and stay late due to high volume work, client control, and putting out the occasional fire.

Staff mainly get along and management has recently done little things to boost morale, like free snacks and a motivation program where every person gets the equivalent to $20 to pass out to others each month (which gets redeemed for gift cards).

Previously, I would give out about $5 in nicer "trinkets" to each staffer each month as a suprise thank you. For example, I gave out these tins of shortbread cookies and a turkey tea light candle holder around Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, I'm bringing in two pans of roasted chicken wings that I made to share for lunch.

Does anyone else do the same or have other ideas to say "thanks" to staff?

 

[BarrelProof]

I routinely cook lunch out of my own pocket for our team.

 

[WhiteCrown]

Yes, lunch is always a good way to show appreciation. To expand on the roast chicken idea, organize a "potluck" where you bring the main dish(es) paper plates and utensils, etc. Tell everyone to bring sides or whatever they want. Often I find there are some who get very excited to make their "specialty". Also I always tell people if you only brink chips, that's perfectly fine, so no one gets burdened by it.

Gifts are nice and the turkey candle holder is very thoughtful (I want one lol). You know your people better than anyone else, but I have also found in the past that giving people "things" sometimes makes me feel better than it makes them feel. Everybody likes to eat food though!

 

[alan73]

we bring in donuts, bagels, lunch, or some other sweet treat regularly almost every other day . Ice cream bar setup is always a hit in summer , have every condiment . I’ve done waffles and egg bake breakfast, a little messy , but people loved it . smoked pork shoulder is a hit for lunch