From Christmas to Festivus and everything in between, the majority of your employees are celebrating something this time of year. Why not celebrate your employees? Employee appreciation is so important, yet sometimes overlooked.

Why is employee appreciation so important?

A study by Harris Interactive found that 53% of employees surveyed would stay at their company longer if their boss showed more appreciation. Also, 81% said they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work.

How can you show appreciation on a budget?

While we would all love to host an epic holiday party, it may not be in this year's budget. That doesn't mean you have to be a humbug.

In-office ideas

  1. Ugly sweater party.

  2. Cookie decorating — all you need is pre-baked cookies and frosting.

  3. Ornament decorating.

  4. Lunch — cater in or have a potluck.

  5. Awards and recognition — make up your own awards and pass out fun certificates. Gift cards as low as $5 work.

  6. Gift exchange.

  7. A small gift from the company — t-shirts, candy, personalized pens.

Out-of-office ideas

Lock the office early and take your employees out. This reduces the cost of paying for guests and everything that goes along with hosting a true party.

  1. Laser tag

  2. Escape rooms

  3. Miniature golf (weather permitting)

  4. Bowling

  5. Lunch at a group-friendly restaurant

  6. A local holiday event

All you need to say is “thank you”

At the end of the day, people just want to feel their efforts are appreciated. A simple thank you from managers and owners will mean more to some people than you think.