by Leigh Goessl

Created on: August 28, 2011

Businesses that express appreciation for employee contributions are typically respected for their efforts. When a manager or business owner takes the time to express gratitude to their employees, this often holds significant meaning to those working for the organization.

There are many terrific reasons for business owners, or managers, to invest in efforts to show employee appreciation. It can increase overall organizational morale, create a happier environment and, ultimately, grow productivity and profitability.

Employers who want to nurture a dynamic work environment and grow a team of good employees can strengthen this goal by providing an atmosphere that is motivational and pleasant to work in.

• Monetary rewards

Employees often appreciation receiving financial rewards for their efforts. Monetary rewards could come in the form of many ways such as a raise, bonus, or gift cards. The amounts do not have to be large, especially if the organization has limited abilities to distribute financial rewards, but any gesture, no matter how small is still a nice expression of gratitude.

• Expressions of appreciation

There are many tokens employers can offer, especially if monetary rewards are not feasible due to economic hardships or budgetary constraints of the organization that are beyond the manager's control. Team leaders can offer award certificates, plaques, or verbal recognition in front of a group or other type of public acknowledgment.

Often employees simply appreciate being acknowledged for their hard work, and the best way to show this is to thank them for their efforts. Unfortunately managers often get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and do not take the time to thank those who make sure the work gets done, this can have a significant impact on morale; a simple 'thank you' can go a long and mean so much as an expression of appreciation for work tendered.

• Offer time off

Employees that work hard would likely feel a boost when their bosses give them some extra time off as a thank you for their efforts. Time off can come in the form of extra vacation days, a single day off, a late start, an early release or extended lunch hours. There are many ways time off can be used as a nod of appreciation to show employees they are appreciated and valued.

• Breakfast or Luncheon

A gathering of the team for a breakfast or luncheon is another way to show employees they are appreciated. Managers can plan a function that can take place on or off the

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