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Last year at this time, we were all ramping up for the biggest and best year ever. 2020 was supposed to be OUR YEAR. Nearly all industries were projecting increased volume, phenomenal growth, and record-breaking sales.
But we all know how this story ends. Nothing about 2020 has been easy, and while there have been some wonderful bright spots and successes, the strain on parents, the elderly, small businesses, and more has been exhausting. And your employees and clients are feeling it.
Employee morale is down during COVID
According to the Harvard Business Review, 67% of employees report higher stress levels and 53% of employees report being emotionally exhausted since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may be an amazing boss and partner, but there’s no denying the world around us has changed. But you can be a wonderful bright spot on these chaotic times by showing heartfelt appreciation.
The Holidays are an excellent time to remind employees and clients that they are amazing and are more important to the success of your company now than ever. Help them get into a festive spirit and truly enjoy the holidays!
Here are five great ways to show appreciation to employees and clients this holiday.
5. Speak it!
Say it out loud and every chance you get. Take over a regularly scheduled meeting and make it all about recognition. Use Powerpoint and create a slide for each team member or for your client to share why you think they are so great. Check out these templates that make it easy to find fun ways to say “I see you and appreciate you”. Encourage everyone to add their appreciation in the chat with kind words and fun memes.
For an extra special touch, record a personal thank you video and send it to your team members or clients. Share a brief story of something great that happened that year. This will leave a long-lasting impression that will likely be saved and shared for years to come.
4. Cash/Bonuses/Gift Cards
This timeless gift is always appreciated and leaves a positive impression right when it’s needed most. While not as personal as a gift, cash or equivalents allow you to make someone feel valued. However, in terms of being memorable, this gift isn’t likely to be at the top of the list, unless it’s a significant amount.
3. Time off &/or Flexible Schedule
While this is a different year, the holidays are still a very busy time for everyone, especially moms. For team members, consider implementing 1/2 days on Fridays in December, or offer a paid day off when you normally would have had the holiday party this year. For clients, consider giving the gift of a service such as housecleaning, gift wrapping, or landscaping. The gift of time is always appreciated.
2. Host a Micro Celebration
While we may not have the traditional holiday party this year, you can still take a client or small team out for dinner or lunch at a restaurant. If you chose to invite spouses, only take one couple out at a time. You don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable so consider the audience when choosing this option. But given our lack of social interaction this year, breaking bread together could provide some much-needed face time with a very important audience, which could help set up new deals and projects for success in 2021.
Consider making reservations at a local (non-chain) restaurant with a female head chef, a diverse owner, or one that offers cultural food (like Guelagueza in Koreatown.) In addition to introducing your guest to a restaurant with unique delicious food, a great outdoor patio, and ambiance, you can showcase your support of local small businesses, which goes a long way.
Alternatively, send dinner to their homes so they can have their own micro celebration to remember. Hire a local caterer like Food Joy catering that offers packaged meals for the whole family. If you want to make it extra memorable, work with Festively to arrange for extras to be delivered, such as a balloon bouquet, flowers, treats, a bottle of spirits, and dinner as a wonderful and memorable way to say “Thank you”, “I see you”, “I care about your safety”, and “I wish you well.”
1. Send a unique and thoughtful gift
This year, it’s all about the home delivery. You likely won’t get to see these VIPs in person, but you still want them to feel how much you appreciate them. One sure-fire way to do that is by sending a personalized gift.
One thing you don’t want to do is seem out of touch. With all that’s gone on in 2020, from COVID, to supply shortages, the Black Lives Matter movement, you ideally want to shop small, and shop locally. Find gifts that are meaningful, hand-crafted, and unique, and your investment will go a long way. Personalized gifts made by diverse local crafters are win-win in 2020, as you show your support for small businesses and make your client or employee say “wow!”.
Check out 13 ideas for unique and thoughtful 2020 holiday gifts for employees and clients that you can buy and book now.
