Give Thanks and Create Reassurance

My husband received a love and thank you note over Thanksgiving weekend from one of our employees. The staff person articulated why he had come to our company and why he stayed with us. Important in the letter was his description of the aspects of the company culture that had attracted him in the first place and that have retained his loyalty and service.

We truly appreciate this employee and it was a great reminder about the need to tell employees how you feel about them and how much you appreciate them. Even if you’re the boss, hearing praise and kind words about your impact is really special.

As the year is drawing to a close, bonus checks will be distributed – or not – depending on how the company faired this past year. Performance development planning should be taking place for the next year and quarter so employees hit the ground running after the holidays. At the same time, you are dealing with a workforce that is jittery because of all of the bad economic news and the personal impact of falling housing values and retirement accounts under water.

Counter this climate with good news. Do recession planning to provide a cushion for your employees. Write recognition letters so employees feel your gratitude and appreciation. You may not control your national, or even your state, environment, but you can shield your workplace from the worst concerns. Stay fiscally conservative and as healthy as possible. Hold planned holiday events; downsize, don’t cancel the event. Plan for contingencies. Make hard decisions, but continue the activities that have made you successful in the past.

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