Amidst the bustle of fourth quarter — wrapping up end-of-year tasks, planning for Q1, prepping for winter holidays — don’t let showing appreciation to your team get lost in the fray. This is an opportunity for influential leaders to build morale and deepen relationships with thoughtful, personal expressions of gratitude. Here are three meaningful ways to show appreciation for your colleagues.
1. Offer sincere acknowledgement
When you acknowledge your team members’ talents and contributions, you provide powerful validation that they are seen, heard, and appreciated. A handwritten card or a thoughtful email that expresses genuine gratitude is more meaningful than a cookie-cutter tchotchke.
Take time to craft a heartfelt message for each colleague, and be specific about the why behind your sentiment. A successful project, a collaborative attitude, a commitment to growth — you should be able to find something about each individual that makes you glad they’re part of your team. Acknowledging the particular reasons you appreciate someone puts the focus on their value.
2. Respect and protect time off
Ensuring your team members can take time off without stress shows that you’re a leader who values their well-being. You’re likely to have multiple people requesting PTO at the same time at year end. Avoid the temptation to restrict the number of people who can be out unless there’s truly a business need for coverage.
While people are out of the office, make it clear that you don’t expect them to respond to emails, and avoid calling or texting unless something is actually urgent. And be sure to model work-life balance yourself by fully disconnecting during your own vacation days. Not only does this show your team you mean it when you assure them that they can unplug, it allows you to actually get the rest you need to perform at your peak.
3. Ensure everyone is included
It’s essential to make each individual feel included in any end-of-the-year celebrations or perks, whether your team is in-office, fully remote, or hybrid. Remote and in-person team members should receive equivalent opportunities to participate in company parties, bonus programs, or gift exchanges. It might take a little extra logistical finesse, but your colleagues will appreciate the effort.
And if your organization hosts holiday events, be a voice for equity and inclusion. There are many stumbling blocks to inclusivity around holiday festivities — from religious and cultural differences to dietary restrictions to the needs of parents and caregivers — and it takes collective effort to think through all the considerations. Instead of leaving it all to the planning committee to figure out, leverage your position as a leader to speak up proactively.
Seemingly small gestures can make a huge impact on team morale when they come from a place of heartfelt appreciation. And while you’re giving these gifts to others, be sure to include yourself! Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished this year. After all, self-reflection is a powerful leadership skill too!