Author: Kathleen Harris

With more than 20 years experience in the media world, Kathleen Harris has been an editor, writer, and content strategist for media companies, premier brands, and startups alike. Her specialties include business and career insight, leadership advice, and lifestyle trends. Her track record includes working as the Editor of RealSimple.com and Deputy Editor at The Knot. She has written for Huffington Post, Washington Post, Pop Sugar, Real Simple, and more. She was trained as a journalist at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.

What Employees Really Want From Today’s Employers

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned entrepreneur, “Inside Business” provides you with advice and best practices to help you better manage your business. From tips on workplace gifting to financial guidance and everything in between, we provide solutions from top executives and business leaders that will help you find your organization’s unique point of difference.

The happiest, most loyal, and engaged employees all share one thing: They feel appreciated at work. But what benefits do employees value most? Competitive pay and good benefits are certainly sought after, but, according to Gallup research, being personally recognized by your manager for your hard work can outweigh salary increases in terms of the effect on employee engagement.

Of course, being recognized by your manager isn’t just about promotions or awards. Instead, it’s about capitalizing on everyday opportunities to remind someone of a job well done. “It’s almost impossible to over-appreciate your employees,” says Jodi Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, which offers etiquette training and webinars. Here, employees reveal the gifts and moments of appreciation that left a lasting impression.

Luxurious day off

Without question, employees want extra time off more so than any other perk. Couple that with a meaningful gift to enjoy on your day off, and you’ve got a winner. For Kathleen Carter, who runs a book communications company, the most memorable thing her employer gave her was a generous spa gift card with permission to take a day off to use it. “As someone who rarely treats herself in this way or takes days off, it was exactly what I needed to feel refreshed and relaxed,” says Kathleen. Encouraging your employees to unplug and enjoy their free time also hits the mark. “My favorite was an at-home movie night basket that was filled with a bottle of wine, a bag of popcorn, some candy, and a throw blanket,” says Karen Gordon, VP of Growth at Goodshuffle Pro, an even and party software rental company. “It was their way of telling me to slow down and take care of myself and my relationships.”

Gifts that do the trick: Spa Basket, Movie Night Kit, Family Mega Blanket and Game Set

When employers take the extra step to make their employees’ lives better at home, it is such a refreshing feeling.

Will Ward

CEO

Translation Equipment HQ

A fun outing

Employees love fun team events like dinner and shows, escape rooms, and boat cruises that create bonding opportunities. When sales executive Amy Hayes was pregnant, her boss threw her a surprise brunch at a cute restaurant. “It was so special and showed me that she was in tune with my life,” says Amy. When your team is dispersed, and you’re managing a remote workforce, think about ways to re-create these experiences virtually. “My employer invited us for a virtual cocktail making workshop and had dinner delivered to each employee’s house,” says Dorota Lysienia of LiveCareer, a professional resume service. “It was such a fun time with my colleagues and so needed after months of limited social interactions.”

Gifts that do the trick: Alice’s Table, Cheese & Wine Spread, Picnic Basket

Something useful

A gift that may initially be perceived as generic can be magical when given in spirit to help improve someone’s life. Consideration and thoughtfulness topped the list of adjectives from employees who received items that helped make their workspace more comfortable and pleasant. “When employers take the extra step to make their employees’ lives better at home, it is such a refreshing feeling,” says Will Ward, CEO of Translation Equipment HQ, a translation equipment retailer. An aromatic candle he received from a boss was his most memorable gift. “I didn’t really feel much for it at first, but the aroma was super calming, and it brought a positive change in my life. Later I learned that it was intentional to help employees relieve stress at home.” Likewise, for Stanley Tate, owner and founder of Tate Law, a thermos flask has remained on his top list. “I know it’s not a very cutting edge gift, but it’s super useful for those who like to keep their beverages hot throughout the day.”

Gifts that do the trick: Aromatherapy Gift Set, Hug in a Mug Gift Set, Desktop plant

Surprise splurge team gift

When you want to show your appreciation for your team, whether they’ve just completed a big project or know that they’re going through a challenging time, surprising them with a “just because” gift can boost team morale. Even better, try to figure out what is most meaningful to your employees and, when possible, offer them a choice of a gift. “It’s fun to be able to pick out what you want,” says HR executive Katie Brown, whose company let them select an item from Patagonia. From vouchers for “Food Truck Friday” to gift cards, employees like to feel part of the process. You can also customize your gift-giving by asking the question: “What makes you feel appreciated?” That’s what marketing head Mark Hayes does. He listens to his employees’ answers and creates a “gift-giving strategy” that satisfies the things that his team most values.

Gifts that do the trick: One of a kind bouquet gift card, Choose Your Own Coffee, SmartGift

One of the best things I received this year from our CEO was recognition.

Petra Odak

Better Proposals

In the end, a genuine note with a bouquet of flowers can go a long way. “As an employee, one of the best things I received this year from our CEO was recognition,” says Petra Odak, Chief Marketing Officer at Better Proposals, a platform to design and send business proposals. “He made sure to publicly acknowledge the work that I do, reflecting on very specific results and improvements I made — it was a huge boost in self-confidence for me.”

Finding the Right Business Gift for Life’s Tough Moments

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned entrepreneur, “Inside Business” provides you with advice and best practices to help you better manage your business.

In February 2020, Rachel Wagner’s husband fell and suffered a TBI (traumatic brain injury). He was hospitalized for 15 days, including four days in the ICU. “We had never experienced anything like this,” says Rachel, owner of Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol, an etiquette consulting and training company. “I was overwhelmed by the support we received, especially from his employer.”

Rachel’s husband’s company paid for house cleaning services while he was in the hospital and colleagues sent food baskets and other convenience items to make their lives easier. “These gestures of kindness meant so much and had such a big impact,” says Rachel. “More than anything, employees want to know that their employer cares.”

All employees will face challenges at some point in their life, and leadership is about helping them through those hard times. Gone are the days of employers expecting people to leave their humanity and emotions at home. “Positive emotions are at the heart of connecting, collaborating, and creating,” says Edward D. Hess, professor at the Darden School of Business and author of Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change. “Great leaders make a point of showing employees they see and value them as unique human beings.”

Creating a culture of compassion in the workplace benefits both individuals and the overall success of the company. “Successful companies genuinely care for the well-being of their team,” says Danielle Kovachevich, instructor at the Detroit Academy of Etiquette. When employees are going through a tough time, surprising them with something thoughtful, comforting, or that puts a smile on their face will remind them that they’re not alone and that they have a strong support system at work.

Below, experts share advice on how to best deliver compassion in tough times.

Reach out, even if you don’t know what to say or do

Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words in a professional setting, but it’s better to say something than nothing. “If your intentions are pure and kind, it will leave a lasting impression,” says Danielle.

John Stevenson, Marketing Specialist at My GRE Exam Preparation, was going through a rough patch and his boss said something that always stuck with him: I hope whatever’s bringing you down passes by quickly. “I realized that having a boss like this who is truly compassionate and empathetic to their employee’s feelings is really important and rare — it ignites a feeling of loyalty to the company, and provides fuel to the need to keep doing better,” says John.

Send a gift or token of care

“Is there anything I can do to help?” That’s a common inquiry and offer of compassion, but the risk is that you then put the burden on the employee to come up with an answer. Essentially, you’ve added another to-do to their already packed plate. Instead, be proactive in your approach. “When something bad is happening to us, we become inwardly focused, and we often don’t hear what people are saying,” says Jodi Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, which offers etiquette training and webinars. “That’s why flowers, handwritten notes, and boxes of chocolate are important because they’re tangible expressions of appreciation.” Those items will register more on someone’s consciousness than a fleeting conversation.

Consider the nature of your relationship and be genuine

No two employees are alike, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting employees through the most difficult times in life. “But, above all, people are looking for support, understanding, and friendship,” says Bonnie Tsai, founder of Beyond Etiquette, which offers courses on international etiquette and protocol. “Be sure to check in with them to let them know you’re there and available if they’re feeling overwhelmed.” If it’s a colleague or team member with whom you’re especially close, send something more personal, like a sentimental memento or a favorite comfort food item.

If the gift is for someone who works a few departments away and you don’t know their particular preferences, look for a popular and crowd-pleasing gift like a basket of fruit.

Here are some tips on how to proceed when one of your employees find themselves in a challenging situation.

Death of a loved one

Do your research on different religious observances in times of death. In some religions sending white flowers is okay, in others it’s not, says Jodi.

In the note, make sure to acknowledge the loss and your support and care. One example is, “Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time…”

Gift ideas: Floral arrangements or live plant such as a Peace lily, food baskets, in memory candle, sentimental jewelry, seeds of life kit

Serious illness of self or loved one

Don’t make more work for someone, says Jodi. If someone’s in the hospital, send long-lasting balloons or a plant and save the fresh flowers for when they’re out of the hospital.

Give them a choice. Say, “I want to help you feed your family — which do you prefer?” If you leave it open ended, they may not accept help.

Gift ideas: food basket of healthy snacks, spa pampering items (especially for hospital stays), beautiful plants with a note of encouragement, get well food items, balloons

Other personal challenges

When an employee experiences a financial setback in their family, whether it is their partner losing a job, a house fire or other emergency, it can affect their work as well, Bonnie says. So, consider gifts that provide comfort for the whole family.

Know that in these situations, your note is even more important to set the right tone, says Tsai. Focus your message on providing support for the employee during this challenging time.

Gift ideas: soup gift basket, family mega blanket, food baskets, 31 days of kind notes

Tips for Writing Personal Notes for Common Workplace Scenarios

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned entrepreneur, Inside Business provides you with advice and best practices to help you better manage your business. From tips on workplace gifting to financial guidance and everything in between, we provide solutions from top executives and business leaders that will help you find your organization’s unique point of difference.

A few words can pack a big punch. That’s why it can be difficult to know what to say in certain circumstances. But going beyond a generic message and taking an extra moment to craft a heartfelt note will make a more lasting impression with your employees, clients, or other business contacts. “When you’re writing messages for colleagues in different workplace scenarios, remember that you can be brief and still come off as warm and comforting,” says Bonnie Tsai, founder and director of Beyond Etiquette, a consulting agency specializing in full-service etiquette and communication training for companies and individuals.

That means, keep it professional without being formal and personalize without getting too personal (you don’t have to call out just how old the person is turning). “Don’t worry about being the best message or the one that makes someone laugh or cry, just be genuine,” says Alex Mastin, CEO and founder of Home Grounds. “It’s more about them knowing they are loved and supported.”

What you write will also depend on the nature of your relationship (how well you know each other), on the power dynamic (avoid misconstrued messages), and your workplace culture (how formal you should be). “Let your own judgment guide you in drafting your messages with a sincere tone,” Bonnie says.

Stuck on what to say? Alex, uses this formula:

Business casual rapport + something from the heart = a great message on a card

Or you can follow a general guideline below:

Express your sentiment whether it is congratulating them or sharing your condolences.
Add a personal touch or story you can share.
Include advice, offer of help, or good wishes.

Thought starters from the experts

Expressing yourself on a colleague’s birthday

“It’s great working with you. Enjoy your special day.”
“Happy Birthday. It’s great to work with you!”
“Happy Birthday. I hope it’s a year full of happiness and success.”
“Happy Birthday to a person who makes this a great place to work.”
“Save me a piece of cake!”

Expressing yourself when a co-worker gets a promotion

“Congratulations on your promotion! You deserve it.”
“Congratulations on your promotion. I’m so proud of you!”
“Congratulations on your promotion! I can’t wait to see all the new heights you’ll achieve.”

Expressing sympathy in the workplace

“I’m sure your heart is aching. We want you to know that we are here for you if you need anything. Expect us to check in soon.”
“I’ll remember (name) in many positive ways-with a big smile and a great sense of humor, always great with a story.”
“Sorry for your loss. I celebrate the life of (name) and am mourning him/her with you in this trying time.”

Get well wishes for colleagues

“You’re the strongest person I know, you got this!”
“Get well soon, we all miss you at the office.”
“Get well soon! Let me know how I can best assist you while you’re away.”
“Get well soon, we all can’t wait for you to be back with the team.”
“Get well soon! Take care of yourself and we’ve got everything else covered.”