Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued and supported, and while a paycheck is important, it's not the only way to show you care. Here are seven heartfelt ways to make your employees feel appreciated and loved.

Do you love your employees? Taking care of employees ensures that your employees will take care of your business. According to a Gallup survey, when workers feel valued, employers experience increased engagement, enhanced productivity, improved morale, experience better recruitment and retention results, and end up with a more motivated workforce.

“Customers Will Never Love Your Company Unless Your Employees Love Your Company First,"

-- Simon Sinek, speaker, author.

How to Show the Love

Recognize and Reward Employees. Never underestimate the power of recognition and rewards. Everyone loves a pat on the back. Employee recognition is one of the most effective and affordable strategies employers underutilize.

Acknowledging your employee’s efforts does more than drive employee well-being – it promotes a positive work environment and helps to prevent burnout. That’s according to new research from Gallup. Recognition and well-being, combined, can significantly improve business outcomes. Employees who feel recognized perform better, feel fairly paid, and are less likely to seek new jobs. 

Think about the employee as a person and not just a worker. Be sure to make it personal. Taking the time to recognize each employee's hard work and achievements can be a game-changer. This can include Employee of the Month, awards, bonuses, shout-outs in company newsletters, emails, and public recognition during team meetings. And remember to acknowledge and celebrate important occasions, whether it's work anniversaries, birthdays, or hitting company milestones.

Offer a Competitive Benefits Package. Employees are the heartbeat of every business. How successfully a business operates depends upon the dedication level of every employee. In addition to compensation, a competitive benefits package can be the deciding factor for top talent wanting to stay at their current job. According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 92% of employees consider employment benefits important for overall job satisfaction. Almost one-third of employees cite work benefits as the top reason for looking for a job and choosing to stay at their current job.

“When You’re a Dedicated Employee, You Spread Love Where You Work,”     

-- Mark Sanborn, author, professional speaker

Employers who had enhanced their benefits packages reported better results in overall employee performance and recruitment and retention efforts. This may include top-rated health plans, retirement plans, paid time off, mental health benefits through an EAP, parental leave, and other perks and incentives designed to keep workers satisfied and engaged. 

Prioritize Employee Wellness. Prioritizing employee wellness is one way to show that you care about your their overall health and happiness. A wellness program can take many forms. Depending on your workforce preferences, it can include  subsidizing gym memberships, providing health assessments and screenings, or offering other wellness-related activities promoting physical and mental fitness.

Emphasize Work-Life Balance. Show employees you care about their work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements. Whether it's remote or hybrid work options, giving employees more control over their schedules to manage personal and professional responsibilities can enhance their overall well-being. By prioritizing work-life balance and accommodating diverse needs, you show that you value and respect each employee's unique circumstances.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and respected is important for employee satisfaction and retention. Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts through recruitment practices, diversity training, and fostering a culture of belonging where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves. 

Invest in Professional Growth Opportunities. One of the top reasons workers consider a job change is the need for more professional opportunities for growth and advancement. Creating a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and skill development is another way to show your workers are valued.

Strengthen bonds and boost morale by organizing engaging team-building activities. Whether it's a company retreat, a team lunch, or an afternoon of team-building, exercises, these activities help build camaraderie, foster collaboration, and break down barriers between colleagues. Plus, they provide much-needed opportunities for your team to unwind and have some fun together. Mapping out career paths, providing mentorship programs, and offering opportunities for professional development demonstrate to employees that you are investing in their future and give them a reason to want to stay.

To Truly be Customer-focused, You Need to Care About Your Employees," 

-- Simon Sinek, speaker, author.

Schedule Regular One-on-One Check-ins. The way you treat your employees is essential in employee retention. This includes working on effective ways to communicate and promote positive attitudes. Create a work environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, goals, progress, concerns, and other feedback. Encourage open communication through regular one-on-one meetings, suggestion boxes, anonymous surveys, and other feedback tools. By actively listening to employees' feedback and addressing any issues promptly, you show that their opinions matter and that you're invested in their success.               

All You Need Is Love

The secret to business success may just be love. When employees genuinely love their work, they become instrumental in helping your business thrive.

About Propel HR. Propel HR is an IRS-certified PEO that has been a leading provider of human resources and payroll solutions for more than 25 years. Propel partners with small to midsized businesses to manage payroll, employee benefits, compliance and risks, and other HR functions in a way that maximizes efficiency and reduces costs. For more information, visit www.propelhr.co