Although employee appreciation events are typically born of good intentions, all too often they end up as boring, awkward ceremonies that just feel like a waste of time. Between planning committees and disconnects in company culture, it’s not hard to imagine how things could go wrong. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and a good employee appreciation event can be a wise investment for your company. According to Forbes magazine, companies that actively work toward a recognition-rich culture have a 31% lower turnover rate. Here are just a few ways you can make your next employee appreciation event more successful.
Timing is Everything
Compliments don’t hold much meaning if they’re given out just because. If you’re going to succeed in motivating employees, you need to time your event such that it feels like it has well earned gravitas. If employees don’t fully understand why you’re spending a bunch of money on them, they’re likely to see it as a cheap tactic to get them to work harder. If you tie your event to something tangible, like an end-of-year goal or project completion, employees will appreciate it more for what it is.
Make it Accessible
While it might not always be possible to hold the best event during company hours, making your event as easy to attend as possible is still paramount. Don’t choose a venue that’s out of the way for a lot of people. Some companies even opt for a come-and-go format over the course of a few hours, which lets employees attend at a time that’s convenient for them.
It’s About Them, Not You
This should go without saying, but many employee appreciation events fail simply because they’re treated as another opportunity to market the company. Employees don’t need to be hit over the head about your company’s message. They know. They work there. You should tailor your event to reflect your company culture, but also consider that a good employee appreciation event should serve as a break from the daily grind.
Event Production from TalkingTree Creative
Ready to share your story? TalkingTree Creative is your premier guide to brand strategy, event planning, video production, and live entertainment. With help from our production experts you can elevate your message and convert your audience to fans by transforming your next event into a fully engaging, memorable experience. We are located in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area, but are ready to accommodate the needs of businesses and organizations anywhere in the U.S. Get in touch with us today at 240-252-1200 or 202-684-2225, and let’s start a conversation. Find out what we’re up to on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
