The promise of a new year brings with it the possibility of a fresh start, new beginnings and new resolutions that may or may not last further than the 2^nd of January!

It’s also a busy time in recruitment as candidates start to re-think their priorities and whether they feel valued in their current jobs.

Do you think you have a good handle on what your team are looking for?

Maybe they want a promotion or pay rise, a change in direction with their career, or maybe (I hope not) they’re just not feeling appreciated enough to come back in the New Year.

There are few things in life that provide a bigger dopamine hit than being told you’ve done a great job, reached your targets in good time, or are a great team player – any compliment about what you’ve done well at.

Sharing gratitude at the end of the year costs nothing compared to not letting your people know they’re appreciated – that could potentially cost you a lot more in recruitment, stress, and lost productivity.

So, how can you let people know they are genuinely valued, appreciated and their hard work has been noticed?

Studies consistently show that Millennials and Gen Zs prefer real time feedback (good or bad). Gen X’s seem much more relaxed and will happily wait for their 3 or 6 (hopefully not 12) month performance review.

At the end of the year, though, acknowledgement should be for everyone at all levels.

Let’s look at ways to celebrate staff and consider if they hit the spot.

The Christmas staff party

Pros:

·       A blanket approach that includes all team members

·       A chance to cut loose a bit and for team members to get to know each other a bit better

·       Can be done and dusted in November

Cons:

·       Can be costly

·       Inebriated team members saying exactly what they think may not be great

·       Not everyone’s cup of tea/idea of a good time (they might just prefer the $’s)

·       Individuals may feel it’s impersonal and indentured to attend

Morning Tea with Secret Santa

Pros:

·       Less chance of inebriated misdemeanours occurring

·       Cheaper option

·       Element of fun with gift swapping/receiving

Cons:

·       Effort to go out and buy a gift that may possibly end up in landfill

·       Embarrassment of realising you might have completely misread a person and got them a gift that they hate

Hamper or Ham

Pros:

·       Something that can be tailored to each individual

·       An actual useful gift of food when the cost of living has reached new highs

·       Something team members can share with their family

Cons:

·       Having to find out which team members are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, Keto, Paleo or have various food allergies

·       …it’s hard to think of any others so it seems this may be our preference!

It does make you wonder, though, considering the effort and cost, if just a plain and simple handwritten Christmas card with sincere and thoughtful thanks for each individual – and a gift voucher, let’s not be too bah humbug – might surpass all of the above.

Take the time to be thankful this Yuletide and you might just be surprised at what comes back your way. Hopefully bucket loads of dopamine wrapped in red satin ribbons.