7 Low Stress Ways to Show Appreciation During the Holidays

The holiday season can be stressful. For many people, the joy of giving is over shadowed by commercialism. People can feel unappreciated as their stress levels rise.

Here are ten low stress ways to show your staff and co-workers you appreciate them.

1. Use people’s names. People love to hear their name and your conversations will be more personal, while still professional.

2. Praise in the way they want. Some people want their actions mentioned in a team meeting, while others would appreciate it more in private. Do it the way they want it, not the way you’d prefer it.

3. Say please and thank you. Especially, if you are the boss!

4. Be specific. When you recognize what someone has done, tell them specifically what they did that you appreciate. Don’t deal in generalities.

5. Spend a few moments asking them about their non-work lives. Be interested in what they do outside of the office. Remember what they told you and bring it up again in a conversation at another time.

6. Provide opportunities for training and development. Most people want to continue to be challenged and learn new skills.

7. Be flexible. Particularly during the holidays, allow for longer lunch breaks, or for people leave early to attend a school event.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season – may it be full of laughter, family and friends.

Contact me Valerie.MacLeod@HainesCentre.com

Photograph by Valerie MacLeod