As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it is the ideal time to recognize the hard work of your employees and plan something special. Recognizing and rewarding employee efforts can encourage retention, raise morale, and develop a strong company culture.
Here are 9 ideas for showing appreciation to your employees this summer:
1. Throw an Ice Cream Party
Is there anyone who does not enjoy a tasty frozen treat on a hot summer's day? Organize to bring ice cream and various toppings so that your employees can enjoy a scoop or two at their workplace. Get in touch with your local ice cream shop to see if they are currently offering any specials.
2. Have a Summer Picnic
Make plans for a lunch gathering on a Friday afternoon. There is nothing better than having lunch with team members since everyone has the opportunity to get to know one another and boost employee morale at the same time. Have employees sign up for a potluck or arrange for catering.
3. Arrange a Donut or Bagel Day
Treat your team members to donuts from your favorite coffee shop or bagels from the bakery with various cream cheeses. A little morning pick-me-up on a regular basis can increase job satisfaction.
4. Plan a Summer Bash
Throw a half-day celebration to show your employees how much you appreciate them. Organize fun activities, give out prizes, and play team-building games. If you can, hold a happy hour after work!
5. Establish Summer Hours
Simply allowing employees to arrive at work early on Fridays so they can leave early can have a huge impact on morale this summer! If this isn't possible, you may be able to rotate departments or positions every week to ensure coverage during business hours.
6. Allow Extended Lunch Breaks
The summer months are always busy for employees. Once a week, offer them an extended lunch break to run errands, gather their thoughts, or visit a popular lunch spot.
7. Organize a Car Wash
Provide free exterior and interior car washes to your employees by partnering with a local car washing company. Or, you can offer people gift cards to be used at a car wash. Your employees will appreciate having their car cleaned before or even after a road trip!
8. Provide Extra Summer PTO
The summer is a great time to surprise your employees with some PTO! These PTO days are perfect for all the fun summer activities employees have already planned, as well as boosting employee morale.
9. Set up a Summer Trip
Organize a day trip to the lake, river, or beach with your employees and provide the gear they need to enjoy the outdoors. These events will help you connect with your team and increase employee engagement.
Consistently recognizing your employees is a surefire way to increase employee retention and provide a positive work experience. This summer, consider organizing some events to celebrate your employees, as well as the sunny days ahead.
