Human Resources people know it. So do most business-owners and managers. Positive feedback and encouragement are powerful motivators.

Even though employees may feel they’re doing a good job, they love hearing it from you – and not only during those quarterly, 6-month, and annual reviews. Experts say every week or two is a good average to shoot for.

But what about doing something a bit more ambitious? Just out of the blue, try giving your employees “a small token of your appreciation” – a promotional product presented as a gift for a job well done.

Can you imagine the effect this would have? Put yourself in their shoes. Wouldn’t you love to get a thank you gift? Something tangible? Your employees would be talking about it for days, telling their friends and family. And don’t forget that an imprinted item has staying power. Every time they look at it or use it, the memory of why they received it is recalled.

It doesn’t need to be anything too elaborate or expensive. On the other hand, it should be useful and have a high perceived value. And try to stay away from work-related items. Consider things like:

• Hands-free cell phone headsets
• Food/fruit baskets
• Small AM/FM radios for jogging
• Beach or sports accessories
• Car safety/repair kits
• Barbecue tools

Put some thought into it; there are literally hundreds of choices. Ask yourself what you know about a particular employee. Consider hobbies, leisure activities, upcoming holidays, etc.

Bottom line: Small gestures like this can pay huge dividends, creating a happy, productive workforce that will be more than willing to go the extra mile for you.

I hope you find this promotional concept helpful. Please give me a call or send me an email and as always feel free to pass it along!