27 July 2022
Employees are the backbone of every business and valuing their input, loyalty and productivity is key to retaining the very best talent. The aim is to create an employee experience that delivers results in terms of engagement. Celebrating milestones doesn’t have to be something that requires the arranging of a party but it does require management and business leaders to take time out of their day to recognise these milestones with staff.
How Can You Celebrate Milestones?
There are many different ways in which you can celebrate milestones and these can include:
- Announcing milestones during meetings
- Discussing it in a newsletter sent to the entire business
- Acknowledging public recognition
- Leaving them a personal note
- Giving gifts
- Rewarding them with lunch
- A workplace party
- Highlighting the employee of the month
The employee experience is about everything they experience in the workplace and this includes being recognised. Almost 75% of teams feel as though they are valued when they receive praise through recognition and the celebration of milestones.
What Milestones Can Be Celebrated?
Their First Day – When you celebrate their first day, you are acknowledging their arrival and you make them feel welcome from the beginning.
Their First Three Months – If they have had a successful first three months then this is a milestone worth celebrating
Delivery of Projects – When a project is completed, celebrating its delivery is a great way of saying thank you.
Promotion – When a member of staff is promoted, sharing the news with other employees is a great way of showing where hard work can take you.
Anniversaries – From one year to five years and even twenty-five years, these are significant milestones that should be celebrated and recognised.
Graduating – Some employees continue to learn while working and celebrating these achievements is a way of recognising and thanking them for their efforts.
Becoming Certified – Certain jobs require staff to become certified. This often involves late nights, coursework and exams. Congratulating staff is a great way of showing your gratitude.
Reaching Retirement Age – Reaching the end of your working life is a big achievement. Celebrating this achievement shows that you appreciate their dedication and efforts through the years.
Birthdays – Everyone has that one day a year where they feel special and that’s their birthday. Bring them in a cake, let them choose the office playlist for the day or send out an celebratory email. Whatever you choose, acknowledging their birthday makes them feel a part of the company.
Big Events – From marriage to childbirth, these are all big events and celebrating these can help to create a community feel.
Business Anniversary – Businesses can also reach anniversaries such as how long it has been trading. Including employees in these celebrations will make them feel like a part of the company.
Customer Appreciation – If a customer gives a glowing review of an employee then this is something worth celebrating as it helps to create a feeling of positivity that runs through the business.
When discussing happy employees with management and looking at ways in which you can enhance morale and the employee experience, celebrating milestones is an opportunity to create a feeling of value and loyalty. Celebrating milestones can be simple but what they bring to your business and your employees cannot be overlooked.
