As the workplace continues to change and projects (new and existing) continue to evolve, many leaders are thinking of ways to show gratitude to their team members. While monetary rewards, thoughtful gifts, happy hours, and parties are welcomed and appreciated, there are additional thoughtful ways to show your appreciation.

If you want to show your hard-working and loyal staff that you truly value and appreciate them, you should listen to them. They have ideas, complaints, and personal struggles, especially after a year in which everything was constantly in flux.

Get their ideas

You never know who might be considering and formulating your company’s next big initiative. As a way of showing, you value your team members, ask them for their feedback—and then listen. Former PepsiCo CEO told the corporation’s thousands of employees that they should take ownership of the company. One janitor took it seriously. He suggested dusting Cheetos with chili powder instead of cheese powder and the result…Flamin’ Hot Cheetos ended up being one of the brand’s top sellers. 

Empower your team members to solve problems

Is there something that is not working quite right on your team or in your organization? Encourage your team members to solve the issue. You could sweeten the deal by offering a reward to the members of the team. There is a story (I do not know the source) of two workers at Audi who noticed ventilation systems continued to run even when no workers were present. They suggested shutting off the ventilators overnight and saved the corporation more than $120,000 a year. 

Be flexible when considering personal needs

Every one of your team members has different situations and needs. Some may need to adjust their work hours due to family obligations. Others may need to work from home occasionally, while some may need extra time off. As a way of showing your gratitude, find out what your team members want and need the most, and then work to make that happen for them. 

Celebrate their good deeds

Recognizing team members’ good deeds encourages more helpful behavior. Consider, there are many examples of kindness by employees. When you spot an act of kindness or generosity among your team members, publicly acknowledge it. 

Involve your team members in service projects

There are many ways to give back, regardless of the time of year. Involving your team in charitable activities is a great way to show you value them while also helping the community. Businesses that consistently give back are as popular with their own employees as they are with the recipients of the goodwill. 

Showing your gratitude is not a complicated or costly process. At times, the most meaningful ways of showing appreciation come down to listening to your team members. It is always the right time to show your team how much you appreciate them. And this will help you thrive.