Employee Appreciation Boosts Employee Loyalty

In a world where employee loyalty and engagement can sometimes be constantly on the decline, it is important for employers to show their top performing employees they appreciate and care about their efforts on a more frequent basis. Here are a few staggering statistics about employee loyalty and engagement over the last yearfrom a recent analysis of Mercer's 2011 
What's Working survey of 2,400 U.S. employees and 30,000 employeesworldwide:

These numbers are worth paying attention to and should indicate to employers that it is time to step up employee appreciation programs. Giving a ‘thank you’ to employees does not have to be difficult or expensive, but does need to be meaningful and valuable to the employee receiving the recogni
tion. Adding value and meaning will help the employer boost ROI on the appreciation incentive, and solicit the desired behavior from the employee moving forward. This will also set an example to other employees that a job well done will be rewarded in a significantand meaningful way. An easy idea for appreciation rewards are small denomination gift cards. Gift cards are flexible for employerswith a fixed cost and offers employees a variety of choices when it comes to the retailer, merchant, restaurant, etc.. Having the flexibility to offer 
Nutrisystem gift cards for employees on a diet plan, 
Boston Market gift cardsfor the working moms and dads who juggle a busy work day with planning for family dinners, or 
AutoZone gift cards to the office car experts is great way to maintain a consistent cost, stay within your employee appreciation budget, while building morale and encouragement with employees. This value leads to higher retention rates and employees who are more loyal and happier at their jobs.