Does Every Employee Deserve a P.A.T. on the Back?
By: Dotti Davidson
During this time of Thanksgiving, it’s fitting to reflect on how and what we are thankful for. Many of us think of our families, but what about our employees? Does every employee deserve praise, appreciation, and thanks (P.A.T.)? Some would say absolutely not, but I dare say in some shape or form, EVERY employee is worthy of one of these actions.
Overcoming the Challenges of Employee Recognition
I remember the first time someone praised me for my work performance. It was during my first job at a C.P.A. firm. My duties included answering the telephone and filing away a never-ending stack of documents. After I completed an assigned task, I regularly asked what else I needed to do. People commended me for my willingness to help as much as I could. Mentioning our staff’s shortcomings is easy. But do we ever take the time to acknowledge their strengths?
Let them know if they excel at a particular task, like verification accuracy!
Specific praise, like “Your work is keeping us compliant and audit-ready,” is much more impactful than a vague “You’re doing a good job.” Generalities never made anyone feel special.
Creating a Culture of Gratitude
Are you grateful for your staff? Or have you considered replacing them with automated systems? Technology is important, but human interaction is what makes our jobs rewarding as supervisors, managers, and leaders. Studies show that gratitude can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
Expressions of gratitude, such as, “I’m grateful for your dedication to ensuring our students are served on time,” can create a positive work environment. Also, don’t overlook the power of a smile; it’s a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s day and boost your mood. It takes only ten muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.
Lastly, do we give thanks? Our waiter brings us extra napkins as we dribble salsa down our chin, and we say, “Thank you.” Our employee gives us important Federal Work Study data when we ask for it. However, we fail to acknowledge their effort because it is part of the job. When you verbalize your thanks, you ensure that staff members know they are valued and that they matter.
The ROI of Employee Recognition
There are many ways to shower employees with praise, appreciation, or thanks. Using handwritten cards was a powerful way to do this. Yes, a handwritten card. I did this throughout the year and then wrote an individual Christmas card to each employee, letting them know I valued them and cited their specific contributions.
I created a positive and memorable experience for my team by writing personalized thank-you and Christmas cards emphasizing specific achievements. One staff member recently shared, “I have never had a boss give me a thank you card. I’m honored.”
We are aware of the challenges faced by the financial aid department:
- Managing compliance reporting deadlines
- Dealing with high turnover rates
- Maximizing the student experience
Investing in employee recognition yields:
- Improved morale
- Enhanced productivity
- Reduced turnover rates
- Boosted team culture
- Optimized student experience
While department budgets are notoriously tight, neglecting to recognize employees can be costly. An additional $5,000 is spent each time a new employee must be hired and trained. Investing in employee recognition and strategic staffing solutions can create a more engaged, productive, and successful financial aid team.
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