Employee Appreciation: A Blueprint for a Happier Workforce

Finding good workers in Hawaii’s current labor market is tough. But perhaps even tougher: retaining the employees you already have.

Lack of recognition continues to be one of the top reasons why employees quit. Gallup research even suggests that the more talented the employee, the faster they leave.

So how can employers come out ahead of Hawaii’s talent war? While there’s no denying that fair compensation and competitive benefits are a huge contributing factor to employee satisfaction there is another concept that can transform your workplace into a thriving ecosystem of dedication, creativity, and loyalty—employee appreciation.

Start by thinking of employee appreciation as less of a nice-to-have and more of a must-have part of your employee retention strategy. Here are a few cost-effective ways to do just that.

Say it with food

The leadership team at ALTRES whips up their famous green pancakes for an employee breakfast every St. Patrick’s Day.

Nothing says “thank you for all your hard work” like free food. Provide donuts and coffee for breakfast, order pizza or bentos for lunch, or have an ice cream sundae party for an afternoon treat. Not only is this a great way to show your gratitude for your team, but it’s also a great opportunity to bond with them.

Give frequent personalized praise

At our annual holiday party, ALTRES CEO Barron Guss and President Kerry Kopp take time to individually recognize employees who meet years of service milestones.

No matter how big or small the gesture–whether it’s public praise (in a team meeting or group thread) or a private message of appreciation–recognizing the work your employees do for the company goes a long way in making employees feel valued. To ensure the best results, make sure recognition is

Plan a team outing

The ALTRES Benefits department at Kualoa Ranch. Every department at ALTRES is encouraged to partake in a quarterly team outing.

Give your team a break from their normal workflow by planning a team outing. The goal of the outing should be to spend time together, share an experience, and work towards a common goal. Team building is good for morale, builds trust, and increases collaboration.

Provide growth opportunities

HR Specialists Will Shimabukuro and Kara Kashiwabara obtained professional certifications while working for simplicityHR.

Employees want more out of their job than just a paycheck. They want to know how they fit into the big picture and how their work contributes to the success of the company. By providing opportunities for professional development, you let employees know that you see them as a valuable asset worth investing in. Bonus: you create a pool of highly promotable employees!

Volunteer together

Selling newspapers to raise money for Parents and Children Together (PACT) is just one of the many opportunities for ALTRES employees to give back to the community.

Volunteer activities can promote team bonding and collaboration. When employees engage in volunteer work together, it can strengthen workplace relationships and create a sense of unity. Knowing that they are making a positive impact on their community or a cause they care about can also be a great way to boost employees’ morale.

In the high-stakes competition for talent in Hawaii, the importance of recognizing and appreciating your employees cannot be overstated. It’s not just a nice gesture; it’s an essential component of any successful retention strategy. So, seize the opportunity to foster an atmosphere of gratitude and appreciation, and watch your employees flourish and stay committed for the long run.