1. Make Your Thank-You Specific

A quick "good job" is nice to hear. Hearing exactly what you did well sticks with you a lot longer. Gallup has found the same thing. Praise lands best when it's sincere and matches the way each person likes to be thanked. One employee might love a shout-out in front of the team. Another might prefer a quiet word after close.

Maybe one of your employees stays calm with every difficult customer. Maybe another restocks the shelves before you ask. Tell them you noticed. It takes a minute of your time, and they may remember it for months.

Here's an idea: Before Thanksgiving, write each employee a short handwritten card. Name one thing you appreciate about their work. A few honest sentences are enough.

 

2. Surprise Your Team With a Treat

A small treat on an ordinary workday can lift the whole team's mood. It also tells your staff you see how hard they work.

It doesn't need to be elaborate. Start with food your team already loves.

Try this: At a bakery, set aside a tray of fresh pastries for your staff. If you run a convenience store, coffee and donuts before the morning shift go a long way. Restaurant owners might sit down with the crew for a family meal after a busy Saturday night.

 

3. Give a Little Extra Time Off

November gets busy for your employees too. Many of them have family coming to town and a holiday meal to plan.

You can't close up shop for the week. But you may be able to let someone leave an hour early on a slow afternoon. You can also help two employees swap shifts so one of them makes it to a family dinner.

That flexibility counts. Nearly half of U.S. workers (48%) say a healthy work-life balance is the top reason they stay at their job, according to Hubstaff. For an employee who has worked through past holidays, an extra hour at home can mean a lot.

Try this: Ask your team early which November dates matter most to them. You may not be able to say yes to every request. Asking still shows you care how their holidays go.

 

4. Don't Let the Small Wins Slip By

Most days in a small business blur together. You open, get through the morning rush, restock and help customers until it's time to close. Then you do it again tomorrow.

With so much going on, a job well done can go unmentioned.

A simple routine fixes that. Share one piece of good news at your weekly team huddle. Or pin employee shout-outs to a bulletin board in the break room.

Invite coworkers to join in too. A "thanks for covering for me yesterday" from a teammate can feel as good as praise from the boss.

Give this a try: Hang a "Thankful for Our Team" board this November. Leave sticky notes and a few pens nearby so employees can thank each other for the help they've received.

 

5. Make Appreciation a Year-Round Habit

Thanksgiving gives you a good excuse to thank your team. Your employees should feel valued in March and July too.

Everyday choices count. Post schedules early. Protect their breaks. Listen when someone brings you a problem.

Offering health coverage is another way to show you care.

Many owners want to offer benefits but hold back because of the cost. You already have payroll and suppliers to cover, and a new expense can feel risky.

That's why HealthChoice of Michigan built its Small Business Plan for local businesses like yours. It gives you and your employees coverage with costs you can plan around:

●       A flat monthly rate of $270 per employee

●       Zero deductibles

●       Rates that stay the same no matter your employees' age or gender

●       Health coverage with optional dental and vision add-ons

●       Year-round online enrollment

 

If your business is located in Oakland and Wayne Counties and has at least two full-time employees, you may qualify.

Coverage helps your employees take care of their health. It also gives them another good reason to stay with you.

 

A Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way

You know what it takes to run a business. You also know you couldn't do it without the people who show up beside you every day.

This Thanksgiving, tell them.

You don't need an expensive gift. A handwritten note or a box of warm donuts on a cold morning can show your employees they matter.

Then keep it going after the holiday. Notice good work when you see it, and say thank you out loud.
 

Good employees keep your doors open. They deserve to feel cared for in return.

 

For over 30 years, HealthChoice of Michigan has helped small businesses in Oakland and Wayne Counties offer affordable coverage to their employees.

Want to offer benefits but not sure where to start? Our team can help you and your employees explore your options.