Although working from home isn’t a new concept, it has definitely been widely adopted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing a team of remote workers isn’t easy, so we’re here to share with you 5 ways you can show appreciation to your employees who are working from home.

1. Say “Thank You” Regularly

You’d be amazed at how such a small gesture can boost the motivation and morale of your employees drastically. So, employ saying “thank you” regularly. Make it a routine and culture within your team that whenever someone sends a finished task, express your gratitude. Ultimately, they have invested their time and effort in it and hearing “thank you” would be like a physical pat on their back while they work from home.

2. Send them a “Thank You” Kit

As we bring everything online, sometimes a physical appreciation gift serves as a reminder that they are doing a great job. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, it’s the intention that matters. Some ideas include sending them a breakfast meal, or even a bottle of wine if you know an important occasion is coming up. Even a small gift can mean the world to an employee, especially if he/she stays alone.

3. Pay Attention to Important Days

Set alarms to remind you of important days and milestones of your employees while working from home. It can be their birthday, work anniversary, or any other relevant day that they have previously mentioned. You should also make an effort to wish them Merry Christmas and remember them on other holidays they celebrate too. Gestures such as these will make your employees feel like a part of the family.

4. Engage in Team Building Activities

While everyone’s working remotely, don’t forget to engage in some form of team building activities. Depending on how comfortable the team is, you can explore from a wide range of activities ranging from online to physical team building activities like laser tag or bubble soccer. However, do remember to practice safe measures if your team chooses to meet up in small groups. Alternatively, set aside an hour to catch up with everyone online. This helps your employees feel like they are valued, and not just a working machine for you.

5. Encourage Professional Development

Researches have emphasised numerous times on how progress has a motivational power. Improving existing skills and developing professionally can turn an average employee into an exceptional one. Add the employer’s encouragement to that and your employee will thrive. Whether the worker has thought about it or not, suggest to them some online courses they can take that can help them advance in the company. This will be a signal to them that you care and believe in their capabilities.