We have recently been reflecting on the SideKit brand, especially the value we bring to a team. It has made us more aware of business rituals and employee emotions associated with these. Showing employees they are valued at work is an increasingly common topic, with various wellbeing issues at work surfacing in the media. These highlight how employees who feel appreciated and valued at work are much more satisfied.

Many managers struggle to make employees feel valued, but to us, it is simple. It doesn't have to involve money or an immense amount of time. We have noted some of the little things that make a big difference to us… (p.s. these can go both ways, too. Everyone, even the big boss, wants to feel appreciated and valued at work!)

•         When someone does good, celebrate it! An email, meeting, or even a quick chat goes a long way. 

•         At the same time, employees want to know where they can improve. Getting constructive feedback from a manager is great learning. Hearing experience or advice from someone higher up is super helpful for employees.

•         Show others they are trusted by being flexible with their work. There is nothing worse than something unexpected coming that disrupts someone's day or week, and it is a pretty stressful time. A manager who refuses to let up with hours or expectations can add to an already heightened situation. Employees feel trusted when they can make up their hours or work remotely.

•         Being proactive in planning and discussing career development and growth opportunities is valuable for employees and shows the business genuinely cares about their happiness.

•         Checking in. Asking how someone is doing or what they've been up to makes people feel heard; it also usually leads to conversations where you can get to know each other and maybe even find common interests.

Showing gratitude and appreciation for others is easy and can be minor but makes a massive difference in all aspects of a business. That is why we often harp on about genuine care because we reckon it is an essential precursor to any business's success. It has certainly made me (Georgia) appreciate the support I receive at SideKit.

Written by Georgia Gibbons, Marketing Assistant, SideKit Ltd