Handwritten notes are a great way to show your appreciation for employees and thank them for the work they do. It’s easy to send an email or text message, but nothing beats receiving a handwritten note in the mail.
This post will walk you through how to write a heartfelt thank-you note that will make your employees feel appreciated and valued at work.
Thank them for the small things, not just the big
Small things are just as significant. Sometimes it’s the little things that go unnoticed, but they add up. A sincere thank you note for helping out with a task they didn’t have to do or even just saying “thank you” when someone asks how your day was can make a big difference in how employees feel about their job and their workplace.
Provide some examples of what you notice them doing for others. If you want to be specific about the ways in which an employee goes above and beyond, let them know by telling them what they did that impressed or pleased you. This will show that not only do they have your attention but also that their work matters to YOU!
Be specific and mean it with the handwritten note
When you’re writing a note to someone, there are two things to keep in mind:
Be specific. If you want to make sure your thank-you note is meaningful, mention the things they do that matter most to you and why. Also, be sure not to assume everybody knows what the person has done for them—it’s easy for those details to get lost in the shuffle!
Write as if you mean it. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it can be easy (and tempting) to write off a thank-you note as “just another thing I have to do today” or “something I should get out of the way before bedtime tonight.” Resist those thoughts at all costs; when it comes down to it, nothing feels better than knowing someone truly appreciates what you do for them!
Mention how they made a difference
In your note, it’s a good idea to mention at least one specific thing you appreciate them for.
This is the kind of thing that makes people feel good—they know they’ve made an impact on you and the company, and it makes them feel valued.
If you’re having trouble finding something specific, don’t worry! This can be a great opportunity to learn more about your team members’ passions and strengths as well as their interests outside of work.
Be genuine
- Be sincere.
- Don’t use a template.
- Don’t say “thanks for all you do.” Everyone knows that work isn’t fun and games, so it’s not enough to just say thanks. If you want to be genuinely appreciative of your employees’ efforts, take the time to think about what they’ve done that has made a difference in your life (or at least in your business) and write them a note reflecting that sentiment. The most important part is sincerity; if you’re not feeling it, don’t send anything at all!
- Don’t be generic. It’s easy for employees to think that every email or hand-written note from their boss is just part of some larger effort to make them feel appreciated throughout the year. If those efforts are impersonal or feel like they’re coming from an HR department rather than someone who actually cares about them as individuals, it can make things awkward. You don’t want awkwardness, instead, you want to encourage stronger company culture among coworkers who don’t know each other very well yet but could get along better if given more opportunities for bonding experiences like these small acts of kindness could provide.
Handwritten notes make all employees feel appreciated
Handwritten notes make all employees feel appreciated.
- They’re personal. Your handwriting shows that you took the time to address each employee by name, and this personalized touch goes a long way in making them feel connected to the company.
- They’re meaningful. A handwritten note shows that you were thinking about this person on their special day, which is more than just a generic “Happy Birthday!” email from the HR department can do for them!
- They’re memorable: most people don’t save every single email they get, but they do keep handwritten notes close by as a reminder of what matters most in their lives–and that includes your business as well!
- They can be shared with others: if it’s appropriate to share with co-workers or friends/family outside of work, then go ahead and do so! This will let everyone know how much effort went into making their entire team feel appreciated on National Employee Appreciation Day (or any other day)
Conclusion
As a leader in your business, it’s your responsibility to help your employees. A sincere, handwritten note to say ‘I value you as a person’ can make all the difference.
Thank you for reading my post on how to say thank you to your employees in a handwritten note! I hope it has given you some ideas on how to make your company feel more appreciated.
