Employee appreciation and empowerment are essential strategies in human resource management, and they play a big role in driving a company's growth and success. For building service contractors (BSCs) who often struggle with high employee turnover, losing team members can be costly; not just in terms of finances but also in time and energy spent training new hires.

With over 10 years of experience in the industry; as a commercial cleaning company owner and a franchisor working with contractors nationwide, I've seen that employees stay engaged when they feel valued and encouraged to grow in their careers. It all starts with showing appreciation for the work they do.

Show Appreciation in Simple, Effective Ways

Appreciating employees means genuinely recognizing and valuing what they contribute to the organization. This can be as simple as saying "thank you" for their hard work or establishing formal appreciation programs like "Employee of the Month," often accompanied by a small reward such as a gift card. For example, Google has a peer-to-peer recognition program where colleagues can acknowledge each other's contributions on the company’s internal communication platform. This initiative promotes a culture of appreciation and respect, which keeps employees motivated and satisfied.

One powerful approach to employee appreciation is highlighted in The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly. The book, based on the real life experience of the Cincinnati based contractor Jancoa, describes how a company with high turnover listened to employees’ needs and discovered a major problem: many workers didn’t have reliable transportation to work. As a solution, Jancoa set up a shuttle system to transport employees to and from their job sites, which had a tremendous impact on retention. By meeting employees where they were and supporting their needs, turnover dropped from over 100 percent to about 40 percent.

The impact of employee appreciation goes beyond just making workers feel good. It boosts morale, builds loyalty, increases job satisfaction, and enhances productivity. In fact, a Deloitte study found that companies with a strong culture of recognition see 31 percent lower turnover than those that don’t. Appreciated employees are more likely to stay, helping businesses avoid the costs of constant retraining and gain the productivity benefits of an experienced workforce.

Empower Employees to Grow and Succeed

While appreciation is essential, employee empowerment takes it a step further. Empowering employee means giving them more decision making authority and responsibility over their work, which helps them grow and become more invested in the business. A clear example of this is United Parcel Service (UPS), where employees are frequently promoted from within. This commitment to internal promotion motivates team members to improve their skills and fosters loyalty, as employees see a clear path for advancement.

UPS’s "promotion from within" policy has led to many success stories, including current CEO David Abney, who started his career as a package loader. This policy shows employees that hard work can lead to growth and success within the company. For BSCs and other businesses, this approach is especially valuable. Promoting from within builds a sense of pride among team members, motivates them to work harder, and strengthens their commitment to the business.

When employees feel empowered, they’re more engaged, innovative, and dedicated. A McKinsey study found that companies with high employee empowerment scored 50 percent higher in customer satisfaction surveys than those with low empowerment levels. Empowered employees are not only happier and more productive; they’re also better able to deliver excellent service to clients.

Practical Ways to Show Appreciation

  • Simple Gestures: A "thank you" goes a long way. Make it a habit to recognize and appreciate employees for their daily contributions.
  • Employee Recognition Programs: Establish monthly or quarterly programs, like "Employee of the Month," where outstanding efforts are highlighted and rewarded with a small gift or public acknowledgment.
  • Meet Employees Where They Are: Take the time to understand employees’ challenges and think of ways to make their work-life easier, just like Jancoa did with their shuttle program. Small changes that address employee needs can have a huge impact on morale and retention.
  • Peer-to-Peer Recognition: Encourage employees to recognize each other’s work. Google’s program is a great example of how peer recognition can foster a positive and supportive work culture.

By showing appreciation in these ways, businesses can build stronger, more motivated teams that are less likely to seek other opportunities.

Effective Methods to Empower Employees

  • Delegating Authority: Allow employees to take ownership of their tasks, and trust them with decision making responsibilities.
  • Promotion from Within Policy: Give employees the opportunity to advance within the company, rewarding them for their dedication and experience. The UPS model is an excellent example to follow.
  • Skills Development Programs: Invest in training and development programs to help employees learn new skills and grow professionally. This shows that the company values their career growth and is willing to invest in their future.
  • Encourage Ideas and Innovation: Provide a platform for employees to share their ideas, and support them in implementing new processes or improvements.

Empowering employees doesn’t mean giving them complete freedom without guidance; it’s about creating a structure where they feel confident and capable in their roles. When they see a clear path for growth and know that the company trusts them, they’re more likely to take initiative, contribute their best, and stay committed.

Building a Culture of Appreciation and Empowerment

Building a culture of appreciation and empowerment takes time, but it pays off. A company where employees feel appreciated and empowered is one where people want to stay. They become more engaged, loyal, and productive, which contributes to a stronger business and better customer service.

  • Communicate Your Appreciation and Empowerment Goals: Let employees know that their growth and satisfaction are priorities. Openly share your appreciation and promote a positive work environment.
  • Be Consistent: Make appreciation and empowerment part of the company culture, not just one-time initiatives. Regularly recognize employees’ efforts, and make empowerment a routine part of work.
  • Encourage Feedback and Participation: Ask employees how the company can better support them and act on their feedback. Employees will feel valued and respected if they see their ideas put into action.
  • Reward Contributions and Celebrate Achievements: Whether it’s a completed project or a new idea that benefits the company, acknowledge and celebrate these achievements publicly.

Impact of Appreciation and Empowerment

Companies that prioritize employee appreciation and empowerment often experience lower turnover rates, improved productivity, and stronger team dynamics. Employees who feel valued are less likely to leave and more likely to invest in the company’s success. Appreciation boosts morale, and empowerment gives employees the confidence to grow, innovate, and succeed in their roles.

Conclusion

Building a positive work environment where employees feel appreciated and empowered isn’t just beneficial for the employees; it’s essential for the company’s long term success. For BSCs and other businesses, implementing appreciation and empowerment strategies can reduce turnover, improve service quality, and create a culture where employees are motivated to contribute their best.

By following these strategies, businesses can foster a supportive, empowering workplace that benefits employees and the organization as a whole. Happy, engaged employees lead to satisfied customers, and that leads to a successful, thriving business.