The obvious: employee appreciation is key to fostering a positive work environment. But in supply chain, where efficiency and reliability are paramount, the significance of employee appreciation cannot be overstated.
Employee retention is truly vital today in the struggle for maintaining operational continuity and competitiveness. High turnover rates, specifically seen in spaces like warehousing, can disrupt workflows, lead to decreased productivity and incur costs associated with recruiting and training new staff. By showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication, employers can instill a sense of value and job satisfaction among employees, encouraging them to stay the course.
According to a recent Gallup report, less than 25% of employees say their CEO offers memorable recognition at their organization. Archer Chiang, founder and CEO of Giftpack, says it's important for company leaders to showcase value for their teams and colleagues to boost morale, engagement and lower turnover. "Not only will this improve the day-to-day experience within the workplace, but this will also lower talent acquisition costs by improving retention. Investing in appreciation campaigns on this day, and throughout the year, builds loyalty, reduces the need for frequent and costly talent searches and saves on onboarding expenses."
One simple action point is the recognition of Employee Appreciation Day, whether that be nationally or by implementing your own company-wide date. Chiang says HR executives can utilize AI to elevate workplace experiences at scale.
"Business leaders can leverage AI to optimize the onboarding processes and provide tailored learning experiences and unique rewards that showcase appreciation, no matter the employee’s taste. This is especially true for companies who want to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day but are worried that it may be too costly or time-consuming if their teams are large and dispersed. Not every employee wants a company branded speaker, whereas a gift card to a local restaurant helps a colleague take their family out to a nice restaurant or the movies. HR decision-makers can use AI beyond improving workflow efficiencies, but to better understand their team’s unique tastes and preferences to deliver personalized tokens of appreciation, which in turn improves retention and boosts morale," explains Chiang.
Employee appreciation is not just a nicety, or a blip on a calendar for that matter, but a part of the business strategy as a whole, for all businesses, including in the supply chain. Through recognizing and valuing the daily contributions of employees, organizations can create a work environment that prioritizes employees at a human level, which will only improve retention rates— a win, win for all.
