In today’s fast-paced work environment, where deadlines are tight and expectations are high, it can be easy to overlook the importance of appreciation. However, research consistently shows that recognizing and valuing employees can significantly impact a company’s success. A simple “thank you” or acknowledging a job well done can create a positive ripple effect throughout an organization. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay, work harder, and even become brand ambassadors for the company.
Employee Retention
One of the most compelling reasons to prioritize appreciation in the workplace is its impact on employee retention. High turnover is costly for businesses. Recruiting, hiring, and training new employees requires time, money, and resources that could be better spent elsewhere. Yet, when employees feel valued, they are far less likely to seek new opportunities. A recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 93% of employees who reported feeling valued said they are motivated to do their best at work, and 88% reported feeling engaged. Among this group, only 21% plan to look for a new job in the coming year. These statistics suggest that feeling appreciated creates a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, making them less inclined to leave.
Driving Productivity
Beyond retention, showing appreciation at work also drives productivity and engagement. When employees know their efforts are recognized, they are more motivated to go above and beyond. They are more likely to take ownership of their tasks, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and strive to exceed expectations. This heightened level of engagement leads to higher-quality work, increased innovation, and ultimately, better business outcomes. The same APA study reinforces this idea, as employees who feel valued are significantly more motivated to perform at their best. The simple act of recognizing an employee’s contribution can transform a disengaged team member into a motivated and productive one.
Employees Become Ambassadors
Furthermore, employees who feel appreciated often become enthusiastic advocates for their workplace. They are more likely to speak positively about their company, both inside and outside of work. These employees act as brand ambassadors, promoting the organization to potential clients, customers, and future talent. In an age where company culture and employee experience are crucial to brand reputation, having a workforce of genuine advocates can be a powerful advantage. This kind of organic, positive word-of-mouth can enhance a company’s reputation, attract top talent, and even improve customer loyalty. A satisfied and appreciated employee is a far more credible and effective spokesperson than any paid advertisement or marketing campaign.
Branded Merch Shows Real Appreciation
One effective way to show appreciation and foster this sense of loyalty and brand advocacy is through the use of branded merchandise. Providing employees with high-quality, branded items such as clothing, accessories, or office supplies can serve as a tangible reminder that they are valued members of the team. Branded merchandise not only helps to instill a sense of pride and belonging among employees but also turns them into walking ambassadors for the company. When employees wear or use branded items, they are subtly promoting the company wherever they go—whether it’s at a client meeting, a networking event, or even in their personal lives. This not only boosts employee morale but also increases brand visibility in a meaningful way.
Be Real
However, it’s not just about saying “thank you” or giving away swag. Effective appreciation must be genuine, specific, and consistent. Generic or insincere praise can come across as patronizing, undermining its potential benefits. Managers and leaders should take the time to recognize the unique contributions of each employee and provide personalized feedback. Branded merchandise can be a part of this strategy, but it should be thoughtfully selected and presented as a sincere token of appreciation, rather than just another item. Whether it’s through public recognition in a team meeting, a thoughtful note, or a small token of appreciation like branded merch, the key is to make employees feel seen and valued for their individual efforts.
Showing appreciation in the workplace is not just a “nice-to-have” but a strategic business practice that can lead to lower turnover rates, increased productivity, and stronger brand advocacy. By fostering a culture of gratitude and recognition, supported by thoughtful gestures like branded merchandise, companies can build more engaged, loyal, and motivated teams that drive long-term success. So, the next time you notice an employee doing a great job, take a moment to acknowledge their efforts—whether it’s through words, actions, or a thoughtfully chosen piece of branded gear—you might be surprised at the positive impact it can have.
Want to attract and retain the best team possible? Check out our TARGET Hiring Playbook. You can get that here.
Our latest episode of Lessons from DMJ features an insightful interview with Mark Graham, the co-founder and chief brand officer at commonsku. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of customer care and team collaboration in building a successful business. From the humble beginnings of a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry, commonsku’s growth story is nothing short of inspirational. In this article, we delve into Mark’s reflections on his journey, his emphasis on customer and colleague care, his advice on creating memorable events, and his thoughts on team growth and inspiration.
Mark’s entrepreneurial wisdom is a beacon for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of business. His insights on the importance of not trying to control everything and finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress are particularly enlightening. As we explore Mark’s journey and wisdom, we hope to inspire you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust.
Reflection on the Growth of commonsku
Mark’s reflections on the growth of commonsku are a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He recalls the journey from a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry with a sense of pride and gratitude. The journey, as he puts it, was not without its challenges. One of the key lessons he learned was the importance of not trying to control everything as an entrepreneur.
Mark emphasizes that finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress is crucial for entrepreneurial success. It’s about understanding that perfection is not always attainable and that sometimes, good enough is indeed good enough. This balance, he believes, is what has allowed common skew to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.
The Importance of Taking Care of Customers and Colleagues
Mark’s philosophy on building a successful business is centered around taking care of customers and colleagues. He believes that the success of a business is directly tied to the happiness of its customers and employees. This means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are satisfied and that employees feel valued and respected.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a great business by taking care of customers and colleagues. This involves not only providing excellent products and services but also creating a work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. According to Mark, a happy team leads to happy customers, and happy customers lead to a successful business.
Advice on Creating Great Events
Mark is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a seasoned event planner. He shares his advice on creating great events, emphasizing the importance of being a great host, focusing on guest experiences, and connecting attendees. According to him, a successful event is one where guests feel welcomed, engaged, and connected.
Being a great host, he says, involves anticipating guests’ needs and going above and beyond to meet them. Focusing on guest experiences means creating memorable moments that guests will remember long after the event is over. And connecting attendees involves facilitating meaningful interactions between guests, which can lead to lasting relationships and collaborations.
Growth of the Team at commonsku
Mark discusses the growth of his team at commonsku and the challenges that come with transitioning from a small team to a larger organization. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and trusting team members and giving them guidance without micromanaging. According to him, a successful team is one where members feel trusted and empowered to do their best work.
He believes that as a leader, it’s important to provide guidance and support without stifling creativity and initiative. This involves trusting team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. It’s this trust and respect, he says, that has allowed the team at commonsku to grow and thrive.
Inspiring People
Mark draws inspiration from several people in his life. His business partner and wife, his parents, Denise Taschereau from Fairware, and Rena Nelson from Brandid are just a few of the people who inspire him. He credits these individuals for their resilience, creativity, and dedication, and for inspiring him to be a better leader and entrepreneur.
He encourages others to find their own sources of inspiration, whether it’s from family, friends, or industry leaders. According to him, inspiration can come from anywhere, and it’s important to stay open and receptive to it.
Conclusion
Mark’s journey and insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His emphasis on customer care, team collaboration, and balance is particularly enlightening. He encourages people to connect with him and commonsku on social media platforms and LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about his journey and insights.
As we conclude, we hope that Mark’s wisdom inspires you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust. Remember, success in business is not just about making profits, but also about making a positive impact on customers and employees.
It’s time for the latest DMJ 1 on 1. This time we take on a big topic. How do we improve employee retention? We all need great teams to do great work. So here are 10 ways to improve employee retention.
New Employee Onboarding
When you welcome a new member to your team, make sure you REALLY welcome them. That first bit at a new place can feel a lot like going to a new school when we were young. We don’t know anyone. Everyone else already knows everyone. They know the culture, the language, the business…and there are already cliques of people that hang out.
As an employer, you can help with this in several ways. First, assign the new hire a buddy. This can be the person that makes sure they know the way around before they know the way around.
In addition, new employee merch can be really powerful. Having merch allows them to look the part even before they feel like it. When done right, new employee merch can help them look good AND be able to do their job better. This is a great way to make them feel a part of the culture.
Quarterly Appreciation Gifts
Businesses know they need to show appreciation to their best customers. Well…the good businesses know it! As a matter of fact, statistics will tell you that 69% of customers who leave you do so because of perceived indifference. Crazy right?
Well, your employees are no different. They want to feel appreciated and recognized. And while there are tons of ways to do this, the best organizations “put it on the calendar” to ensure this appreciation gets done.
One way to do that is to set up a Quarterly Appreciation program for your team. Just set the yearly budget per person. Then divide that number by 4 and you have the budget per item. When you think about the cost of onboarding, recruiting, and training new team members, this can really be a practical and effective investment.
End of Year/Holiday Gifts
The final quarter of the fiscal year often coincides with the end of the calendar year. If you want to go “above and beyond,” this is the time to do it. Make sure your team understands how much you appreciate their hard work.
Oh…and now is not the time to go with Gift Cards. Many executives want to take the easy way out and give gift cards. There are several problems with this. First, there is no staying power. So often, this gift card or certificate never gets used or it certainly gets forgotten. Second, you lose a chance to build culture. When you give a cool gift, the team all use something that shows they are a part of the same tribe. Third, they have to claim it! Now it’s not a gift, it’s an obligation.
There is nothing wrong with cash or gift cards if they are a part of the overall gift, but spend the extra time to pick something your team will actually enjoy and use long term.
Purpose/Give Back/Mission
There is power in a united goal. This can be powerful in creating a bond and a culture. What problem does your organization solve that people can get behind? What non-profit do you believe in or support? Make sure you tell that story before people join the team (to recruit the right people) but continue to tell that story as you move forward.
And yes…you need to tell this story over and over and over…
Pay Structure Evaluation
While pay should not be the only thing that keeps people working with your team, it has to be in the ballpark. We all know this as employees. If we can’t pay our bills, we will not (and will not be able to) do our best work.
Training and Growth
The best employees want to work in a place where they feel like they can be the best version of themselves. One of the ways they can express that is through training and growth. What programs does your organization have to help them be the best they can be?
Remember, if you are afraid to train your employees because they might grow and leave…be very afraid that they are stagnant and want to stay! Don’t know how to create a program? Check out this organization. Crosworks can help you tailor a program just for you.
Health & Wellness Program
Health and Wellness programs not only create healthier employees (as if that is not enough reason), but they also create more productive and profitable organizations.
Harvard researchers found that for every dollar spent on employee wellness, medical costs fell by $3.27 and absenteeism dropped by $2.73, resulting in a 6-to-1 return on investment.
The Rand Wellness Programs Study showed that the disease management component of a wellness program was responsible for 86% of the hard healthcare cost savings, generating $136 in savings per member, per month, and a 30% reduction in hospital admissions.
Create a wellness program that every employee is excited to participate in. That’s a big ask. But if you can do it, it will create a healthier workforce and culture. Yes…we can help with our Total Wellness program. Learn more here.
Employee Merch/Build The Brand
You can always tell an organization where people want to work if they WANT to wear the company gear. Think about it. If you are not forced to wear the company logo, but you do it anyway, you are proud to rep the brand. That’s huge. Not only does it help build the culture, but the branding can help build the company.
Create opportunities for your team to get branded merch. Whether they win it, they buy it, or (best of all) you provide it regularly, having your team wearing your brand is powerful.
Oh…and don’t go cheap. Make this the best merch so they are excited to put it on again and again!
Mental Health Tools
Have you ever worked with someone going through a divorce? If so, you know that they were not able to give their best. It’s just so much to go through. For years, employers acted like there was a separation between our personal and professional lives. And in some ways, there should be. But we know that we have to bring ourselves to work each day.
The best organizations give tools to deal with tough things in life. And when people feel better they do better work. It just makes sense. But many organizations miss it.
What do your mental health offerings look like?
Service Award Programs
Finally, we have talked about appreciation…and this is a big one. What about the people who have worked for you for a long time? Obviously they help create the culture and keep the trains running on time. So celebrate that!
Make sure you celebrate the milestones.
This not only shows them you appreciate them. But it shows the rest of the team that it’s important too.
Oh…and in today’s world it makes sense to start earlier than ever. Don’t wait until they have been at your place for 5 years…or even 1. When people make it to 6 months (or even 3 months) make it a big deal! You want to keep them right?
So there you have it. These are 10 ways to improve employee retention. Use these as a checklist to help dial in your company culture. Want more information? Check out our TARGET HR Playbook here for free!
Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization. This time Kirby talks about mastering the 3 R’s of business…and how branded merch can help. Watch now!
How To Master The 3 R’s Of Business with Branded Merch
Mastering the three R’s of business – retention, repeat business, and referrals – is a crucial aspect of any successful enterprise. In this article, we delve into the importance of these three R’s and how branded merchandise can be leveraged to optimize these business aspects. We’ll explore how showing appreciation to your customers can significantly improve retention, how branded merchandise can boost repeat business, and how it can also incentivize referrals, thereby contributing to business growth.
Branded merchandise is not just a marketing tool; it’s a tangible representation of your brand that customers can appreciate and remember. It’s a way to make your business more top-of-mind for your customers, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and referrals. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to master the three R’s of business with branded merch.
Retention
Customer retention is a vital aspect of any successful business. It’s often said that it’s cheaper to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. However, many businesses lose customers due to perceived indifference. This is where showing appreciation to your customers comes into play.
One effective way to show appreciation is through the use of branded merchandise. It’s a tangible way to express gratitude, making your customers feel valued and appreciated. Consider creating a quarterly appreciation program for your top customers, where you can distribute branded merchandise as tokens of your appreciation. This not only improves customer retention but also strengthens your brand’s relationship with its customers.
Repeat Business
Repeat business is the lifeblood of any successful enterprise. It’s a testament to your brand’s quality and reliability. Branded merchandise can play a significant role in increasing the frequency and size of customer orders. A study showed that customers who received branded merchandise ordered 18% faster and 18% more, highlighting the impact of branded merchandise on repeat business.
Offering customers something of value, like branded merchandise, helps them remember your brand when making a purchase. It’s also important to consider where your ideal customer is when they realize they need your brand’s service. By strategically placing your branded merchandise, you can ensure that your brand is top-of-mind when your customer needs your service.
Referrals
Referrals are a powerful tool for business growth. A happy customer is the best brand ambassador, and with the right incentives, they can refer others to your business. Branded merchandise can be an effective incentive for customers to refer others.
Consider creating a referral program where customers are rewarded with branded merchandise for successful referrals. The key here is to utilize quality branded merchandise that represents your brand well. This not only incentivizes referrals but also ensures that your brand is represented positively in the eyes of potential customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, branded merchandise is more than just a marketing piece; it’s a tool that can significantly improve customer retention, boost repeat business, and incentivize referrals. By strategically utilizing branded merchandise, businesses can ensure that they are always top-of-mind for their customers, leading to increased business growth and success.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Jason Friedman on the importance of the customer experience and why boring is beautiful. Watch now!
In this episode of Delivering #Marketing Joy, Jason Friedman, the founder and CEO of CX Formula, delves into the critical importance of designing a customer experience journey. He underscores the necessity of building strong relationships with customers and creating a seamless, frictionless experience. The focus of the discussion revolves around the core concepts of customer loyalty, lifetime value, and the power of referrals. Friedman’s insights shed light on the profound impact a well-designed customer experience can have on customer satisfaction and overall business growth.
Throughout the discussion, Friedman also highlights the often overlooked value of repeat customers and the need to prioritize their satisfaction. He strongly advocates against “random acts of marketing,” suggesting instead a focus on sharing customer stories and experiences to attract the right audience. He introduces the innovative concept of a “kinetic pathway,” which involves reducing friction and increasing momentum in the customer journey. The conversation also touches upon the importance of effective onboarding, emphasizing relationship building over information overload. Lastly, Friedman offers valuable advice on creating an ideal customer script to guide businesses in delivering the desired results.
The Importance of Customer Experience Journey
Jason Friedman places a significant emphasis on the customer experience journey. He believes that businesses should be proactive in designing this journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for their customers. This involves understanding the customer’s needs, expectations, and preferences, and then tailoring the business’s services or products to meet these requirements.
Friedman argues that a well-designed customer experience journey can have a profound impact on customer satisfaction and business growth. It can lead to increased customer loyalty, higher lifetime value, and more referrals. This, in turn, can result in increased revenue and profitability for the business.
The Value of Repeat Customers
Friedman highlights the value of repeat customers, arguing that businesses often focus too much on acquiring new customers and neglect their existing ones. He suggests that businesses should prioritize the satisfaction of their repeat customers, as they are more likely to become advocates for the business and refer others to it.
Understanding and meeting the needs of repeat customers is crucial. These customers have already demonstrated their loyalty and commitment to the business, and it is important to reward this loyalty by providing them with excellent service and value. By doing so, businesses can encourage these customers to continue supporting them and to spread the word about their positive experiences.
Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing
Friedman advises against “random acts of marketing,” which he describes as marketing efforts that lack a clear strategy or purpose. Instead, he suggests that businesses should focus on sharing customer stories and experiences. These stories can serve as powerful testimonials, demonstrating the value of the business’s products or services and attracting the right audience.
By sharing relevant and relatable stories, businesses can create a strong connection with their audience. This connection can lead to increased trust and loyalty, which can ultimately result in higher sales and profitability.
The Concept of Kinetic Pathway
Friedman introduces the concept of a “kinetic pathway,” which he describes as a customer journey that is designed to reduce friction and increase momentum. This involves removing any obstacles or barriers that may hinder the customer’s journey, and creating a fluid, seamless experience.
The kinetic pathway is different from a traditional customer journey in that it focuses on creating a sense of momentum and forward movement. By reducing friction and obstacles, businesses can make it easier for customers to move through the buying process, leading to higher conversion rates and increased customer satisfaction.
Effective Onboarding
Friedman emphasizes the importance of effective onboarding, arguing that it should focus on relationship-building rather than overwhelming customers with information. He suggests that businesses should help customers understand the relationship they are entering into, and acclimate them to the business’s products or services.
Overloading customers with information during the onboarding process can be counterproductive. Instead, businesses should focus on building a strong relationship with the customer, providing them with the support and guidance they need to get the most out of the business’s products or services.
Creating an Ideal Customer Script
Friedman advises businesses to create an ideal customer script, which can serve as a roadmap for delivering the desired results. This involves pretending to be the customer and writing a script of their experience, and then using this script to guide the business’s efforts.
The ideal customer script can help businesses understand the customer’s perspective and anticipate their needs and expectations. By incorporating elements of the script into the customer experience journey, businesses can ensure that they are delivering a consistent, high-quality experience that meets the customer’s needs and exceeds their expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jason Friedman offers a wealth of insights and advice on improving the customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of designing a customer experience journey, prioritizing the satisfaction of repeat customers, avoiding random acts of marketing, and creating a kinetic pathway. He also highlights the importance of effective onboarding and the creation of an ideal customer script. To assist businesses in implementing these strategies, Friedman offers a free tool to help improve their customer experience.
