Employee appreciation day was March 7th this year but if you missed it don't you have to wait a year to let your staff know you are proud of them. Just like a family member doesn't wait for a birthday to make a nice gesture, likewise at work you can let co-workers and staff know that you are grateful for the jobs they perform

There are many ways to demonstrate this. Listening is a very important skill and something that is not always practiced due to all the multi-tasking. Try to read people's expressions and see if it looks like someone who works for you is having a hard day and may wish to speak with you about it or take a break.

Many employees enjoy being rewarded by receiving some flex time. Depending on your work deadlines, you may want to institute a little bit of flexibility in terms of someone arriving fifteen minutes later if they wish to stay an extra fifteen minutes at the end of the day.

Ask employees what they might want to make work less routine. It could involve some continuing ed courses, having a yoga or exercise class on site a few times a week or some informal speakers that present on tai chi or other forms of exercise that energize and create inner peace.

Don't make your office atmosphere like the movie "Office Space". Having an atmosphere of general communication, humor, empathy and real dialog makes a job much more humanizing and alienating. To introduce Hawaiian Shirt day and superficialities as shown in the movie really creates no enjoyment or connection amongst people. Instead, try to find out what people want and ways to bridge any of the tensions that are present. Don't create competitive situations that make people feel insecure.

Surprise gifts are always nice treats for employees and they don't have to be expensive to be valuable. Show them you think about their needs and this will build your business as a family.