Happy Employees = Happy Company

I've worked at several companies (of various industries) and for the first time, I am employed by a company that understands what it means to show appreciation to its employees.  I have a point to sharing this, by the way ... I'm not just rubbing it in.  :-)

After having worked at my current location, it no longer makes sense as to how a business can excuse itself from showing proper thanks and gratitude to its workers, yet still expect them to put 150+ percent of themselves into their job.

In the words of my CEO, "I want to keep my employees happy."  So simple and oh-so true.  Probably because ultimately, keeping us happy also keeps him happy. 

I'm not speaking solely of big, expensive gifts like end-of-year bonuses, although those are very nice ... but regular "worker treats."  For instance, having a stocked kitchen filled with food of your choice (free to all employees in case I need to spell it out).  Or, taking regular company outings (not forced) and going to places of your choice -- within reason.  "Flex time," where if you work overtime during certain days/weeks, you can take off early/not come in on others.  I know this is a "big, expensive gift," but if anyone has heard of Edelman, I've heard of crazy stories involving employees winning week-long trips overseas from a raffle prize!

Think of the company/employee relationship as being similar to a boyfriend/girlfriend or marriage relationship.  You are in this for the long run (hopefully) and you must not take the other for granted.  To ensure a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship, you must nurture your support system and continue building upon your relationship to ensure positive growth. 

So, as we all aspire to move into upper management, I encourage you to keep this in mind: keep your team/department/employees happy.  In addition to being a good leader, be sure to show your people regular thanks and appreciation, which will keep them working at their best and help them push their hardest, even at their worst moments.