Running a business is busy, but if there’s one thing you should never push to the side, it’s showing your team that you appreciate them. You don’t need to spend loads of money or turn into some cheesy boss of the year. Most of the time, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. If your employees are showing up, working hard, and doing their bit every day, they deserve to feel seen and supported. Not just once a year. Not just when targets are smashed. But regularly. Here are 8 simple, solid ways to make sure your team knows you’ve got their back.
By Team Savant
Image: Sable Flow
Say Thank You
This is the easiest one to get right, but so many people don’t bother. A quick “thank you” or “nice work on that” goes further than you think. Most employees aren’t expecting a standing ovation every time they do something right, but a bit of recognition in the moment means a lot. It tells them you’re paying attention and that their effort matters. You don’t need a script. Just say what you mean, when it feels right. Whether it’s after a long shift, a tricky call, or a big deadline, a few honest words can seriously lift someone’s day.
Give Them Something To Look Forward To
If there’s one time of year to show your team some love, it’s the end of it. A Christmas party is more than just a nice night out. It’s a way to say, “Thanks for everything this year.” Whether you go big with dinner and drinks or keep it simple with pizza and a pub quiz, it’s the gesture that counts. It also gives your team a chance to relax, connect with each other outside of work mode, and feel like they’re part of something. If your team is remote, you can still pull something together online. Maybe you post out a treat box and host a fun quiz or games night. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about showing up for them in a different way.
Be Open To Their Ideas
If you’ve hired people you trust, then their opinions should count for something. Nobody likes giving feedback just to watch it disappear into a black hole. If someone brings up a decent suggestion, do something with it. If it’s not doable right now, at least explain why — don’t just brush it off and move on. When people feel like they’re heard, they care more about the outcome. They feel part of the bigger picture instead of just following orders. Even small changes based on your team’s ideas can have a big impact.
Give Them a Bit Of Breathing Room
Some weeks are chaos. That’s just life. But if someone’s always reliable and they ask to swap a shift, come in late, or work from home one day, give them the space. Not everything needs to be a big deal. Everyone’s juggling something, whether it’s kids, mental health, or just general burnout. Being flexible now and then doesn’t mean the whole system falls apart. It means you’re treating people like adults. And when people feel trusted, they usually give that trust right back. They won’t take the mick if they know you’ve got their back.
Give Credit Where It’s Due
It sounds simple, but it gets missed all the time. If someone’s done a great job, say so. Don’t wait for the next review or some formal catch-up. Just tell them. Bring it up in the team meeting. Mention it in a quick message. Let other people hear it too. Public credit goes a long way. And don’t take credit for their work either. That should go without saying, but we’ve all seen it happen. If your team feels like they’re constantly being overlooked, they’ll stop bothering. So if someone’s nailed a tricky task, got brilliant feedback, or gone the extra mile, shine a light on it.
Bring In the Small Surprises
You don’t need to throw money at this. It could be a box of doughnuts, a round of coffees, or telling everyone they can finish early because the week’s been mad. These little moments break things up and make the work week feel less like a grind. Even something tiny, like a hand-written thank-you note or a quick “hey, that report was really solid,” can hit harder than a £20 gift card. People remember how you make them feel, not what you gave them. A thoughtful moment now and then says more than a big flashy gesture once a year.
Call Out the Wins
Wins aren’t always big and dramatic. Sometimes it’s finally getting through a tough backlog. Sometimes it’s smoothing over a nightmare client situation. Sometimes it’s just showing up and keeping things steady during a rough patch. Don’t wait for a massive milestone to give someone a nod. Keep an eye on the day-to-day and let people know when they’ve done something well. The more consistent you are with it, the more it becomes normal — not forced or awkward, just part of how you run things.
Ask What They Want Next
Not everyone wants to climb the ladder, but most people still want to feel like they’re going somewhere. Sit down and ask what they’re interested in. Maybe someone wants to switch things up. Maybe they want more training. Or maybe they’ve been eyeing a new role but didn’t know how to bring it up. You don’t have to have all the answers, but just starting that conversation makes a difference. It shows them that their growth matters to you. And if they feel like they’re learning and improving, they’re much more likely to stick around and do their best work.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge budget or a formal HR system to show people you appreciate them. You just need to care enough to act on it. Keep your eyes open. Say thank you when it’s deserved. Be flexible when life gets in the way. Celebrate the little wins. And treat people like they’re a real part of the business — because they are. When people feel respected, they put more in. Not because they have to. Because they want to.