The StrategicPay Blog would like to thank repeat guest blogger Theresa Chambers for her holiday contribution to our space.  Theresa is Chief Motivation Officer for Recognition Works in Seattle, and our local "guru" on all things recognition. Remember, it's not all about the almighty dollar.  People need recognition too!

It's December and commonplace for companies to express their GIANT and sometimes perfunctory thank you to employees for their hard work throughout the year. It often comes in the form of an end-of-year recognition event or party.

The word on the street is that employees are empathetic if their company has to scale back on menu items, do a potluck instead, or even cancel the party altogether. Hopefully, you haven't been saving up your employee appreciation for this one big moment anyway, right? If you have, then Bart Simpson has an assignment for you:

I will notice out loud when someone does something well!

So go ahead — you can take away the presents and the decorations, but when it comes to genuinely appreciating your employees you cannot compromise on the quality of the message or how it's delivered. It needs to be specific, meaningful, and personal.

Here are three low-cost ways to share the gift of gratitude at any time of year:

Simple, Sincere Thanks: Get a box of holiday greeting or thank you cards and a list of employee names. Take the time to really think about how each person on your team contributed in their own unique way. What positive attributes or skills did they share? How did their work have a positive impact on you, the team, the department, or the company? How do they exemplify one or more of the company values?

Galaxy of Stars: Supplies needed: 12 inch or larger foil stars (one for each employee), clear labels, and fishing line. Have employees draw names and ask employees to think about 3 things they appreciate about that employee. They can either write or print the employee's name and the 3 qualities on the star. At the next team meeting, each person gets up and presents their star to the person they selected explaining what they appreciate about that person. Later they can hang the stars with fishing line from the ceiling for the galaxy of stars effect.

What's worth celebrating? Purchase question mark (?) candles from the grocery store. Purchase angel food cake (low fat!), pumpkin pie or some other treat to share. Light the candle and ask employees, "What's worth celebrating? What did we do well this year? What are our most important accomplishments? How did you make a positive difference?" Let them tell you what's important. Add your own accolades, tell them you are proud to be part of the team and optimistic for a successful and productive 2010.

Let us know how it works or if you have other ideas to share. Happy Holidays!

Guest blogger Theresa Chambers is Chief Motivation Officer for Recognition Works in Seattle.  You can reach her via her website, at theresa@recognitionworks.net or at 206-353-8267.  Thanks Theresa, and happy holidays!