What Organizations Can Do to Make You Feel Special at Work

Ok - Now I admit I use this platform to talk a lot about what companies don’t do right but I also want to take a moment to talk about what organizations can do right -- and do it really well.

Amidst all the corporate annoyances (for lack of a better word) and politics, it is hard to not become cynical in your daily routine at the office.

BUT there is a lot of good that comes from working with kind and thoughtful colleagues + managers that makes the eye rolling drama sometimes worth it.

The other day my colleagues and my manager threw me a SURPRISE GRADUATION PARTY! Middle of the day, at work, in a conference room, with champagne and cupcakes!! If that’s not the best workday you’ve ever had I don’t know what is.

Sure, champagne and cupcakes are great but it was the sentiment and the thoughtfulness behind it. They took additional time out of their days to think about planning a surprise party for me, rallied to get me a gift card to the Four Seasons Spa here in Chicago, went to Target for all the decorations and recognized the hard work it took in completing my masters degree.

So what can organizations do on a daily basis to support their employees and make the nuances of daily work life a little bit better?

+ Recognize birthdays! Bring in balloons, cookies, cupcakes, cards

+ Maybe grab a coworker or your manager a coffee on the way into the office - a surprise Starbucks on a Tuesday is just the pick-me-up some people need

+ Rally together and support one another during hard times. If a family member or friend passes away, a card is always appreciated as well as some much needed time off

+ Speaking of time off, encourage mental health days. The support to take time off outside of work goes farther than one thinks

+ Recognize their work outside the office. Any volunteer opportunities you can showcase or lend a helping hand for them? Any side hustles you can recognize? What about any sports? Additional degrees?

+ Ask about their kids and families - we are all human. We all have lives outside of work

+ Recognize anniversaries and accomplishments inside the workplace

+ Be kind

These may seem like no-brainers but it is impactful and important to bring humanity and yes, civility, into the workplace.