As much joy as we have in the afterschool field, there have always been challenges. During the pandemic and since, these challenges have been exacerbated and we now find ourselves with new difficulties connecting with students, managing restrictive budgets, and working with staffs whose turnover has increased exponentially when it was already high to begin with. As we continue to navigate “the new normal”, we do so with our students, families, and communities always at the forefront, doing all we can to serve them in the way they need and deserve.
At the same time, we must be diligent in affording our staffs this same level of commitment and concern. Always and especially during challenging times, it is essential that we make an extra effort to show our afterschool staffs just how much we appreciate them and the work that they do. This is important throughout the year, of course, and it is especially true during difficult times.
There are several ways you can express your gratitude to your OST staff. The most important thing is that you do. Don’t worry so much about spending a ton of money or planning a big, elaborate celebration. These gestures are nice if you have the time and ability, but if you have neither, you can still make your staff feel appreciated. The goal is to be sincere and authentic in expressing how grateful you are to your team for all they do. This simple gesture is both powerful and necessary.
Lack of recognition is a major reason 79% of people leave jobs, yet 68% of people state that they did not receive recognition even once last year. For the entire year. We know how absolutely devastating this is on several levels, yet far too many leaders continue to operate this way and take their staffs for granted.
Don’t be one of those leaders.
Express gratitude every chance you get, not just because it is the right thing to do (though it most certainly is) but because it works. Showing appreciation to your staff increases satisfaction, productivity, impact and retention. It is essential to your success as a program and to your success as a leader that your high-quality staff feel appreciated and valued. This should be done all year and should be increased during difficult times such as these. Take the time to step it up this year as we are experiencing everything all at once. Here are some things to keep in mind as you do:
HOW TO SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE
Be creative- One of the most wonderful attributes of the professionals in our field is creativity. From designing amazing activities to stretching our budgets, we know how to be creative in the work we do. Use that creativity when it comes to recognizing your team. Buy them something, write them something, or tell them something. Design amazing testimonials for them on your website, social media, and newsletter. Solicit your youth and families to send messages in writing and through video. Give out awards, gift cards, and compliments. Throw a virtual party with singing, dancing, costume contests, games and team challenges. Make it fun and make it known how very much you appreciate your team.
Be individual- Whether your team has two people or 102, every one of them is an individual with their own likes and dislikes. Use your existing relationship and knowledge of each team member to recognize them individually in the way they would prefer. For some, this may be through email or a card. For others, it may be through a phone call or a video chat. Some will appreciate something silly while others will prefer something more sentimental. Some will want gifts while others will appreciate words of praise. Show your staff you know them by expressing your gratitude in a way that serves its intended purpose- to make them feel appreciated in the way they like to be appreciated.
Be collective- In addition to showing gratitude to each member of your team individually, express your thanks to your team as a whole. A huge component of effective teambuilding and team cohesion is team identity. Highlight accomplishments of the team over the past school year and call out all they are doing during this time to continue supporting your youth and families. Have team members recognize and show gratitude to one other. Use that creativity and allow them to use theirs as well. Ask them to create a picture, video, song, poem or other token of appreciation for each other. Create intentional space for your team to share what they appreciate about one another. Have fun and lead a team game or activity. If you have the funds, treat everyone to lunch (however the logistics work where you are). Take the time to celebrate one another as a team and carry this momentum with you throughout the remainder of the year.
Be sincere- When you express gratitude to your team, make sure you are giving it the time and attention it deserves. If you simply go through the motions, your team will feel it and your efforts (minimal though they may be) will all be for naught. Take the time to think about what you will say and do to recognize your team both individually and collectively during this time. Be thoughtful and intentional with the gratitude you share. Recognize this week because you truly value your team, not out of obligation, but out of sincere gratitude and recognition that you simply cannot do the work without them. Express your gratitude with authenticity and sincerity.
Be public- It is wonderful to share your gratitude with each member of your team and it is important that you continue to educate the greater community about the wonderful work you are doing. Funders, community members, decision-makers, and other stakeholders need to continually be educated on the importance of afterschool broadly and the impact of your program specifically. Share your team’s accomplishments on social media and in your other communications with the outside world. Contact local news stations and media to share stories about your impact in the community. Let everybody know how important your program is and how grateful you are to the staff who make it happen.
Staff appreciation is a vital part of your leadership role and this is especially true when it is a special occasion and when it is a particularly difficult time. Be intentional and sincere in how you are recognizing your staff this year. This does not mean you have to come up with something extra expensive, time-consuming, or one of a kind. Your staff simply need (and deserve) to be reminded again and again that you appreciate them. It is an important reminder for you as well that you cannot serve your students without the dedication and gifts of your team. Remind yourself of that, remind your staff of that and treat them accordingly, all year round, and a little extra special during this time.
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If you are looking for outside support on how to more effectively show gratitude to your staff, email us at: CoachKat@katherinespinney.com or call 703-688-2394.
