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Boss’s Day is just around the corner – taking place on Monday, October 16^th this year – and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for the person who goes above and beyond for your team! The holiday was founded in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski, who was a secretary at the time. She chose October 16th because it was her father’s birthday, and he was her boss.

Why We Love National Boss’s Day

They gave us our jobs
They hired us, pay us, and keep our workplace afloat. It’s a lot of responsibility to manage other people, but someone’s got to do it!

They take the blame when things go badly
When the client backs out or the contract is lost, odds are your boss is the one going under the bus. Bosses fall on their swords for us more often than we may realize, and they understand that it’s part of their position to do so. Now go and buy them some thank you chocolate!

They are mentors and more
The best bosses are excellent judges of character and can see our potential, sometimes even before we do. Many of them take immense pleasure in helping younger, less experienced colleagues develop their own abilities, network, and generally succeed in their field. And, by doing so, they can boost your career into the stratosphere. If you’ve found a boss like that, consider yourself lucky!

There are many ways to celebrate Boss’s Day. Some people give their bosses gifts, such as flowers, candy, or gift certificates. Others write thank-you notes or cards. Still others take their bosses out to lunch or dinner. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that your boss will appreciate.

Here are 10 creative ways to show your boss that you appreciate them:

1. A custom caricature: This is a fun and unique way to show your boss how much you appreciate them. You can find artists who can create caricatures online or in your local area.
2. A personalized gift basket: This is a great way to show your boss that you thought about their interests. Fill the basket with their favorite snacks, drinks, and other goodies.
3. A framed photo of the team: This is a thoughtful gift that your boss will cherish. Choose a photo that captures the team’s spirit and hard work.
4. A donation to their favorite charity: This is a way to show your boss that you care about their values. Choose a charity that they are passionate about and make a donation in their name.
5. A personalized coffee mug: This is a practical gift that your boss will use every day. Choose a mug with a funny or inspiring message that reflects their personality.
6. A gift certificate to a massage spa: This is a gift that will help your boss relax and de-stress. Choose a spa that offers massages, facials, and other treatments.
7. A subscription to a wine or beer club: This is a gift that your boss will enjoy for months to come. Choose a club that sends them a variety of wines or beers each month.
8. A plant or flower arrangement: This is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that will brighten up your boss’s office. Choose a plant or flowers that are their favorite color or that match the décor of their office.
9. A piece of art: This is a unique and personal gift that your boss will cherish. Choose a piece of art that reflects their style or interests.
10. A handwritten note: This is the simplest, yet most thoughtful gift of all. Take the time to write a note to your boss expressing your appreciation for them.

No matter what gift you choose, make sure it is something that your boss will appreciate and enjoy. The most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart.

Did you know that Customer Service Week is just around the corner?

Customer Service Week, starting October 2, is important because it is a time to celebrate the people who provide customer service and raise awareness of the importance of customer service. Good customer service can make a big difference in a customer’s experience, and it can also lead to increased sales and loyalty.

Here are some of the reasons why Customer Service Week is important:

• It recognizes the hard work of customer service employees. Customer service employees often work long hours and deal with difficult customers, but they play a vital role in the success of any company. Customer Service Week is a time to thank them for their hard work and dedication.
• It raises awareness of the importance of customer service. Many people take customer service for granted, but it is an essential part of any business. Customer Service Week is a time to remind people of the importance of treating customers with respect and providing them with a positive experience.
• It encourages companies to improve their customer service. Customer Service Week can be a catalyst for companies to review their customer service practices and make improvements. By celebrating Customer Service Week, companies can show their customers that they are committed to providing the best possible service.

If you are a business owner or manager, we encourage you to celebrate Customer Service Week. It is a great way to show your appreciation for your employees and to improve your customer service.

Here are 10 ways to celebrate Customer Service Week:

1. Recognize and reward your employees. This could involve giving them gift cards, certificates, or even just a simple thank-you note. You could also create a “Wall of Fame” to celebrate your top performers.
2. Host a team-building event. This could be anything from a potluck lunch to a day at the bowling alley. It’s a great way to get your employees together and have some fun.
3. Offer free or discounted services. This is a great way to show your customers how much you appreciate their business. You could offer free shipping, discounts on products or services, or even just a free cup of coffee.
4. Volunteer your time to a local charity. This is a great way to give back to the community and show your employees that you care about more than just profits.
5. Host a customer appreciation event. This could be a webinar, a contest, or even just a meet-and-greet with your customers. It’s a great way to get to know your customers better and show them how much you appreciate their business.
6. Publish a customer service blog post. This is a great way to share your company’s commitment to customer service with the world. You could write about your customer service philosophy, your best practices, or even just some of the stories of how your team has gone above and beyond for customers.
7. Run a social media campaign. This is a great way to get the word out about Customer Service Week and show your customers how much you care. You could use hashtags, contests, or even just regular posts to celebrate the week.
8. Create a customer service training program. This is a great way to ensure that your employees are always up-to-date on the latest customer service best practices. You could create a training program in-house or outsource it to a third-party provider.
9. Gather customer feedback. This is a great way to learn what your customers are thinking and how you can improve your customer service. You could use surveys, focus groups, or even just informal conversations to gather feedback.
10. Make a commitment to continuous improvement. Customer service is an ongoing process, so it’s important to make a commitment to continuous improvement. This means regularly evaluating your customer service practices and making changes as needed.

These are just a few ideas for how you can celebrate Customer Service Week. The most important thing is to do something that shows your employees and customers how much you value them.

Many business professionals feel perennially stressed and out of control, versus calm and satisfied with their position. They realize that their productivity is suffering, as well as their health, but they don’t know what to do about it. It’s all about work-life balance and enjoying the role.

Work management strategies for keeping cool and calm in the face of increasing demands at work are important. On the top of the list is a focus on minimizing multitasking, a result of continuous smartphone and email alerts, as well as an instant gratification mentality. Trying to do too many things at the same time results in nothing done well.

Here is a prioritized list of work management strategies recommended for all business professionals and entrepreneurs:

1. Avoid reliance on multitasking to keep up with requests. Multitasking can actually decrease productivity and increase stress. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
2. Schedule uncomfortable tasks when you are fresh and alert. If you have a task that you dread, don’t put it off. Schedule it for a time when you are feeling your best and most motivated.
3. Practice patience to listen before reacting out of emotion. When someone is upset with you or says something that you don’t agree with, take a deep breath and listen patiently. Don’t react in the heat of the moment.
4. Look at each challenge with a fresh and clean perspective. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a step back and look at the situation with a fresh perspective. This can help you to see the challenge in a new light and come up with creative solutions.
5. Seek to provide thoughtful and sincere responses to input. When someone gives you feedback, take the time to think about it carefully before responding. Offer thoughtful and sincere responses that show that you’ve listened and considered what they’ve said.
6. Find an activity to clear your head and refocus on the positives. When you’re feeling stressed, take a break to do something that you enjoy. This could be taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.
7. Avoid extended internal battles with tough problems. When you’re facing a difficult problem, don’t dwell on it for too long. Take a break from it and come back to it later with fresh eyes.
8. Intentionally schedule at least one enjoyable activity every day. It’s important to take time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Make sure to schedule at least one enjoyable activity into your day, whether it’s reading, taking a bath, or spending time with loved ones.

Following these mindsets can help you to stay calm and productive, even when things get hectic.

Compensation and appreciation are two important factors in keeping your best employees happy and engaged. While compensation is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Employees also want to feel appreciated for their work and contributions.

A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 79% of employees would stay with their company longer if they felt more appreciated. And, a study by Globoforce found that companies with strong employee appreciation programs have 31% lower turnover rates.

So, how can you balance compensation and appreciation to keep your best employees? 

Here are a few tips:

• Pay your employees fairly. This doesn’t mean you have to be the highest-paying company in your industry, but you should pay your employees a fair wage for their skills and experience.
• Offer competitive benefits. In addition to salary, your employees should also be offered competitive benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Regularly review your employees’ salaries. Make sure your employees’ salaries are competitive and that they are being paid fairly for their work.
• Show appreciation for your employees’ work. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as providing public recognition, giving them a gift card or other small token of appreciation, or simply taking the time to thank them for their hard work.
• Create a positive work environment. This includes providing a safe and comfortable work space, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and giving employees the opportunity to grow and develop their careers.

By following these tips, you can create a work environment where your employees feel valued, appreciated, and compensated fairly. This will help you to keep your best employees happy and engaged, and reduce your turnover rates.

Here are some additional tips for balancing compensation and appreciation:

• Make sure your compensation and benefits package is competitive. You can research salaries and benefits in your industry to see what other companies are offering.
• Personalized Feedback: Regularly provide constructive feedback and appreciation to employees for their efforts. Acknowledge their progress and growth, and offer support to help them overcome challenges.
• Don’t forget about non-financial compensation. Employees also value things like flexible work hours, remote work options, and opportunities for professional development.
• Show appreciation in a variety of ways. Public recognition, gift cards, and even just a simple thank-you can all go a long way in showing your employees that you appreciate their work.
• Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance and promote flexibility when possible. Showing concern for employees’ well-being and personal commitments demonstrates that you value them as individuals, not just workers.

By balancing compensation and appreciation, you can create a work environment where your employees feel valued, appreciated, and compensated fairly. This will help you to keep your best employees happy and engaged and reduce your turnover rates.

A thriving workplace culture is one that values and appreciates every individual on the team. It requires an inclusive mindset that recognizes and celebrates the diverse contributions and experiences of all employees. There are some easy and practical strategies to ensure inclusive appreciation, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for every member of your organization.

Here are some tips on how to ensure all employees feel valued and recognized:

• Be specific in your recognition. Don’t just say “good job.” Instead, say something like “I really appreciate the way you went above and beyond to help that customer.”
• Be timely in your recognition. Don’t wait until the end of the year to give someone a pat on the back. Recognize their hard work as soon as possible.
• Make recognition personal. Don’t just send out a generic email to everyone. Take the time to write a personal note or give someone a shout-out in front of their team.
• Recognize employees for both their big and small accomplishments. Don’t just save your recognition for big projects. Let people know that you appreciate their hard work on even the smallest tasks.
• Recognize employees for their different contributions. Not everyone is going to be a top performer. But everyone can contribute in their own way. Make sure you recognize employees for their different contributions, whether it’s their hard work, their creativity, or their positive attitude.
• Make recognition a part of your company culture. Don’t just do recognition when you feel like it. Make it a part of your company culture to regularly recognize employees for their hard work.

By following these tips, you can create a work environment where all employees feel valued and recognized. This will help to boost morale, improve productivity, and reduce turnover.

Here are some additional tips for ensuring all employees feel valued and recognized:

• Ask for feedback from your employees. Ask them how they feel they are being recognized and valued, and what you can do to improve.
• Create a system for recognizing employees. This could be a formal system, such as an employee recognition program, or it could be a more informal system, such as a “wall of fame” or a monthly “employee of the month” award.
• Make recognition visible. When you recognize an employee, make sure it is visible to others. This will help to show other employees that their hard work is appreciated.
• Celebrate successes. When your team achieves a goal, take some time to celebrate their success. This will help to boost morale and make employees feel valued.

By following these tips, you can create a work environment where all employees feel valued and recognized. This will help to boost morale, improve productivity, and reduce turnover.

Retirement is a HUGE life milestone that deserves to be celebrated. It’s a time to reflect on accomplishments, cherish memories, and embrace the excitement of what lies ahead. 

As a company, it’s important to celebrate retirements in a way that feels big yet intimate, all with the purpose of thanking your employees for their dedication to you, your team, and your business. Not sure where to get started? We’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 ways to celebrate work retirement:

1. Throw a retirement party. This is a traditional way to celebrate a retirement, and it’s a great opportunity to gather the retiree’s coworkers, friends, and family to wish them well.
2. Give a gift. A gift is a thoughtful way to show the retiree how much you appreciate their contributions to the company. It could be something as simple as a framed photo of the retiree with their coworkers, or something more personal, such as a gift certificate to their favorite store.
3. Write a letter or card. A handwritten note is a personal way to express your appreciation for the retiree. You could write about the retiree’s impact on your life, or simply share your fond memories of working with them.
4. Create a retirement scrapbook. This is a great way to document the retiree’s career. You could include photos, newspaper clippings, articles, and letters about the retiree’s work.
5. Plant a tree in the retiree’s honor. This is a beautiful way to commemorate the retiree’s retirement. You could plant a tree in the company’s courtyard, or in the retiree’s own yard.
6. Make a donation to a charity in the retiree’s name. This is a way to show the retiree that you care about their interests. You could donate to a charity that supports the retiree’s favorite cause, or to a charity that has helped the retiree in the past.
7. Host a retirement luncheon. This is a more casual way to celebrate retirement. You could invite the retiree’s coworkers, friends, and family to a luncheon at a local restaurant.
8. Take the retiree out to lunch. This is a great way to spend some one-on-one time with the retiree and wish them well.
9. Give the retiree a gift certificate for a spa or vacation. This is a way to help the retiree relax and enjoy their retirement.
10. Just say thank you. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate retirement is to simply say thank you. Let the retiree know how much you appreciate their contributions to the company, and wish them well in their retirement.

No matter how you choose to celebrate a retirement, make sure it is something that the retiree will appreciate. After all, they have earned it!

Did you know Elite Rewards offers a rewards platform that gives your employee the ability to choose their gift AND the color? We even offer a “Wish List” feature!

Employee recognition programs can have a significant impact on the bottom line of a business. By showing appreciation for employees’ hard work and accomplishments, businesses can boost morale, improve productivity, and reduce turnover.

Here are 5 ways that employee recognition programs can impact the bottom line:

Increased productivity: When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and go the extra mile. This can lead to increased productivity and output.

Reduced turnover: Employees who feel appreciated are less likely to leave their jobs. This can save businesses the cost of recruiting and training new employees.

Improved customer satisfaction: When employees are happy and engaged, they are more likely to provide excellent customer service. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Increased innovation: Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be creative and innovative. This can lead to new products, services, and processes that can benefit the business.

Stronger company culture: A strong company culture is one where employees feel valued and appreciated. This can lead to a more positive work environment, which can boost morale and productivity.

In fact, studies have shown that companies with strong recognition programs have:

• 17% higher productivity
• 21% higher profitability
• 31% lower turnover
• 70% fewer employee safety incidents
• 56% lower likelihood of employees looking for a new job

In addition to these direct benefits, employee recognition programs can also have a number of indirect benefits that can impact the bottom line. For example, employee recognition programs can:

• Attract and retain top talent: Employees are more likely to want to work for a company that values their contributions and shows them appreciation.
• Reduce stress and absenteeism: When employees feel appreciated, they are less likely to experience stress and absenteeism. This can save businesses money on healthcare costs and lost productivity.
• Improve employee morale: A positive work environment with a strong culture of recognition can lead to improved employee morale, which can boost productivity and creativity.

Overall, employee recognition programs can have a significant positive impact on the bottom line of a business. By showing appreciation for employees’ hard work and accomplishments, businesses can create a more positive work environment, boost morale, improve productivity, and reduce turnover.

Here are some tips for creating an effective employee recognition program:

• Make it personal: Recognition should be specific and personalized to the employee’s accomplishments.
• Be timely: Recognition should be given as soon as possible after the accomplishment.
• Be sincere: Recognition should be genuine and heartfelt.
• Vary the types of recognition: There are many different ways to recognize employees, so vary the types of recognition you offer.
• Involve everyone: Everyone in the organization should be involved in the recognition process, from top management to front-line employees.

By following these tips, you can create an employee recognition program that will have a positive impact on your bottom line.

Did you know Elite Rewards offers a rewards platform that gives your employee the ability to choose their gift AND the color? We even offer a “Wish List” feature!

Autism Super Mom Day is marked on April 27 each year. As a part of Autism Awareness Month, the day was created to celebrate the strength, courage, and determination of mothers of children with autism. It is also a day to educate others about the challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism. Few disorders can rival the depth and breadth of autism, as it affects the child and their entire family.

The idea behind this day is that mothers should be recognized for their hard work and dedication to helping their children with autism reach their full potential. These mothers often have to take care of their children 24 hours per day, so they usually can’t do anything else.

Parents and caregivers raising children with autism often need extra support, understanding, and resources. Autism Super Mom Day allows these families to come together, share their experiences, and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Autism Super Mom Day aims to bring awareness to the needs of parents and caregivers who are raising children with autism. It takes a lot of patience and understanding to raise an autistic child, and Autism Super Mom Day celebrates all you do, super moms!

We have some Autism Super Moms in our Elite Rewards family that we’d love for you to get to know better. We asked them a few fun questions to get to know them a little better. First up is Bridgette, our Customer Experience Consultant.

If you had a superpower, what superpower would you choose?
I would be able to converse with my twins, and always understand what they want/need.
What was your very first job?
I was the potato girl at RAX when I was fifteen. I made $2.90 an hour.
What is your favorite type of promotion?
family related things
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to go to Hawaii, that’s huge on my list.
What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
Hot coffee and warm hugs.
How many kids and grandkids do you have?
I have four children.
What movie could you quote by heart?
Too many of them – but one of my personal favorite quotes is from Galaxy Quest, “What you fail to realize, is that my shit is dragging mines.” I think it a lot – because I don’t like to be underestimated. 
How many years of experience do you have in your field?
34 whoa, how did that happen?
What is your favorite color?
Acid Green (pantone 14-0340 TCX)
What is the best idea you have ever had?
Reaching out to the autism community to welcome them to my Girl Scout Troop
What is your definition of success?
Creating positive outcomes that benefit everyone involved.
What do you hope your coworkers say about you at your retirement party?
“Happy Trails to you…until we meet again….” just kidding I’ll never retire…..

WHY AUTISM SUPER MOM DAY IS IMPORTANT

It’s about appreciating super moms
It is a day to appreciate the mothers of autistic children. We recognize the efforts and hard work they put into caring for the special children in their lives.

We celebrate the achievements
Autism Super Mom Day is an opportunity for parents of children with autism to celebrate their achievements, share their experiences, and receive support from others who are going through similar experiences. This holiday has created a community from which super moms get the support they need.

It provides access to valuable information
The day also allows us to raise awareness about the challenges of super moms. Through it, we get information about the support available for parents and families affected by autism so that they can live happier lives.