3 SPRING CLEANING TIPS INSPIRED BY MARIE KONDO
Employees are the backbone of any business, big or small. If you’re looking for a way to give thanks to your hardworking staff, there’s no better time than now. Employee Appreciation Day is a non-official holiday that takes place on the first Friday of March. However, this holiday doesn’t have to be confined to a single day, nor does it have to be expensive. HISTORY In 1995, the idea came to Dr. Bob Nelson — also known as the “Guru of Thank You”— and he put it into action. Dr. Nelson is a founding Recognition Professionals International board member, head of Workman Publishing, and author of “1,001 Ways to Reward Employees.” His goal was to create and bolster the bond between employee and employer in all industries. OBSERVING EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY An employer can use many different methods to give thanks to their employees. To celebrate, employers across the country throw office parties, buy lunch for the whole office, or give their workers part of the day off. Other ways to celebrate on that day, month, or throughout the year include: • Organizing an after-work gathering • Buying surprise snacks for the entire office • Practicing flexibility in the office • Giving thank-you cards to your staff • Creating an encouraging environment • Praising team efforts and accomplishments • Celebrating birthdays • Giving rewards • Recognizing team and individual achievements publicly THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRECIATION No matter where they work, employees want to be treated like human beings. When they’ve reached a personal or professional goal or they accomplish a feat for their team, they want to be recognized. And when that recognition is given, employees feel proud of their work and valued as individuals within the company. It doesn’t take much effort to give that praise, and when you do, it affects the whole company in a positive way. Taking the time to value people for the work they do will create a happier and more productive workplace. Let this year’s Employee Appreciation Day be the first day of many to celebrate the efforts of hardworking employees. CELEBRATING EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
For anyone who’s seen Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” you’ve experienced at least a virtual dose of her calm, joyful spirit. Kondo manages to pass tranquility on to even the most chaotic households. We may not all have Kondo making a visit to our homes in person, but we can harness her can-do spirit and find joy in tidying. Here are a few strategies taken from Kondo that can help you put your home in order this spring. 1. USE CLEAR CONTAINERS For storage purposes, choose clear containers.The benefits of these are clear to see. Because you can view what’s inside the container, you’ll be more likely to keep only what you use and use what you have instead of buying the same items over and over again. 2. GOTHROUGH LIKE ITEMS ALL AT ONCE If you’re tackling clothes, for example, pull out every clothing item and create a big pile. Go through the pile one by one — it might be daunting, but take your time — and decide which items will stay. Repeat this pattern in other areas of your home for toys, kitchen appliances, and so on. 3. GET RID OF ANYTHINGTHAT DOESN’T SPARK JOY Say goodbye to the coat that’s home to a family of moths and sayonara to the desk that’s covered in a layer of dust in the attic. Kondo encourages you to contemplate each item, deciding whether or not it sparks joy. If it doesn’t, thank it for serving you, and say goodbye. Here’s a pro tip: Call a donation center before you start cleaning so they can be ready to pick up items you’re donating on the same day. Speaking of getting rid of things, this is an ideal time to let go of outdated documents. As you finish up your taxes, say goodbye to those piles of papers that no longer serve you and introduce them to the shredder.We’re making it easy for you: April 27 is Shred Day (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.). We’ll bring the shredder and light refreshments, you bring the outdated documents. Get a jump-start on your spring-cleaning initiative and begin the season right. Marie Kondo would be proud.
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