There’s no question in your mind that you work with the greatest team on the planet. The dedication, hard work, kindness, and creativity that each of them brings to the table are what keeps everything going, each day.

This is the season that lends itself to looking back over the year, counting your blessings, appreciating those you love, and looking ahead to another incredible year, and for the business owner, it’s a great time to show your team how thankful you are for them.

Here are three tips that can help you show your thankfulness:

1. Party. Everyone loves a party. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy one another, have fun, and eat. You can learn a lot about the people you work with by spending leisure time together, conversing or playing games or horsing around. (A party could even be considered a team-building exercise, but let’s keep that on the down-low!)

2. Rewards and Recognition. At the close of the calendar year, we naturally find ourselves reflecting on different events throughout the previous months. Use this time to think about the individuals on your team and what they have contributed to the successes and breakthroughs of your company. Do something special for each of them that recognizes their efforts and skills. You might want to create rewards that are specific to your enterprise. Whether they are humorous or professional, you can bet the recipients will feel special for many months to come. (It won’t hurt morale and productivity, either.)

3. Raises. This is so obvious that I feel silly mentioning it, but every employee appreciates a monetary recognition for their hard work and dedication – it’s the gift that keeps on giving! If finances don’t permit you to do what you would like to do yet, you can commit to small incremental raises throughout the year, and tying them to meeting business goals can help the business at the same time. Freebies and perks aren’t raises, to be sure, but they are monetary awards, and they can be made part of a package that your team members will love. Watch them hit the ground running after the holidays! (You smart business person, you.)

I’m AnnaVija McClain, and I DO work with the greatest team on the planet. I love working alongside them every day, and I also love meeting and working with entrepreneurs here in the Nashville area. Call me today and let’s talk about your business.