Toni -
I think this is great, and I agree, we probably don't do enough to recognize and encourage our staff. Anything that makes them feel appreciated will show in their work and is then ultimately, good for the company.

I was thinking too... when I go back to grad school I am going to conduct research and write my thesis on the relationship/correlation to employee retention and resident retention in property management! I am curious about the actual dollar loss onsite employee turnover costs the owners/management company!!!

I love your ideas... going to send my allstar leasers a ecard this week to let them know what a fantastic job they're doing! I know when I worked onsite, it really made me feel appreciated and connected to my company to hear words of encouragement from upper management!

Thanks Toni!!:)

I come from Europe with 5 weeks paid vacation and my company I worked with prior to moving to USA actually paid for two trips out of country for their employees as a employee retention and a way to say thank you for a job well done.

It was a little bit of a shock for me to start working in the states with considerable less employee retention. You are right, happier employees make good employees

I could not agree more! Having a warm body to fill a spot is very different than having a quality employee. Corporate tends to take their on site people for granted. In the current economy, people may stay just because they need a job, but if they don't feel appreciated, then they're not going to give you their best.

It makes all the difference. I have worked with a manager who held me back, looked at me as a threat and literally tried to get me fired (didnt work too well for her as she was the one who got the boot)

Now I am working with a fantastic manager who doesn't hold me back, is willing to try new things and encourages me and teaches me. I am blooming in my position and constantly trying to thing of ways to improve myself. In the same time I am very happy where I am and have no interest in leaving.

Unfortunately sometimes the bad economy brings out the bullies as people are so afraid right now.

This is such a great post. SOmetimes as the Prop Manager I deal with all the negatives, and often forget to highlight the positive attributes. With corp pressure, and the economy, I am sooo stressed all the time. I also work in the office next to our VP of Accounting and he barks everytimes I try to reward someone with a few hours off....or a gift card. Its a tough battle for me. But its a great system, and a great post if you can put it into action.

I couldnt agree more!!! I love the 5 languages of love book, it comes in so handy with my staff of 20, if you can figure out which each persons language is it truly helps to make them feel appreciated!!