5 Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Team This Holiday Season We asked managers across America to tell us how they're celebrating their teams this year. Here's what they had to say.

The corporate world is constantly changing. But one thing always remains the same: Your team needs to feel valued, affirmed, and appreciated. How to deliver that all-important message this holiday season, when so many of our teams are remote? We spoke with thoughtful managers from companies across America to see how they're planning on thanking employees this year. A few especially smart ideas are loved by many. (Dozens of managers are fans of Starbucks Cards, for example.) These are the standouts that you might want to try with your own team.

1. Send gift cards that'll actually get used and enjoyed

Gift cards from a frequented spot always bring a smile. "I've been giving out Starbucks Cards at the holidays for well over 17 years," says Susie Penner, senior director of corporate communications at GoDaddy. "There are Starbucks locations everywhere. I give $20 per person so that folks can get a few beverages with a treat."

A Starbucks Card is sure to be well received, too: "Everyone appreciates receiving and using them," Penner adds. And they're incredibly easy to order. You can buy Starbucks Cards online in bulk, for groups of 15 or more people. Order and schedule eGifts to be emailed to employees and colleagues spread around the country. Looking to make them extra special? Co-branded cards are available, allowing you to include your own company logo on physical and digital card orders.

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2. Reward employees with bonuses

If your company had a good year and can swing a cash bonus, the managers we spoke with said it's always an appreciated gesture. Even a small amount can make employees feel seen and a little more comfortable during the holidays. The key? Give the bonuses as early as you can. "We know that most folks have a lot on their plate during the holiday," says Randy VanderVaate, president of a national life insurance provider. "So, we don't wait for the holiday to give bonuses, because we want to help eliminate some extra financial demands before the holiday." They don't have to be giant bonuses, either. Just $100 can go a long way.

3. Write personalized notes

One of the best ways to help your employees feel seen and appreciated? Through a handwritten note, according to lots of managers: It's an idea that came up almost as often as cash bonuses. Just don't send everyone the same generic thank you. Instead, take the time to personalize each missive. "You can write short messages about how you adore each employee and how much you see from their work," says Yuval Halevi, a cofounder of Guerrilla Buzz, a blockchain marketing agency. An email works in a pinch, too, as long as it's clearly tailored to the individual.

4. Give extra time off

Another popular idea: Giving employees extra time off. Suggestions ranged from an extra day, which staffers can use whenever they'd like, all the way up to a "dark week" between Christmas and New Year's, so people can recharge and enjoy time with their families. "The time off is something people look forward to," says Michael Alexis, the CEO of TeamBuilding, which runs virtual retreats for top tech companies. "Another effect of the extra time off is that staff have more flexibility to use their PTO and vacation days throughout the year, which supports mental health."

5. Arrange for a free meal

Tasty food is always a good idea. Some managers said they like to send vouchers for meal kit subscriptions and ingredient boxes. Others said they let employees expense a nice dinner out with their families. "We reimburse our employees for the meal," says Daivat Dholakia, the VP of growth and product at a software company. "We don't have a hard cap for the amount, but we tell our employees to aim for $100 or less per person. If it ends up being over, it's not a big deal because it's important to us that our employees know that we value them and appreciate all their hard work."