Be part of the solution.
Sometimes the best way to recognize an employee for achievement is by recognizing that he might need help resolving a personal issue. You can help—while maintaining a healthy on-the-job relationship—by simply providing the resources he needs.
At one business, this involved paying a tax preparer to help employees file their taxes. Another firm with a high percentage of Spanish-speaking workers offered on-site English as a Second Language classes. Another sponsored a weight-loss group. You get the idea.
When employees’ personal lives are in order, they are better able to concentrate on the task at hand—helping the company succeed. Caring about someone in a very personal way is the ultimate thank-you.