5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Virtual Assistant
Did you know that your Virtual Assistant is more likely to work harder, and to stick around longer if they feel appreciated? Appreciation goes a long way in the workplace, and having a Virtual Assistant on your team is no different. Research shows that appreciation improves productivity and morale. It can motivate your team to improve their performance and to want to stay longer. Great leaders are intentional about showing their team appreciation. Great leaders stop to take the time to invest in their people and to truly care.
I know your plate is already full. You’re busy. I get it. Your list of to-do’s is long and you’re not sure how to fit in “one more thing”, but if I may be so bold to say showing your Virtual Assistant appreciation should be at the top of your list. Showing your VA appreciation can literally take less than 5 minutes PER MONTH. That’s right. PER MONTH. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It doesn’t have to take up your entire morning.
I am excited to share with you 5 ways to show appreciation to your VA. I truly believe that if you succeed in the area of appreciation, so many other areas of your business and your relationship with your VA will thrive as well. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Thank you card
This may seem simple. You may even think it is lame. You see companies over here giving away cars and you show up with a “thank you” card? Well, just stop that way of thinking right now and DON’T BE SO HARD on yourself. I promise that your words matter. You can mail a card, send a text, or write out an email saying how appreciative you are. A message could be as simple as:
“You have worked so hard over the past few weeks to get this project done. I just wanted to thank you and let you know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. I truly appreciate all of your effort and dedication!”
2. Recognize important dates
Now is the time to set up reminders for important dates if you haven’t already done so. You should without a doubt, hands-down know your VA’s birthday and hire date. These are 2 days that should not go unnoticed throughout the year. Send a gift, write a card, DoorDash them some lunch… something! This is such an easy way to show appreciation while making a huge impact to brighten their day.
3. Celebrate accomplishments
Did your business hit a goal? Has your company grown? Did you just launch a new product or course? If so, it sounds like it's time to celebrate! Acknowledge the accomplishment with an announcement, talk about it in your weekly meeting, a simple email… acknowledgement goes a long way!
4. Gifts
Giving gifts is a way to show appreciation that will take a little more effort and intentionality, but it still doesn’t have to break the bank or add stress to your day!
Personally, I am someone who loves gifts. Here at Rock Solid we love supporting small businesses, so Etsy is usually one of our go-to’s for finding thoughtful gifts. You could easily look up a local florist near your VA’s home and send them some flowers. Or, there are plenty of companies out there who specialize in curating employee/assistant/client gifts. A quick internet search or just a few moments on Pinterest can give you so many ideas!
5. Trust
Trust your Virtual Assistant. This may seem like a major detour from mailing flowers and “thank you” cards, but I have a feeling that this may be one of the most important ways you can show appreciation to your VA. It isn’t something to mark off of your to-do list. It isn’t a quick and easy email. This is, however, what good leadership looks like and what will make or break your relationship with your VA.
I understand that it is hard to “let go” and to allow others to care for your business. It has been your baby and you can’t comprehend someone else putting in as much quality effort into your business as you have. However, if your VA is doing their job, making your life easier, and helping your business thrive, and you’re STILL having a hard time letting go… I am glad you are reading this. There is nothing like a morale killer than finding out that your supervisor is consistently going in behind you and checking up on your work. During onboarding-- I hope you are checking in on their work. Following up on tasks and wanting updates on projects-- yes, please hold your VA accountable. But there is a huge difference between accountability and lack of trust. I promise that if you don’t trust your VA, they will know it and they probably won’t stick around for long. I have seen too many times where a paranoid “leader” lost amazing team members because they couldn’t let go. Please don’t let this be you.
Assistants feel freedom to thrive in their areas of expertise when you lead with a posture of trust.
I hope this inspires you to show appreciation to your Virtual Assistant if you aren’t already! Something so simple can truly change the course of your business! If you’re wondering what gifts you could send your VA, what their interests are, or if you can’t find that paper with their birthday on it… click the button below for a download your VA / team members can fill out and give back to you. We use something similar here at Rock Solid and it helps so much! The best part is having your VA forget they ever filled this out, sending them their favorite candy, and having them wonder how you knew it was their favorite!!
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