There are many reasons why an employee leaves. Perhaps he doesn’t find his job challenging, or maybe he doesn’t think highly of his manager. Maybe he doesn’t feel he is compensated enough for the job he does, or perhaps he simply wants to do other things.

It’s easy to dismiss an employee who leaves by saying that he is easily replaceable. However, a turnover is crippling not only because it disrupts the workflow but also because it is costly. In the contact center, retail, high-tech, and fast-food industries, where turnover averaged at 38 percent in the last six years, turnovers have reduced earnings and stock prices. At a fast-food restaurant, 7,613 children’s combo meals need to be sold at $2.50 each to recover the cost of losing a crewmember.

Companies can do something to lessen turnover, starting with how they treat employees. Obviously, a happy worker is more productive, gets his work done on time and in quality, and does not daydream of greener pastures in the middle of a busy workday.

Showing appreciation for a job well done is easy with recognition promotional items. Personalized gifts such as ties, watches, and scarves make employees feel they are more than names in the payroll.

Rewarding good performance is a good way to boost employees’ self-esteem. Company anniversaries or year-end parties offer venues for employee recognition. Promotional items like plaques, lapel pins, inspirational books, and executive pens engraved with employees’ names indicate that you see their contribution to the company’s growth.

Taking the time out for some team building—whether for karaoke or bowling, biking or skydiving—can help employees establish good rapport with the people they spend more than 40 hours with every week. Team activities are also a good excuse to de-stress. After all, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,” don’t you agree?

Give practical recognition promotional items. While plaques and trophies carve your appreciation in stone, they can be forgotten once out of sight. Corporate gifts like travel bags, MP3 players, or watches have practical benefits and will be used every day.

Recognition promotional items go a long way in inspiring employees, keeping them happy, and ensuring their tenure.

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Remy is a Promotional Adviser specializing on Corporate Coffee Cup, Logo Business Clothing and Business Hat Store.