Simple ideas for thanking co-workers
Perhaps your office has been in overtime mode because of a project you were working on, or you've been off sick, and your colleagues have helped you out enormously. You will build on your own reputation if you show your gratitude to them. Hopefully you know them well enough to be able to judge how to do this, but if not, here are some good ways of saying thanks to work colleagues.
Sometimes, it is not necessary to spend any money; your colleagues may simply appreciate an email of thanks, especially if it is copied to other people in the office. Knowing that you are thankful enough to do this will really inspire your colleagues to keep wanting to please you, and you will probably find that they will keep the email for months to come.
Hopefully your managers are already well aware of what has been going on in the office. Whether they are or not, there is no harm in ensuring that they do. It could really stand your colleague in good stead when it comes to their yearly evaluation, and could even contribute towards an eventual promotion. That kind of thanks will be more than a gift could ever do.
Everyone enjoys a work lunch, especially when they aren't paying. Take out everyone who has helped you and invite the boss to tag along too, making it clear that their hard work has really been noticed. Use the time to really have a good chat and get to know your colleagues even better than before—the gesture will be remembered and the good feeling everyone gets from it will inspire them on to bigger and better things.
Keeping people back after work isn't a good idea, especially if they can't stick around because of children, but you could arrange to have some drinks and snacks an hour or so before the working day ends. You don't want people to get drunk and disorderly, so don't go overboard on the alcohol, but a couple of glasses should be greatly appreciated.
If you know your colleagues relatively well and know exactly what they would like for a gift, then go ahead and buy it if it is in your price range (or that of the office's). Alternatively, if you have several people to buy for and don't want to accidentally show favouritism, or you just don't know them that well, then buy gift vouchers for the same amount–a spa treatment would probably be much welcomed by the women, for example.
If your colleagues have been working really hard, they are probably exhausted, and would enjoy a day off work to recover, once they have caught up on their own work. Provided that you have the power to do so, let them have some time off while you cover for them. Obviously, you will need to arrange things so that they aren't all off at the same time. The thought will be much appreciated, and, after an extra day's rest, they should return to work feeling refreshed.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated and needed. By showing your thanks, you will make people feel good and, with regard to workplace morale, this can work wonders–eventually showing in increased profits. Don't take people for granted, even if they are just doing their job.
