How best to thank my amazing coworkers? Our crew have the hardest jobs ...

[elehhhhna]

Imagine this:

Clean up a suicide, then an in-home massive sewer backup, then maybe wrap up your week packing out fire/soot damaged items from a housefire where there was loss of life.

THAT's a hard job.

My guys and gals do it every day. They should make 50K a year, at least. They don't. But they work like they do. 24/7.

I'm just the Marketing Manager but it's time for me to acknowledge them somehow. 15 people. Must be relatively inexpensive and they're only at the office from 8 to about 8:15 a.m. Suggestions, please?

[Cerridwen]

1. Gift cards for an in-home cleaning of their own homes?

My guess would be that going home after that means laundry, floors, dishes, etc. don't get a lot of attention?

Presented over a quick "continental" breakfast as they head out the door?

[gateley]

2. What a great idea! nt

[Cerridwen]

6. Thanks, gateley.

I'm trying to think practical but I'm not sure I thought inexpensive. *sigh*

[gateley]

7. You gift was from the heart -- no price tags there! Some other great suggestions

are being made, too. All would be welcomed, I'm sure.

[Demoiselle]

3. Individual visits to a spa? Hot tubs, saunas, massages?

How about installing a hot tub in your headquarters?
(Obviously I have no idea what you mean by "relatively inexpensive.")

[etherealtruth]

4. "Food" is often a nurturing gesture

perhaps some muffins, juice, good coffee, specialty bagels (if you're really ambitious, a breakfast buffet) ... I know its not a grand gesture by some standards, but I've always appreciated gestures like that

[japple]

5. How about giving them breakfast? It could be something as

simple as muffins and coffee or more elaborate, depending on what's available in your area. Maybe something they could eat on the run or take along for their break later on in the morning.

[gateley]

8. You're wonderful. Some great suggestions being made, but their knowing how

much you appreciate them (and I've no doubt they do) means the world to them, believe me.

[Cerridwen]

9. Ooo, ooo, I had another idea.

Does your local paper have a PSA type section? Could you do a congratulatory write up of your co-workers mentioning all their great qualities and names? Then you could get copies of the paper for each and frame one for the office?

Assuming none of your co-workers has a safety need for anonymity?

[Hekate]

10. $25 gift certificates to the local grocery store? With their being in the office only 15 minutes...

... every morning, it's hard to plan an "event" for them, and of course I really don't know what your budget is.

As Marketing Manager, maybe you have some connections to merchants who would help you stretch your dollars into gift baskets they could take home.

They sound like wonderful people, doing a really necessary and difficult job.

Hekate

[mopinko]

12. or the local dunkin donuts, or?

i bet they eat a lot on the go. do they have a fave?

and if i ever do cash my own chips, i swear, swear i will do it neatly!

[eilen]

11. Provide free coffee somewhere they frequent. nt

[UpInArms]

13. check your inbox

not to be private .... but there are things

:blush:

thanks!

and great story!

[handmade34]

14. "thank you for what you do"

is the best first start. I have been doing my job for 5 years and last week in a crime ridden, trash ridled, boarded up street in Baltimore City was the first time someone said "thank you for what you do". It was awesome.

Donuts and coffee
fun badges that tell them how you feel
a group picture
welcome them with a song and dance...or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqV7DB8Iwg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xw1xlwOe5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k25EBRr4f_s&feature=related