Good ways to show appreciation to essential workers

It was International Workers’ Day recently, and there’s no better time than this to reflect on how essential employees everywhere are working hard to make our lives easier during this pandemic. Essential workers, including healthcare professionals, pharmacists, police officers, social workers, journalists, farmworkers, grocery store employees, delivery agents, and more have continued to go to work and serve the community. We have to show our gratitude to each one of these essential workers, who are going above and beyond to give us a sense of normalcy during lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders. It’s our responsibility to support them by showing our appreciation for their continued efforts.

How can individuals show their gratitude toward essential workers?

• Express your appreciation and gratitude whenever you see an essential worker

• Be kind and understanding

• Design simple banners and posters to thank essential workers and put them up on your balcony, gate, or window

• Call those essential workers who are close to you and let them know that they are doing a great job

• Take time to listen to what they have to say

• Communicate with the families of essential workers you know and find out if they need anything

• Provide things that are vital to them, if possible

• Stay home as much as possible to reduce their strain and risk

• Maintain social distancing if you have to go out

• Adhere to the safety regulations to contain the spread of COVID-19

How can employers show their gratitude toward their essential workers under?

• Talk to each one of your employees personally and thank them for their service

• Offer incentives and rewards like bonuses, pay increases, or discounts for working continuously

• Implement the tools and equipment necessary to carry on with work safely during this time

• Provide safe transportation to help them travel with comfort

• Be more flexible and understanding

• Help them to manage stress by conducting simple stress buster activities

• Implement preventive measures in your workplace

• Give them all the essentials including hand sanitizer, masks, tissues, protective gear, and gloves, especially if they are public-facing

• Gain feedback from them regularly to identify concerns and address questions

During these stressful times, it’s important to show gratitude toward essential workers who are committed to serving us every day. While they give up their safety to ensure ours, we should show a little thanks and do our part to take the pressure off their shoulders. This can go a long way in spreading kindness and making their days a little brighter.