It’s the little things that matter…Years ago, I lost my little sister. She was riding her bicycle and got hit by a car. After 5 days in a coma she died. She was 16.I was a store manager at the time and it was a busy season at work. When I told my employer what happened, he only said 6 words “Take all the time you need”. He didn’t add that it was a busy season and that they’ll be struggling with one less on the team – I already knew that. He had my back. He made it work so that I wouldn’t have to stress. That made the whole difference.

It’s the little things that matter. Often employers think of having big Christmas parties, bonus scheme or salary raise. Those things count but it’s the little things that often have the biggest impact. A kind word at the right time, a Thank You note, a day off when it matters. And it often costs next to nothing. In my case, it didn’t cost anything to my employer, I used my paid leave and that was it.

At a time when skilled people are scarce, employee retention becomes critical. Studies show that people quit their jobs due to management or company culture far more than for better salaries. The little things to show team members you truly appreciate them can make a huge difference. Whether you use technology like a short personalized “thank you” video or an old-fashioned hand-written note, a surprise chocolate on someone’s desk, an invitation to lunch or a shared coffee in the kitchen, don’t be shy with the little things, they truly matter. It doesn’t have to take long. In my case, 6 little words at the right time changed my life.