In the workplace, like in life, it’s often the small, thoughtful actions that can have the biggest impact. Showing your team that you care doesn’t take a huge budget or a major amount of time. Simple, authentic acts of kindness and consideration can create a supportive and engaging environment that will inspire your people to do their best work. It’s about adopting a mindset and creating a habit of thoughtful gestures.
Use These Simple Actions To Show Your Team You Care
These 12 practical and meaningful ways can show your team that you value them. when you proactively demonstrate that you care about your people you exhibit the characteristics of authentic leadership. Identify the actions that feel right for you, then, integrate them into your daily interactions with your people.
1. Start Meetings at :05 or :35
Back-to-back meetings can leave employees feeling rushed and overwhelmed. By the end of the day they feel that all they did is go one from virtual meeting to the next without a moment to breathe. By starting meetings at five or thirty-five minutes past the hour, you’re giving your team a small but valuable gift: a pause. This simple adjustment allows them to grab a coffee, take a bio break, or get ready for what’s next on their agenda. It’s a subtle way to show that you respect their well-being.
2. Set Boundaries Around Email Response Times
Let your team know that they don’t have to respond to every email you send them 3as soon as they receive it. Add a sentence at the end of your emails that says: “I work at times that suit my schedule, and I encourage you to respond at times that work best for you.” Or “I respect your work-life balance—please reply whenever it’s convenient for you.”
These small statements let your team know that you don’t expect immediate responses and that their personal time is important to you. When something has a specific due date or is urgent, let them know. For everything else, let them respond at their convenience.
3. Have a Conversation That’s All About Them
Set aside time to meet with each team member and let them drive the conversation. The topics might be professional development, mentoring, problem-solving, or even work-life balance. The key is to make it clear that the focus is entirely on them. When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to trust you and feel invested in their work. When you get to know your people on a deeper level–their aspirations, passions, values, etc, you’re better able to support and inspire them.
4. Give Your Full Attention During Meetings
In today’s distracted world, giving someone your undivided attention during one-on-ones is among the most meaningful ways to show you care. When meeting with a team member, resist the urge to check emails or glance at your phone. Maintain eye contact, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. And work doubly hard to do this if your meeting is taking place over Zoom (here’s what people do during virtual meetings). This kind of presence shows respect and reinforces how important they are to you.
5. Actively Schedule Mini Catch-Ups
Don’t wait for your team members to approach you with concerns or updates. Take the initiative to schedule 10-minute check-ins with them. These brief conversations can help you stay connected, address small issues before they escalate, and show that you’re invested in their success. Being proactive speaks volumes. It’s not the length of the interaction, but the depth.
6. Recognize Their Efforts Publicly and Privately
Acknowledge your team’s hard work both in group settings and one-on-one. Public recognition—like a shout-out during a meeting, a mention in an email, or an acknowledgment in a LinkedIn post—will boost morale. Private recognition—a handwritten note, a quick message, or a verbal “thank you”—feels personal and heartfelt. Regardless of whether it is public or private praise, make it specific. Instead of “Great job,” go for something like “You really made our client feel heard in that meeting. Well done!” That signals that the feedback is genuine and that you truly notice and appreciate their contributions.
7. Celebrate Milestones—Big and Small
Whether it’s a birthday, work anniversary, or the completion of a challenging project, taking the time to celebrate milestones makes your team feel appreciated. Pen in your calendar everyone’s birthdays, the day started working for you, their partners’ and children’s birthdays. Even simple gestures like a card, a cupcake, or a mention when on a call or passing in the hallway will spark joy and bolster their sense of belonging.
8. Ask for Their Input—and Act on It
Show your team you value their insights by regularly soliciting their feedback. Ask for their opinions on projects, processes, or anything that’s challenging you. Then, when you follow through by implementing their suggestions, thank them for their insights. When employees see their input has real value to you, they feel empowered and valued.
9. Encourage Learning and Development
Support your team’s growth by offering opportunities for professional development. This could include funding courses, sharing industry resources, or even hosting a book club on relevant topics. Encouraging continuous learning shows that you care about their future, not just their current performance. Give them the opportunity to choose what they learn and the types of learning programs that work best for them. Also, ask the experts on your team to share their insights with other team members through lunch and learns.
10. Surprise Them With Thoughtful Gestures
Occasionally surprising your team with something unexpected can leave a lasting impression. This could be as simple as bringing in coffee and bagels, telling them to go home early on a Friday after meeting a big deadline, or sending a small gift to their home. These gestures don’t have to be expensive; it’s the thought that counts. And to make these gestures relevant, pay attention to the members of you team. Is there always a bag on M&Ms on one team member’s desk? Does another always use interesting pens and notebooks? The more personal the gesture, the more meaningful it will be.
11. Support Work-Life Balance in Practice
Encouraging work-life balance isn’t just about policy—it’s about actions. Encourage your team to take breaks, use their vacation days, and log off at a reasonable hour. Lead by example by doing the same, demonstrating that it’s okay to prioritize personal well-being. Set up rules like it is OK to reject a meeting request if it is happening when they are normally working with their personal trainer.
12. Be Transparent and Honest
Foster trust by being open about company goals, challenges, and changes. When employees feel like they’re in the loop, they’re more likely to feel secure and respected. Honesty goes a long way in building a culture of care. That means you need to over communicate. You are privy to information they don’t have. Sharing it openly helps you build trust.
Show Your People You Care To Increase Team Success
Caring for your team doesn’t have to be complicated. By creating a habit of delivering simple, unexpected gestures, you’ll create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. And the payment you receive will be worth so much more. After all, when you authentically show your team you care, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work every day.