Recognizing and appreciating club employees in personalized, consistent, and inclusive ways is a strategic imperative that drives retention, performance, and member satisfaction in a service-driven industry.
The People Behind the Prestige
Behind every welcoming smile, perfectly set table, artfully merchandised shop, pristine green, and perfectly executed event is a dedicated team member quietly delivering excellence. For club leaders, appreciating these individuals isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s imperative. In a labor-constrained industry built on personal service, employee recognition drives performance, retention, and member satisfaction.
Appreciation That Actually Works
Step one: Listen. Just like members have unique preferences, so do employees when it comes to feeling valued. Some thrive with public recognition, team meeting shoutouts, or photo features on the breakroom board. Others appreciate a private note, a one-on-one acknowledgment, or professional development opportunities. The goal is relevance. Taking time to understand what resonates with each person builds trust, increases engagement, and encourages longevity.
Strategic Payoff
Turnover in hospitality remains high. According to Gallup, employees who feel appreciated are 56% less likely to look for a new job. For clubs where service continuity defines the member experience, that matters. Recognition isn’t fluff, it’s insurance.
Go Beyond the Employee: Recognize the Whole Person
Great employees rarely succeed alone. Spouses, kids, roommates, and families make sacrifices too, especially during peak season. Clubs that acknowledge this see stronger loyalty. Think:
- A family-inclusive summer BBQ or pool party
- Holiday party with a plus-one invitation
- Employee family golf day or early access tee times
- Discounted tickets to local events
- A simple thank-you card mailed home to a partner
- Your bullet point text
Make It Consistent: A Year-Round Culture of Recognition
Recognition must go beyond the annual review. Build a rhythm. Some club-tested ideas:
- Monthly “Club Star” recognition, voted on by peers
- Surprise treats or food trucks during peak weeks
- Peer-to-peer “lightning bolt” shoutouts, visible in common areas
- Quarterly handwritten notes from senior leaders
- Annual “above & beyond” award with a meaningful prize
- Your bullet point text
When appreciation becomes part of daily life, not just a quarterly agenda item, it becomes your culture.
Five Takeaways You Can Apply This Month
- Audit your recognition efforts. Are they personalized or generic? Sporadic or consistent?
- Ask your team what makes them feel seen. Use a quick survey or one-on-ones.
- Pick a national food day such as "Ice Cream Day," and send home sweet treats.
- Introduce peer-to-peer recognition. Let teammates celebrate each other.
- Reframe appreciation as strategy. Recognition boosts retention and improves service.
When clubs talk about creating a “home away from home” for members, they often forget the team that makes it possible. Appreciation is more than a feel-good gesture; it’s foundational to a high-performing, loyal, and resilient club culture. Invest in it like your reputation depends on it, because it does.
