The People at Home Deserve a Thank You, Too.

When an employee goes the extra mile, a good leader notices. Hopefully, that employee hears a sincere thank-you for the long hours, the extra travel, or the weekend spent getting an important project across the finish line.

But how often do we think about the people at home who helped make that effort possible?

Someone may have handled dinner, homework, and bedtime alone. Someone rearranged plans or took on responsibilities that ordinarily would have been shared. A spouse, partner, or child may have missed time with someone they love because the company needed more of that person’s attention.

The employee did the work, but the effort often reached well beyond the workplace.

I believe leaders have an opportunity here that too many overlook. Send a personal note to the people at home. Perhaps include a small gift, dinner for the family, or something chosen with them in mind. Let them know you recognize that their support helped make the employee’s contribution possible.

It could be as simple as this:

“Morgan, I want you to know how much we appreciate the effort Taylor put into this project. The extra hours and travel helped us meet an important commitment, and I recognize that those demands affected you at home, too. Thank you for your patience and support. I wanted you to hear that appreciation directly from me.”

Imagine receiving that note. Someone in leadership took the time to recognize a contribution you might have assumed was invisible.

Before sending it, talk with the employee. Ask whom they would like you to acknowledge and whether they would be comfortable with the gesture. Every household is different, and appreciation should feel personal and welcome.

Of course, leaders also have a responsibility to give people time to reconnect at home after an unusually demanding stretch. A thoughtful note means more when our decisions show the same consideration as our words.

In my work in the area of service culture, I encourage leaders to pay attention to the people behind the performance. Employees bring their responsibilities, relationships, and concerns to work with them, whether we see those things or not. Understanding that helps us lead with greater care.

The next time you thank someone for going above and beyond, consider asking, “Who at home helped make this possible?”

Then take a few minutes - it only takes a few - to thank them, too.

Fred Reggie is a Business Strategy Coach and International Speaker specializing in Service Culture Development, Leadership, and Communication. He facilitates successful Mission Development workshops and retreats to elevate client brands. He is the Best-Selling author of  “Tell Me... How to Initiate and Nurture MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime”. You can contact Fred through Email , connect on LInkedIn, or schedule a call to discuss how your company's Service Culture measures up.