The Cost of Not Saying Thank You
“Too many bosses have a key employee they’ve never had a drink or dinner with… and if they leave tomorrow, it’s a real curveball.”
— Gary Vaynerchuk
Click Here to View Gary Vee’s Video.
That quote stopped me in my tracks. Because I’ve seen it happen — maybe you have too.
A brilliant employee.
A long-time client.
A partner who always showed up.
One day… they’re gone.
And while exit interviews often mention “new opportunities” or “better compensation,” what they really mean is:
“I didn’t feel seen.”
Let’s Talk About the Cost — The Real One
When someone leaves your team, you don’t just lose a body — you lose:
– Institutional knowledge
– Customer relationships
– Team morale
– Time spent recruiting, onboarding, and retraining
– And often, thousands of dollars
According to Gallup, replacing a single employee can cost up to twice their annual salary. For leadership roles, even more.
But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough:
It’s often preventable — with something as simple as appreciation.
It’s Not About Grand Gestures
No, you don’t need to hand out Rolexes or book tropical retreats (unless that’s your vibe — go for it!).
But what you do need is intention.
The most meaningful expressions of gratitude are often the simplest:
– A note that says, “I noticed.”
– A quiet lunch to say, “Thank you for carrying the load.”
– A public acknowledgment that says, “You matter here.”
5 Ways to Show Appreciation That Actually Stick
- Make It Personal. Skip the generic email. A handwritten note or thoughtful gesture goes a long way.
- Celebrate Small Wins. Recognition isn’t just for promotions — celebrate effort, progress, and teamwork too.
- Offer Time, Not Just Things. A surprise early release or a ‘take the afternoon off’ moment is priceless.
- Ask, Don’t Assume. Appreciation hits differently when you ask someone how they like to be recognized.
- Praise Publicly, Correct Privately. Uplifting someone in front of their peers can completely shift culture.
“Where do I have time for all of this?”
We get it. You’re managing projects, people, deliverables — probably even dinner.
That’s exactly why Let Us Say Thank You exists.
How We Help You Keep Great People
At LUSTY, we specialize in white-glove appreciation strategies that are effortless for you — and unforgettable for the people you value.
From personalized gifts to custom cards, branded experiences to milestone celebrations, we help you recognize people before they become flight risks.
We do the work — so you can focus on your mission.
Let’s Build a Culture of Gratitude Together.
📩 Message Us
🌐 Visit LetUsSayThankYou.com
📣 And stay tuned for more insights from leaders who get it
