Whether you are at a large firm or own a small business, it’s important to recognize the hard work of your employees and coworkers. From the mailroom to your payroll professionals, every person is an important cog in the wheel that keeps your business running smoothly.

Recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions to your organization’s success can help increase loyalty and productivity while lowering absenteeism and staff turnover. With National Payroll Week (NPW) upon us, you have the ideal opportunity to shine an appreciative spotlight on your payroll professionals.

The week, created by the American Payroll Association (APA), a strategic partner of Robert Half, is dedicated to celebrating the payroll professionals who make sure our paychecks are paid accurately and on-time.

Here are seven ways to thank valuable employees and let them know how grateful you are for their work in the ever-expanding world of payroll professionals.

1. Have a party at your office

Bring a festive atmosphere to your office, with food, beverages, decorations and promotional materials, including posters to display around the workplace and articles to be published in company newsletters. Parties can offer an excellent excuse for colleagues to offer employee recognition to payroll employees, who can share tips on how employees can stretch their paycheck.

2. Encourage your staff to volunteer

The educational initiative, Money Matters National Education Day, seeks to teach teens across the nation about paycheck basics. Payroll professionals who teach these materials will receive one recertification credit from the APA.

3. Seek feedback and ideas

In addition to showing that you value their thoughts and opinions, you’re likely to cull some good ideas, too. Use the best performance review tips to encourage your team members to talk about general issues, such as work practices or the office environment, as well as their role within the team.

Of course, if you do implement one of their ideas in the workplace, be sure to credit the employee who suggested it. Also, encourage individuals to share their professional development goals with you during one-on-one meetings and see how you can help provide access to training or advancement opportunities that suit their career path.

4. Express your appreciation

Thank your staff by writing an email or handwritten note that acknowledges the hard work of the individuals on your payroll team.

5. Publicize the praise

Create an Outstanding Payroll Professional Award or informal recognition to present at an upcoming staff meeting or publish in the company newsletter.

6. Sweeten the rewards

Give your payroll professionals a gift basket with gourmet chocolates and other treats, company promotional items, or gift certificates to the movies or coffee shop down the street.

7. Provide growth opportunities

Send payroll professionals to industry conferences, give them subscriptions to work-related publications, or support their continuing education by paying for professional development courses.

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Mark Coindreau is director of public relations, video and chapter relations for the American Payroll Association. He has more than 10 years of experience in public relations, with a passion for social media, video production and the payroll industry. The APA has been an authority in payroll education since 1982 and is an alliance partner with Robert Half.