Patricia, The recession and potential job loss has hit all businesses and occupations. The education industry is no different although we do tend to be anti-cyclical. We are seeing enrollments increase as the unemployed re-tool. But that doesn't mean total job security for our faculty and staff. Therefore, I agree with you that we have employees who are appreciative of the jobs they have and will work harder to keep them. We as supervisors, though, shouldn't take that for granted. I like your idea of acknowledging a job well done. It is those little things that cost so little but mean so much in terms of employee morale. Those happy, content employees will in turn treat our "customers"/students better and, as a result, we will see better retention and better student outcomes. Pat