Many of today's workers feel they're underappreciated at work. While employers often say such feelings stem from financial concerns, in actuality, a number of things can lead to employees feeling as though they're not as valued as they should be. Oftentimes, environment plays a significant role in how someone feels about their job. For instance, a smaller company with fewer employees often means there's more work to be done by fewer people, which can leave many feeling overworked. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a large corporation often instills an environment of micro-management, where employees feel as though their work is constantly scrutinized, leaving many to believe their company doesn't fully trust them to get the job done.

 That said, whatever the size of your company, the little things can make a mountain of difference helping to create an environment where workers feel appreciated and look forward to coming to work.

 * Make the extras on the house. Though it seems trivial, employees often groan about having to pay for a bag of chips or a can of soda in their own office. In lieu of charging even reduced prices, companies, large or small, can consider making such items available free of charge. Other perks that can be offered to employees are special recreational outings, raffles on free movie tickets or sales incentives of dinner or other prizes, on the house. As small a financial contribution this may be on the part of you as an employer, it will be seen as a winning gesture in the eyes of your employees.

 * Offer a laid back atmosphere as the week draws to a close. Many offices already have "Casual Fridays," wherein the employee dress code is lifted for the last day of the week. Employers looking to take that a step further and show their employees they truly appreciate their hard work can offer other Friday perks as well. This may include half days in the slower season or free-lunch Fridays, where the company orders pizza for the entire office or hosts an end-of-the-week barbecue when the weather permits. Apart from happy employees, you'll also benefit as well. Although it may seem as a complementary lunch could be a distraction or impose on productivity, it could actually do the reverse -- allowing employees to stay closer to the building and get things done rather than dawdling on lunch hours.

 * Consider flexible benefits. Though this is relatively new, some companies have found it meets with much success. Many married couples find that one spouse's employer offers better coverage than the other's, so they often stay under one plan. Some companies have begun to offer employees who don't choose their health plan the option to choose something like a gym membership instead.

 * Offer daycare. In-house or company-supported daycare situations can be of great assistance to working moms and dads who are on the fence about working full time or caring for children. Many employees will appreciate having their young children close by, where they can easily visit them on lunch breaks or in the case of an emergency. It also limits the number of "sick" days an employee has to take that are really child-related. In addition, employees will appreciate the time and stress saved during morning and evening rush hours, when they'll just need to make one stop as opposed to two. In the end it's a win-win situation for employers and employees in terms of morale and productivity.