Make Every Day an Employee Appreciation Day
Employee appreciation is the act of recognizing and valuing the contributions and achievements of employees in the workplace.
Why does employee appreciation matter?
A study by the American Psychological Association found that 93% of employees “who reported feeling valued said that they are motivated to do their best at work and 88 percent reported feeling engaged.” Among that group, only 21% plan to look for a new job in the coming year.
In addition, employee appreciation can help boost morale, increase job satisfaction, improve retention rates, as well as help foster a positive work culture.
So, what can you do to show your employees you care?
Employee appreciation can take many forms, such as:
- Verbal praise: A simple “thank you” or “good job” can go a long way in showing appreciation.
- Written notes: A handwritten note or email expressing appreciation can be a thoughtful and personal way to show your gratitude.
- Social media post: Make a gratitude post on your company’s social media outlets.
- Tangible rewards: Small gifts, like gift cards or treats, can be a tangible way to show appreciation.
- Giving employees the opportunity to select their own rewards or perks.
- Time off: Offering additional time off, such as a half-day or a full day, can be a way to show appreciation and give employees a chance to recharge.
- Special events: Organizing a team-building activity or special event, like a team lunch or outing, can be a fun way to show appreciation. Check out remote team experiences ideas.
- Opportunities for growth and development: Providing employees with opportunities for learning and growth, such as training or professional development, can be a way to show appreciation and invest in their future.
- Recognizing employee achievements or milestones with special awards or ceremonies.
Make Every Day an Employee Appreciation Day
Employee Appreciation Day was created by Dr. Bob Nelson in 1994 to celebrate the publication of his book, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, and to remind all employers about the importance of thanking their employees for their good work and dedication. It is celebrated on the first Friday in March. Employee Appreciation Day has become an opportunity for managers, company leadership, and HR to remember the importance of showing their employees that they are valued and appreciated. This year it is celebrated on March 4th.
There are many ways that companies can celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, depending on their size and resources. Some ideas include:
Host a company-wide breakfast or lunch and serve the team’s favorite foods.
Give out small gifts or prizes, such as gift cards, books, or other items that the team would enjoy.
Host a virtual bartending class or a cooking class.
Send a personalized all-in-one thank you card and a gourmet chocolate bar.
Plan a unique activity for the team, such as a yoga class or cooking demonstration.
Host a “talent show” and allow team members to share their hobbies or hidden talents.
Offer a half-day or full-day off with pay as a way to show appreciation.
Send out a relaxation kit or a happy hour cocktail kit.
Recognize team members publicly at a company meeting or on social media.
Create a special employee appreciation day badge or T-shirt for team members to wear.
The key is to make sure that appreciation is a regular part of the company culture, and that employees feel valued and appreciated throughout the year.
