40 Employee Appreciation Ideas Your Staff Will Love

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Sam Lovhaug

In today’s competitive job market, employee retention and engagement are crucial for the success of any organization. One of the most effective ways to improve retention and engagement is through employee appreciation. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to stay with the company and be productive. However, showing appreciation can be challenging, especially if you are not sure where to start. That’s why we have compiled a list of 40 employee appreciation ideas that your staff will love. Whether you’re a manager, team leader, or HR professional, these ideas will help you show your employees that you care and appreciate their hard work.

Dive into this comprehensive guide filled with 40 creative and meaningful ways to show your employees they are valued. Managers, team leaders, or HR professionals can learn how to improve employee retention and engagement through genuine appreciation strategies that resonate with your staff, helping to foster a positive, productive work environment.

Key takeaways:

  • Employee appreciation enhances engagement, productivity, and retention, which are critical for any organization’s success.
  • Genuine appreciation can be shown through creative rewards tailored to each individual’s interests, ensuring each employee feels valued.
  • Encouraging further education and mentoring can show employees that you’re invested in their career growth.
  • Small, thoughtful gestures, like saying ‘thank you’ or helping with commutes, can make a big difference in employee satisfaction.
  • Employee appreciation should be an integral part of the company culture, not just a one-time event.

Table of contents 

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The importance of employee appreciation

A study by Great Place to Work found that feeling appreciated is the top motivator for employees to do great work. But where do you start? Not everyone wants the same type of recognition, so you’ll need more than one way to show people they’re appreciated. This can create a more motivated workforce, helping you retain talent and increase employee engagement.

So what are some ways to show your employees appreciation? We have 37 ideas for you to pick from:

This blog post should help give you ideas, but until you make plans and figure out how you’re going to implement them, nothing happens. So, the first way to show how much you appreciate your staff is to actually create a viable plan for what you’re going to do and when you’ll be doing it.

Read this list. You don’t have to implement all of the suggestions, but pick out a handful that you could manage to do well and that would carry sincere meaning for your staff. Some are easier to implement than others, but they all carry their own results. With these ideas, consider creating a recognition program so your team can consistently show appreciation.

If your staff doesn’t mind (some may want to fly under the radar), celebrate their birthdays!

Cater in a meal or get a cake so everyone in the office can take part. Give the employee a day off that they can use whenever they want in the future. Give them a day off from the sales floor. Birthdays are for gifts; what would your staff appreciate the most?

Make it easy for your staff to show appreciation for each other. Coworkers can recognize the “unseen” efforts that go into day-to-day activities. Give them a chance to call out the positive things people are doing so they come to your attention, as well as everyone else’s attention.

Survey your staff. Ask them what they’d like from you as far as how you show you appreciate them. You may be surprised at the results and you can feel confident that you’re rewarding your team with something they will value. 

In professional sports, the grand champion trophies travel from one year’s winner to the next. Create a trophy of sorts (an actual trophy, or something more humorous) that is recognized as a symbol of staff appreciation, and pass it around the workplace to staff members who have accomplished something good.

Show you appreciate your staff by extending it beyond in-house recognition. Let your customers know through signage or on social media. Take a photo, talk about how much you appreciate what your staff did, and how they earned this award.

Think of how nonprofits use a thermometer or some other visual device to show the gradual increase of donations as they get closer to a goal. Whether you use an actual visual approach, or keep everyone updated in regular meetings, you can do the same.

What goals do various teams have? A little friendly competition can be motivating. As your staff keeps climbing towards a particular goal, you can not only congratulate their hard work, but spur them on for a reward for whichever team makes the mark first.

You know what says “I appreciate you” really well? Showing that appreciation in a manner that is unique to each person. Sure, a standard blanket kind of reward works (and is necessary) in some situations, but if you want to show how much you appreciate an individual, the best way to do it is to find out what they really like, what they’d be interested in, their hobbies, or what they want the most.

An actual piece of paper thanking a staff member for their work can go a long way in a digital world. Whether it’s as simple as a quick post-it note or an actual card or a certificate (try our free employee certificate generator) on their locker door, try cracking out the age-old practice of thank you notes.

Appreciation isn’t just a game and reward system. It should be built into your culture. One way to do that is to give your employees real choices and actual voices.

Genuine appreciation is foundational. You can give a staff member a gift card on their birthday, but if they’ve come to you repeatedly with concerns and you’ve never made any real attempt to do anything about it, that gift card is pretty empty.

A wall of staff photos might seem a bit old school, but hey. It was popular for a reason. Even if it’s only where your staff can see it (i.e. the break room), it’s a good way for staff to get to know names and faces.

Who doesn’t like a surprise treat that no one expected? Have a pizza lunch. Grab bagels or muffins and leave them in the break room. Treat your staff, just because you appreciate them.

Take a look at your website. Is it bragging about the leadership only? Is there any staff on there? Is there an opportunity for customers to get to know your staff before they show up on the premises?

While it might not be feasible to put everyone on your website (especially if you have a large business, or for privacy reasons), consider putting a fair number of staff on your website and letting them write their own bios.

We already mentioned birthday parties as a way to show appreciation for individuals, but why not celebrate together, as a complete staff, on other special occasions? Holidays, meeting project or sales goals, Wednesdays, because it’s five o’clock somewhere—sometimes the celebration for a non-obvious reason is the most fun. And, in those cases, choose a day and a time when staff might be struggling to chug through the week or day.

Food, time off, a bonus, a promotion—these are all good but typical rewards. Be creative and think about how you can make your reward different enough that it actually stands out as a part of your culture. Some startups and businesses have portraits painted of staff members who have achieved a certain number of years, letting the staff have fun with how they are depicted. Others bring in caricaturists.

A career-based reward is great for employees and will benefit your business as well. You can send employees to leadership training or let them choose an online class they would like to take. Even if it’s not directly related to their current job, you can show your employees you’re invested in them and their career. 

A huge study found that employees were likely to leave after a year of employment. Upcoming generations move around more in their careers. Because of this, don’t let the anniversary of an employee’s hire go unnoticed. Reward them for staying. Call attention to them, so other staff members can see you not only appreciate it, but back it up.

Whether you choose to take your staff out to lunch in groups (large or small), or individually to talk about how the job is going, it gets them out of the workplace and shows them that they have your ear. Sometimes talking about ideas for work is easier when you’re not sitting in the boss’s office, but across the table over a burger and fries.

Whether you help pay for education, or are lenient with time off so that staff can attend education events, show you appreciate them so much that you want them to continue to grow in their career. And, as a staff member increases their qualifications, promote them. Few things are as frustrating as working hard to be the best possible only to have a boss who locks you into a dead-end job.

Reward that drive for education and improvement.

What if your staff had the chance to choose the music, a new snack, or suggest one improvement they want to see in the breakroom. Of course you may not be able to grant every suggestion, but if it is done once in a while as a reward of appreciation, it livens things up a bit.

What words come out of your mouth? What do your actions say?

Again, moments of reward don’t make up for months of action and words that show very little appreciation. Do you have an employee who is going above and beyond to make sure the office functions? Are they cleaning up after other employees because someone has to? Are they a kind of de facto manager because employees seem to come to them with questions?

Sometimes it’s as simple as calling a staff member into your office to say “I’ve noticed what you’re doing around here, and I appreciate it so much.” For some people, that’s actually enough, to know that someone has noticed.

Depending on your business, you may have staff that incur additional expenses for an excessive commute, or parking. While you can’t cover all transportation costs, consider helping out by paying for parking garage passes, for example, or bus tickets. Reimburse some or all of the expenses to help staff.

Mentoring is a wonderful two-way street. If done right, mentoring programs afford experienced staff a place of importance and authority, and new staff a sense of caring and security.

When done correctly and is a cyclical program where the mentored someday become the mentors, it’s a way of showing your staff you trust and appreciate them.

Tip: Team communication is key to creating a positive learning environment. Team messaging software, like When I Work, is here to help you foster those relationships. Check out 10 Best Team Communication Apps To Stay Connected for options.

Who says you’re locked into the holidays on the calendar? Why not create your own, dedicated specifically to staff appreciation? If you’re really gutsy, you might even close the shop and let the world know that you and your staff are off on their special day.

While you could just give people the day off, a better approach is to actually do something together. Have a joke awards ceremony. Spend a day at the lake having a barbecue. Take everyone on a river boat cruise. Whatever it is, make it a high point of the year that your staff looks forward to.

You have people on your staff who are doing incredible things. They are creating, volunteering, and doing all kinds of activities on their own time. Why not recognize them in front of the group? We all like to have people know more about us, but most of us don’t want to brag about ourselves. Do the bragging for your staff, and show your whole team how amazing everyone is. That can go a long way in boosting morale.

Anonymous. Legitimate ideas or concerns. Heard, discussed, and action taken. The suggestion box is a powerful tool for your staff. It gives them a safe avenue to communicate things they might not otherwise feel comfortable doing. It shows you appreciate them by giving them every possible avenue of communication.

Whether it’s through green energy, volunteer hours, or donations, let your staff know that the work they are doing is not only appreciated by you, but by the community at large. Help them get excited about the good they are doing even while they are earning a living. This leads to the next point…

You want people who are civic minded, who care about others, on your staff. So, when you have staff so inclined, make it easy for them to help others. Whether you help them start a food drive at the office, bring kids to work to learn about the business, or take a week off to build houses, encourage them. Show them you appreciate their concern about the world around you.

Bonus? You can talk about what your business and your staff are doing and let your customers know that doing business with you has a positive impact on the community.

Not every business would allow for such a thing, but if you have staff members who are pet-centric, consider having a day where they can bring their pet in (under specific circumstances). This is one of those appreciation events that you can also share with customers who might get enjoyment out of encountering a furry friend when they come in to do business.

Every employer knows that the tax law can get complicated when it comes to how you reward your staff, and what might be considered a taxable benefit. Talk to your accountant, and do some asking around to find a way to provide worthwhile benefits that don’t decimate employee paychecks. Regular catered meals and some other seemingly innocuous rewards can, indeed, be taxable.

Whether it’s company apparel, water bottles, stickers, pocket notepads, or iPad covers, make cool company swag available for employees. The catch is that, if you’re going to do it, choose high quality items. Don’t go for the cheapest tent-like T-shirt brand you can find, but get a quality shirt with a quality fit. Choose a water bottle that fits the lifestyle of your staff. No one needs more cheap junk. Give swag that people would be proud to use for a long time.

Most of us like a chance to let others know interesting things about ourselves. Have a lunch time where your staff can share a hobby or interest with the rest of the staff. It’s a fun way to get to know each other and learn something you may never have thought to look into.

Is your break room a dingy gray room with a smelly microwave? It’s time to rethink what the room is for: to give your staff a break. Make sure you have rules and a system so everyone works together to keep the place clean. Make sure customers can’t see or bother your staff back there. Keep the bulletin board under control, removing unnecessary posters and papers and making sure what’s there is appropriate.

But that break room can be so much more than just a place to eat a meal.

What if it was also a library? A gamer station? A place where people could listen to music or read a book, or play a game with others on staff? A place with comfortable chairs? When you take your break room to the next level, you start to open the door to things like staff book clubs, or encouraging further education. You create a welcoming place to truly get away from work and refresh.

If you have food trucks in your area, why not give them a call and have them regularly park near your business? Whether you help cover the cost for the meals in full or through reward coupons, it’s a fun perk that breaks up the usual brown paper bag lunch.

If your business has window displays, consider having competitions between staff teams or rewarding individuals or project groups by turning over your window displays. You might do this during some holiday seasons or when sales are typically slow. This is another fun event that you can let your customers know about, perhaps having customers vote on the best window and presenting the winning team with a prize.

Reward staff with the chance to be “boss” for the day. Obviously you won’t give them the company checkbook, but you can let them sit in on meetings, sit in a private, front office, use a prime parking spot, or any other perks managers at your business might have.

The bonus?

It gives your staff a taste for what it’s like to be in charge. That might change their attitude (for the better) on some things they’d been complaining about, and it might encourage others to work hard for promotion.

Using scheduling software like When I Work, occasionally allows high-performing employees to choose their preferred shifts or give them an additional day off. This not only recognizes their efforts but also gives them a sense of control over their work schedule.

Create virtual rooms (on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams) where employees can join and share positive feedback or appreciation for their colleagues. This can be particularly effective for remote teams or teams working in different shifts.

Introduce a gamified system where employees can earn points for specific achievements. These points can then be redeemed for rewards. Tie this with When I Work by giving bonus points for consistent punctuality or taking up unfilled shifts.

When was the last time you simply said thank you?

Some owners take for granted that employees are there to do the work assigned to them, and think that because it is expected, there is no need for a thank you.

A thank you, whether the work is required or not, is such a simple way to show appreciation. You might not think it matters, but there is a noticeable attitude difference between a staff whose boss genuinely thanks them periodically compared to one where the staff never hears it. While not everyone needs a “thank you” to do a good job, many do. It won’t hurt those who don’t need to hear it, but it will mean much to those who do.

In a sometimes thankless world, just hearing another person acknowledge that they know we are working hard and that they are thankful for it is all the appreciation we need to get through the day.

Leveraging scheduling software for employee appreciation

In our digital age, showing appreciation can be amplified by leveraging technology. Tools like When I Work play a pivotal role in demonstrating appreciation beyond words. How?

  • Work-life balance: Respecting an employee’s time is a form of appreciation. Use scheduling software to ensure that shifts respect personal commitments, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
  • Shift preferences: Recognize consistent performers by allowing them to pick preferred shifts or enjoy an additional day off occasionally. It’s a tangible gesture that acknowledges their dedication and effort.
  • Easy communication: Seamless communication channels within scheduling tools make it easier for management to share positive feedback instantly, keeping the morale up.

By embracing technology, managers can transform routine scheduling tasks into genuine acts of appreciation, further embedding a culture of gratitude within the organization.

The ROI of employee appreciation

The benefits of employee appreciation are vast and often extend beyond what’s immediately visible. Organizations that prioritize appreciation see:

  • Increased productivity: Recognized employees are motivated employees. Their drive to contribute meaningfully can lead to a significant uptick in productivity levels.
  • Lower turnover rates: Feeling valued is a primary factor for retention. When employees know their efforts are noticed, they’re more inclined to remain loyal to the company.
  • Better customer service: A happy employee often equates to a happy customer. Appreciated staff tend to provide better customer service, improving brand reputation.
  • Enhanced team morale: A culture of appreciation fosters positivity, reducing workplace conflicts and improving overall team dynamics.

It’s evident that the return on investment (ROI) for employee appreciation is substantial. Not only does it make for a happier, more cohesive workplace, but it also drives tangible business outcomes.

Make employee appreciation a priority in your workplace

Employee appreciation shouldn’t be reserved for one day, but should be integral to your company culture and be an all-around attitude that management adopts. Your employees are your most precious asset, yet some businesses show more care and concern to maintaining equipment than letting their staff know that they are valued and appreciated!

Employee appreciation is yet another page in your turnover-reduction playbook, as well as a way to increase a positive culture and positive customer experience.

Employee appreciation FAQs

What is the significance of employee appreciation?

Employee appreciation is crucial for improving employee engagement and retention, particularly in today’s competitive job market. When employees feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stay with the company and be productive. This can significantly reduce turnover, increase engagement, and lead to a more motivated workforce.

How can a company recognize its staff?

A company can recognize its staff in a variety of ways. One method is through public appreciation, such as social media shout-outs or office-wide announcements. 

Another way is by tracking team wins and rewarding them accordingly. An organization might also create a trophy or another form of physical acknowledgment that circulates among employees as a symbol of recognition.

Can employee appreciation impact the community?

Yes, employee appreciation can positively impact the community. When a company appreciates its employees, it can lead to a more engaged and satisfied workforce. 

This, in turn, can lead to positive impacts on the community through corporate social responsibility initiatives, volunteering efforts, and even through the products or services the company offers.

How should an organization start its employee appreciation program?

An organization can start its employee appreciation program by first planning to recognize its staff. This involves making concrete plans about how and when to appreciate the employees. 

Reading a list of appreciation ideas, picking a few that fit the company culture, and creating a recognition program are essential steps in starting an appreciation program.

What role does the company culture play in employee appreciation?

A culture that values and recognizes its employees’ efforts tends to have higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity. 

One way to build appreciation into the culture is by giving employees real choices and voices within the organization. This could include allowing employees to choose projects or implementing their ideas, demonstrating that their input is valued.

How can a company make sure its employee appreciation efforts are tax-compliant?

The company should consult with an accountant or tax professional to understand what kinds of rewards might be considered taxable benefits. This can ensure that their appreciation efforts don’t inadvertently create tax burdens for their employees.

How should employee appreciation be integrated into a company’s culture?

Employee appreciation should be an all-around attitude adopted by management and integral to the company’s culture. It shouldn’t be reserved for a single day but expressed consistently and genuinely. 

This could include frequent acknowledgment of employees’ hard work, creating a safe and welcoming work environment, offering development opportunities, and actively seeking employees’ input on decisions.

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