It’s easy for all of us to fall into work routines: we walk into the office or open the computer, start ticking off the day’s to-do list, planning the week and coordinating with co-workers to decide who needs to do what and when. At times when we’re caught up in our own work bubbles, it can be easy to lose sight of the amount of effort and collaboration required of all employees to keep a task, project, and team running smoothly.
So whether your team is working through a challenging and demanding work period or enjoying smooth sailing, take a moment to pause in your regularly scheduled schedule and express your recognition and appreciation for the work your employees’ hard work can go a long way.
Employee appreciation days throughout the year
There are designated times throughout the year that are naturally appropriate for a pat on the back or an expression of gratitude. Workplace anniversaries, milestones, milestones, birthdays, holidays, busy seasons, and even challenging days or learning moments provide great opportunities to remind employees how much they are valued and appreciated. They are actually programmed Employee Appreciation Days also as mentioned in the chart below:
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National Mentoring Month (January 1-31) |
International Day of Gratitude (January 11) |
Administrative Assistants/Professionals Day (last Wednesday of the last full week in April) |
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Appreciation of the employee Day (first Friday in March each year) |
International Women’s Day (March 8) |
Human Resources Professional Appreciation Day (September 26) |
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National Custodian Day (October 2) |
National Customer Service Week (first full week in October) |
Boss Day (October 16) |
| National Receptionist Day (second Wednesday in May each year) | National Intern Day (last Thursday in July) | National Accounts Receivable Appreciation Day (March 3) |
| National IT Professionals Day (third Tuesday in September each year) | National Food Service Employees Day (September 25) |
While these “official” appreciation days may not directly correlate to a milestone or special occasion on your team, it’s easy enough to add the date to your calendar and celebrate with a small gesture
Gift ideas for employee appreciation
So what are some ways you can recognize your employees over the years? I’ve listed some ideas below!
Sweets (Did Someone Say BROWNIES?) and Breakfast Boost
Starting the day with coffee and breakfast is a simple but effective way to show your employees appreciation. Why not go beyond the basics? Our personal favorite: treat your team to delicious brownies and blondies! Pair them with fresh coffee or a hearty breakfast to make the morning more special and show your employees how much their efforts mean to you.
Gift cards
A simple but thoughtful gesture, a gift card to a local restaurant gives your employees a chance to enjoy a treat of their choice. It’s an easy way to say thank you for their hard work.
Personalized recognition card
Handwritten cards recognizing specific efforts or achievements provide a personal touch. Saying what an employee did well shows that their contributions are noticed and appreciated.
Verbal expressions of gratitude
Sometimes all a person needs is to feel seen and appreciated and often as employers we forget to say our appreciation out loud. Verbal affirmation and short, honest conversation can go a long way. If you only need two minutes to thank someone for their hard work, it shows that you care about their contributions.
Happy office surprises
Inject some humor into the workplace by offering a quirky and fun gift that sits on their desk. It’s an easy way to remind employees that their efforts are appreciated, with a little laugh.
While monetary gifts such as bonuses and raises are certainly valuable and motivating, more personal gestures throughout the year foster a deeper sense of recognition and appreciation. And by creating a mindset around recognition that is built into the company’s culture, rather than out of necessity, change is likely to be more genuinely felt throughout the team.
Proof in the numbers: employee recognition statistics you need to know
Harvard Business Review Employee Recognition Study
A study cited in Harvard Business Review found that “40 percent of employed Americans say they would put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often.”
And the positive implications of employee recognition in the workplace extend beyond energy levels (an impact that is mutually beneficial for employees and employers), and that alone should be reason to increase recognition. But on top of that, employee retention rates, overall employee satisfaction, and well-being are all enhanced by increased recognition from employers or superiors.
Genuine Recognition Healthcare Employee Survey
A survey conducted by Authentic Recognition studied how often healthcare workers received recognition and found that:
- 2% Received daily recognition
- 11% received weekly recognition
- 20% Received quarterly recognition
- 17% received annual recognition
- 29% Received No recognition of any kind.
The same healthcare workers who were surveyed in the study above were also asked if they were sufficiently recognized by their supervisor or manager, with results as follows:
- 39% were not recognized frequently enough
- 15% were recognized almost often enough
- 42% recognized the correct amount
- 2% were recognized a little too often
- 1% were recognized far too often
These studies, while only informed by a select group of employees in an industry, are insightful when considering the importance for any supervisor, manager or company leader to strengthen their employee recognition.
Realistic Employee Recognition Study
A separate one study by Achievers in 2021 found that the second top reason employees said they would stay in their current role was recognition (21% of responses), with work-life balance (23%) the top reason.
Bottom line: the importance of employee recognition and thoughtful gift ideas
Building recognition in the workplace environment looks different for everyone. Some may find it easier to mark a day on the calendar that is dedicated to giving gifts, writing cards, or contributing other thoughtful gestures, while others may find that a longer, more holistic approach aligns better with their style.
As long as the efforts are intentional, genuine and consistent, they will continue to have a positive impact on the employee’s relationship with the company and their place in it. Employee appreciation: It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
