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43 Employee Appreciation Day Ideas & Gifts For March 1st 2024 (And Every Other Day)

By February 16, 2024 March 12th, 2024 4 Comments

27 Employee Appreciation Day Ideas & Gifts For March 5th 2021 (And Every Other Day)

Love gets all the good songs. We sing its praises, seek its virtues, and never once doubt its singular importance in our lives.

Well, we think appreciation, specifically employee appreciation, deserves just as much credit and attention as good old-fashioned love. After all, the famous French philosopher Voltaire once said:

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Click To Tweet

Appreciation can boost retention, enhance company culture, and even optimize productivity.

Are you ready to elevate appreciation to its deserved status in your life?

Are you ready to enjoy the benefits appreciation offers?

Then read on for just the Employee Appreciation Day ideas you need to convey your gratitude in creative ways and learn more about what makes an Employee Appreciation Day special.

In a hurry? These are some of our favorite employee appreciation and recognition programs:

Motivosity 🏆 Reward your team’s priorities, culture, and performance with premium incentives Visit Motivosity
Awardco 🎁 Award them an eGift Visit Awardco
WorkTango 🌟 Engage and retain employees with recognition, rewards, surveys, and more Visit WorkTango
Bonusly 🥇 Recognize and reward employees for their achievements and milestones Visit Bonusly
Nectar 😃 Peer-to-peer recognition, Amazon integration, boost your engagement and retention Visit Nectar
👉 Compare more HR-vetted and approved options here

When Is Employee Appreciation Day/Week

Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day in the United States is always on the first Friday of March. In 2024, Employee Appreciation Day will fall on Friday, March 1st. (In 2023, it fell on Friday, March 3rd.)

It’s never too early to start planning! To get the most out of Employee Appreciation Day, you must do more than just say “thank you.” You must try to make employees understand exactly why you’re thankful for them by connecting their efforts back to your company mission.

That’s why reflecting on your company mission and your company culture is the perfect place to start the planning process. You can start by asking these questions:

  • What actions contribute the most to your mission?
  • What characteristics align perfectly with your company culture?

Keep those questions in mind and start a log with specific actions and examples of employees contributing to your mission or embodying your company culture. When Employee Appreciation Day rolls around, you’ll have plenty of specific, heartfelt things to thank everyone for in your notes or speeches.

Employee Appreciation Day Ideas

Get ready for March with the ideas below. And of course, feel free to use these ideas any time one of your employees takes an action you want to celebrate and reinforce.

In-Office Employee Appreciation Day Ideas

1) Get them something off their Amazon Wishlist

Motivosity-Gift-Cards

  • What this idea looks like: This idea simply makes it easier for employees to do something they love. As they enjoy their experience, they’ll feel appreciated and also pampered.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea delivers double benefits. Employees feel appreciated when they find out they’re getting a discount on Employee Appreciation Day and they’ll feel appreciated when they actually enjoy the experience.

 

2) Cater or order a delectable office lunch

youearned it team lunch

  • What this idea looks like: Share appreciation and your universal appreciation of delicious foods. Make it a casual affair by ordering a bunch of pizzas and a dessert of cupcakes, donuts, and ice cream, or keep things fancy with a catered lunch.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Eating together provides time to reflect, time to talk, time to enjoy one another’s company. Much like a family Thanksgiving dinner, an office lunch creates a powerful collective feeling of warmth and gratitude.
  • SnackNation pick: Order from a local small business!

You can also use a rewards platform like Hoppier to send lunch awards, gift cards, and time off for your employees to take a long lunch together!

Try out Hoppier to send digital gift cards for lunch on Employee Appreciation Day!

 

3) Let Them Choose! (with Recipient Choice)

Employee Appreciation Gifts

  • What this idea looks like: With Recipient Choice, the employee care experts at Goody provide an experience where each employee can select from a variety of physical and digital gifts that are relevant to their interests. Staff members will have the flexibility to choose the gift that best suits them, making it an ideal way for employers to show appreciation during Employee Appreciation Week!
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is a great way to give employees options and make sure that their gift is something they will love and appreciate! A nice opportunity to make a personal and heartfelt gesture with only a few clicks of your mouse.
  • SnackNation pick: Goody

With Recipient Choice, you can set the budget per employee so that you can keep a handle on your team’s finances.

 

4) Send a work anniversary gift

What this idea looks like: Sending a work anniversary gift is a highly thoughtful and impactful way to acknowledge and celebrate an employee’s unwavering dedication and valuable contributions throughout the years. These gestures reinforce the profound appreciation that the company holds for its exceptional team members, build a strong sense of belonging, and greatly uplift morale.

Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Recognizing work anniversaries with a thoughtful gift is a concrete way to appreciate an employee’s unwavering dedication and loyalty to the organization.

SnackNation pick: WorkTango

 

5) Send them a shoutout on an employee recognition program or platform

Bonusly Platform

  • What this idea looks like: Simply pop onto your favorite platform, dole out some thoughtful awards, and sit back and watch the buzz spread.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Recognition platforms, with their social media-inspired feeds, recreate the buzz and group participation of a busy office.

Bonusly gives companies the tools to offer perks that reward employees while also reinforcing company culture. Exciting rewards, such as a lunch with the CEO or an expense-covered class, make every employee feel like the best employee ever.

 

6) Send them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop

Caroo-Digital-Gift-Card

  • What this idea looks like: A ticket to a flavor experience that employees will love and can enjoy on their terms.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is a one-size-fits-all gift that never disappoints.

Use Caroo to find a variety of digital gift cards to delight your employees. Plus, they make for great last-minute gifts for employee appreciation week.

 

7) Give them some TLC

Give them some TLC

  • What this idea looks like: Give employees an unforgettable pampering experience by hiring a masseuse or even giving them a free home day along with a DIY spa/self-care package.
  • Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: It turns a special calendar day into a great opportunity for refueling and rejuvenation, exactly what some employees might need most of all. This idea demonstrates respect for employees’ holistic well-being, work-life balance, and the importance of preventing burnout.

Find a local professional massage therapist and send them to employees’ homes or even your office. They’ll arrive with all the equipment so the relaxation can start immediately.

 

8) Create a company-branded swag box

Stadium-Swag-Store

What this idea looks like: Envision a custom-designed box brimming with exclusive, company-branded merchandise, from sleek water bottles and cozy hoodies to cutting-edge tech accessories, all emblazoned with your company’s logo. This curated collection is handpicked to ensure each item is a symbol of appreciation and enhances your team’s daily life, whether at work or home.

Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: A company-branded swag box serves as a tangible expression of gratitude, making employees feel valued and connected to the company. It’s an effective way to boost team spirit and loyalty, as every time they use an item from the box, they’re reminded of the company’s appreciation of their hard work and dedication.

SnackNation pick: Stadium

 

9) Order a food truck to the office

What this idea looks like: Imagine the excitement of a gourmet food truck, offering everything from artisanal sandwiches to exotic cuisines, parks outside your office. Employees get to take a break from their usual routine, stepping outside to enjoy complimentary, chef-prepared dishes in the fresh air.

Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea turns a meal into a special event, offering a unique dining experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. It’s an excellent way to foster camaraderie among the team. After all, sharing a meal is a timeless way to connect, celebrate achievements, and create lasting memories.

SnackNation pick: Roaming Hunger

 

10) Enjoy an unforgettable team-building event

  • What this idea looks like: Get everyone together to share some quality time engaged in activities outside of regular work duties. You can DIY an event or bring in an expert.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees a little time off to enjoy the company of their teammates demonstrates both appreciation for their hard work and trust. It makes it crystal clear that everyone has earned a little break.

Outback’s event experts will help you create an immersive bonding event that doesn’t just demonstrate your gratitude, but also makes everyone on the team appreciate each other even more. They offer over 60 flexible experiences, so you’re sure to find something that aligns perfectly with your culture.

 

11) Give them a discount on their favorite experience

Nectar-Perks

  • What this idea looks like: This idea simply makes it easier for employees to do something they love. As they enjoy their experience, they’ll feel appreciated and also pampered.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea delivers double benefits. Employees feel appreciated when they find out they’re getting a discount on Employee Appreciation Day and they’ll feel appreciated when they actually enjoy the experience.

Use Nectar’s perk features to provide appreciation and recognition at the touch of a button. Using their platform, you can give employees discounts to whatever they want, from restaurant visits to sporting events.

 

12) Take a field trip

  • What this idea looks like: Take employees out and about for an excursion, no yellow school bus required. You can go any—where a park, a yoga retreat, a farm—just as long as everyone is together you’re out of the office.
  • Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Do you remember how much you loved going on field trips as a kid? Recreate that experience for your employees and they’ll simply be able to feel how much you care about them.

You can plan your own or work with a vendor, such as Wild Goose Chase Adventures, to send employees all around the city, gathering clues and having fun the entire time. Employees will love the exploration, the mystery, and even the challenge of the entire experience.

 

13) Tie recognition together with a positive impact on the world

Guusto

  • What this idea looks like: Give recognition to your colleagues and team for a job well done in Slack or Microsoft Teams, and make the world a greener place by donating to clean water initiatives for every praise given.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Not only will employees feel valued and appreciated, but they’ll also feel uplifted from having a positive impact on the world.

Guusto donates 1 day of clean drinking water for every gift sent.

 

14) Sign them up for a beer club

Brews Less Traveled

  • What this idea looks like: The City Brew Tours Beer Club delivers a box of craft beers from independent breweries all over America.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: You can take your employees on a “road trip” to breweries in all corners of the country. Every month, the beer experts pick a new beer-crazy city to feature. Each box features 8 beers from at least 3 different breweries.

Members of this beer club also enjoy access to weekly live stream tastings featuring beers included in the box. The live streams feature interactive chats and interviews with the brewers who made the beers featured each month.

 

15) Go on an adventure

Muddy Wingmen: Building bonds with mud, sweat, fitness

  • What this idea looks like: This is something your employees have never experienced before, something that completely interrupts their day-to-day routine in the most fun and exciting way possible. Think of adrenaline-rush activities like escape rooms, zip line courses, or even indoor skydiving centers.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees excitement and adventure will invigorate them. You’ll get the chance not only to show you appreciate them but also to make them feel totally alive.

Give employees the daring adventure of the ultimate escape. Immerse yourself in high-stakes bonding in one of their brilliantly planned rooms, which transport you anywhere from a derelict prison you need to escape to a swanky gallery you’re trying to rob.

 

16) Host a happy hour

three-people-tasting-beer-and-cheersing

  • What this idea looks like: Show employees some appreciation through delectable libations and maybe some classy snacks at the end of a workday. Whether you host everyone at a local bar or turn your very own break room into a surprise speakeasy, this classic idea is one practically anyone, from the intern to the veteran board member, can enjoy.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Good drinks and good company always make the gratitude flow. That’s why a well-timed happy hour is a perfect opportunity to share plenty of laughs and feelings of gratitude. Give your team gift cards from City Brew Tours to let them choose their own brewery tours in whatever city they desire.

Make your happy hour even more epic by going on a brewert crawl around the city, sampling delicious brews while bonding over the span of an afternoon.

 

17) Host a DIY Awards Ceremony

  • What this idea looks like: This idea is like an employee of the month program where everyone gets the recognition they deserve. Take time to think of one specific thing you appreciate about all your employees. Turn that element of gratitude into an award. For example, if you really appreciate how Cedric always asks all the questions that need to be answered, then make a superlative for “asking the best questions” or being “the inquisitive keeper of all the details.”
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Employees will be dazzled to hear all the specific ways they excel. Even those short words of recognition will motivate them to sharpen their existing strengths. (This idea requires a lot of thought, but it will be worth it to see the smiles on employees’ faces.)

Visit the Studio to have badges or enamel pins of honor created to show off all your employee superlatives. During the event, you can call employees one by one and present their honors.

 

Virtual Employee Appreciation Day Ideas For Remote Workers

18) Deliver a curated employee care package

Caroo Gifts

  • What this idea looks like: Premium snacks, gifts, and activities that deliver meaningful moments of care in a stunning customized box.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Share your gratitude while also delivering employees awesome things they need and want. Care packages have all the simple elegance of a bouquet of flowers; they’re just way more practical.
  • SnackNation pick: Caroo

Caroo offers premium gifts and goodies, all carefully curated to show you care. Each employee appreciation box delivered also supports a rotating list of charities on your behalf.

 

19) Ecard from the team

CareCards

  • What this idea looks like: Send a personalized e-card signed by every member of your team to show appreciation for your staff. This card could be sent on Employee Appreciation Day or as an ongoing gesture of support throughout the year.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is an easy and inexpensive way to show team members that they are valued. It’s also something that you can do remotely, which makes it a great option for those who are working from home.

Sending an employee appreciation ecard allows you to personalize your award to individual employees and help make it a memorable week at work.

 

20) Turn them into beer and cheese experts

Beer & Cheese web image

  • What this idea looks like: A beer & cheese pairing experience takes your team on a guided culinary exploration of craft beer and gourmet cheeses.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: What’s better than great beer and delicious cheeses? Every guest in this event will receive a box full of curated craft beers, artisanal cheese and other gourmet snacks to pair together during a luxurious food experience.

Your team will become culinary maestros as one of Unboxed Experience’s beer experts teaches your group how to identify matching flavors and aromas between beer and cheese to find perfect pairings.

 

21) Send them on a virtual escape room adventure

  • What this idea looks like: A virtual adventure that feels every bit as real and exciting as an in-person experience.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees a refreshing and exciting escape they need is a perfect creative way to show your appreciation.

This gift card works like a golden ticket or secret key into a world of adventure. Employees can use it to unlock immersive adventures they can enjoy with friends, family, or coworkers.

 

22) Have a virtual game night

Have a virtual game night

  • What this idea looks like: A virtual fun fest packed with challenges, laughter, and plenty of bonding.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving the gift of fun is the perfect way to show your appreciation. The laughs and memories they make during this virtual appreciation idea will have them feeling good for weeks.

Team Trivia Pursuit makes it easy for you to solve puzzles, challenges, and learn all about your teammates. Trivia takes on new employee engagement abilities when all the trivia questions are personalized about the employees.

 

23) Make ice cream from scratch!

Ice Cream Float Viirtual Experience

  • What this idea looks like: A fun hybrid virtual event where everyone learns how to make ice cream and ice cream floats from home.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This incredibly fun event delivers everything your team needs to make their own ice cream and floats at home. You can even work with the professionals who will plan the event and utilize an energetic host to get your team on their feet.

The Ice Cream Float Experience is the perfect way to get your team together for a fun party. You’ll take your employee engagement to the next level when everyone is making ice cream together from home.

 

24) Create a thoughtful tribute video

Tribute-Video-Gifts-For-Managers

 

  • What this idea looks like: A heartfelt video conveying your deepest feelings of appreciation. You can create a video from their photos to appreciate their hard work and give them something that will last a lifetime. Best of all, employees can enjoy it over and over again.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Few material items can achieve the sentimental value of sincere messages.

Tribute helps you turn video messages from your team into a perfectly presentable token of appreciation for an outstanding employee or even a group of employees.

 

25) Sign Them Up for a Charcuterie Crafting Workshop

Charcuterie Board Holiday

  • What this idea looks like: A virtual team event that teaches everyone on your team how to build a jaw-dropping charcuterie board with gourmet ingredients.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: I mean, who doesn’t love getting smoked meats and artisan-made cheeses delivered straight to their door? These charcuterie kits are absolutely jam-packed with food like imported olives, mixed nuts, natural honeycomb and fig spread.

Everyone in your group will pick up impressive culinary skills to show off at future parties, like how to design and build cool charcuterie elements like salami roses. Getting a whole charcuterie board to enjoy yourself ain’t bad, either.

 

26) Celebrate “Win of the Week”

Wins-of-the-Week

What this idea looks like: Highlighting a “win of the week” with the team provides a reliable way to acknowledge and commend exceptional contributions.

Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Recognizing a “win of the week” creates an environment that values and celebrates achievements, no matter how small. This encourages ongoing effort and innovation. Regular acknowledgment strengthens team unity, inspires individual performance, and highlights the company’s excitement around its team member’s wins.

SnackNation pick: Cooleaf

 

27) Bring your team to a virtual Zen garden

  • What this idea looks like: A live event host will lead your team on guided tea tastings and meditations.
  • Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is an incredibly relaxing and refreshing event for the busiest teams out there. Participants learn to brew globally sourced teas and are led on goal-focused meditation and mindfulness exercises.

The highlight of this experience is a mindful tea tasting exercise, where your team members will learn to engage all five of their senses for a full immersion experience.

 

Employee Appreciation Day Gift Ideas

In-Office Employee Appreciation Day Gifts

28) Employee Appreciation Box

Casual-Commuter-Box

What is it? An employee gift box that says thank you through a variety of luxury swag items, energizing snacks, and delicious goodies.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: It’s a perfect gift to order for teams or departments since everyone can appreciate a wellness box to kick off the week in style!

Price: Explore the Caroo catalog to get accurate pricing

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Employee Appreciation Box

 

29) Ogio Shuttle Bag

Ogio-Shuttle-Bag

What is it? A sleek and stylish backpack that holds it all without looking bumpy or lumpy.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift shows you care about the well-being of your employees’ backs and also their sense of style.

Price: $82.93 to $93.37

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Ogio Shuttle Bag at Swag.com

 

30) Mindfulness Box

What is it? A curated gift box packed with tasty treats and introspective mindfulness essentials.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Feeding their minds and bodies is the perfect way to convey a truly holistic sense of caring.

Price: $100

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Mindfulness Box at Caroo.com

 

31) Corkcicle 25 Oz Canteen

corkcircle 25 Oz Canteen

What is it? A massive canteen that keeps hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold. Plus, it’s super rugged and practically unbreakable.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift encourages well being and also good times. This canteen provides a luxurious way to stay hydrated or even tote an entire bottle of wine to a picnic.

Price: $42.54 to $105.37

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Corkcicle 25 Oz Canteen at Swag.com

 

32) JBL Headphones

Skullcandy-Headphones

What is it? Bluetooth over-ear headphones that provide an immersive musical experience.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Employees could very well use these headphones every day, thinking about your appreciation gift as they do.

Price: $220.26 to $231.79

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get JBL Headphones at Swag.com

 

33) Petite Bliss Plant

Petite-Bliss-Plant

What is it? A sweet little succulent packaged in a gift box that doubles as a planter.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Bringing a little bliss-inducing nature into their workspaces is the perfect way to thank someone for bringing bliss into the office.

Price: $35.00 to $49.33

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get a Petite Bliss Plant at Swag.com

 

34) Playing Cards Set

Playing-Cards-Swag.com

What is it? Pure fun at your fingertips with a vast amount of new card games to play and learn with friends, family, and coworkers.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: It shows that you appreciate their hard work and also their playful sense of fun.

Price: $4.22 to $9.99

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get a Playing Cards Set at Swag.com

 

35) Desk Gift Set

Carrara Desktop Set

What is it? Stylish desk essentials in mood-brightening colors.

Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: It says, “When you’re working as hard as you do, I want you to have the most beautifully organized desk ever.”

Price: $13.27 to $20.25

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get a Desk Gift Set at Swag.com

 

Virtual Employee Appreciation Day Gifts For Remote Workers

36) Deluxe Spa Day Pamper Gift Set

What is it? An employee care package that says, “I appreciate you” with stress-reducing self-care items like comfy socks, bath bombs, face lotion, and a snuggle-friendly blanket.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: Let’s face it, your employees work hard. Why not give them something they can enjoy when they want to relax, recharge, and maybe even be a little lazy?

Price: Sign up for Caroo to see pricing

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Deluxe Spa Day Pamper Gift Set

 

37) Champion Long Sleeve

Brooklinen-Brighton

What is it? A luxe long-sleeve t-shirt that’s perfectly relaxed and perfectly put together at the same time.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: You might not be able to give your remote employees hugs, but wrapping their arms around this soft t-shirt will give them the same warm feelings.

Price: $13.52 to $43.35

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Champion Long Sleeve at Swag.com

 

38) Work From Home Snack Box

SnackMagic

What is it? An expertly curated selection of feel-good snacks to invigorate your remote employees.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift lets employees feel your appreciation in the form of the invigorating blast of energy they’ll get from eating these snacks while sipping their coffee.

Price: Starting at $29

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get a snack box from SnackMagic

 

39) Marcello Flask

Marcello-Flask

What is it? A rugged stainless steel flask in a chic matte black finish.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: Customized with a unique design, this simple flask may become a treasured token of your regard.

Price: $13.97 to $18.55

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Marcello Flask at Swag.com

 

40) Travel Porter Glass

Travel-Wine-Glass

What is it? A wine glass wrapped in durable silicone that gives you the power to enjoy any beverage anywhere.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: It’s the perfect way to say “cheers to you” over and over again.

Price: $30.65 to $39.40

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Travel Porter Glass at Swag.com

 

41) Walnut Qi Charger

Walnut-Qi-Charger

What is it? A perfect mix of nature and tech, this charger looks like a tree slice.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: Who doesn’t need a charger, especially one so well designed? Super easy to order in bulk while also giving you the option to inscribe your company logo or event title.

Price: $31.65 to $48.88

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Walnut Qi Charger at Swag.com

 

42) Wireless Charging Padfolio

Charging-Portfolio

What is it? A handy padfolio that also doubles as a charging station.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: This appreciation gift makes their lives easier, allowing them to charge devices while they’re on the move from one appointment to the next.

Price: $35.88 to $55.17

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Wireless Charging Padfolio at Swag.com

 

43) Light-Up Audio Bottle

What is it? A water bottle that can play music and also put on a little light show.

Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: This delightful novelty item is the perfect mix of fun and practicality. It will never fail to make employees smile, and that’s exactly what the perfect employee appreciation gift should do.

Price: $27.27 to $71.91

Customizable? Yes

Where to get it: Get the Light-Up Audio Bottle at Swag.com


What Is Employee Appreciation Day

National Employee Appreciation Day is a day dedicated to employer-to-employee gratitude and goodwill. Bob Nelsen, PhD, and his publishing company, Workman Publishing dreamed up the day to promote and celebrate the release of his book, 1,001 (now 1,501) Ways to Reward Employees.

If generally spreading goodwill doesn’t have you thrilled to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, then maybe some of these employee appreciation benefits will woo you to the cause.

  • Appreciation (especially in the form of employee recognition) feeds retention, as exiting team members often cite a lack of recognition as the top reason for leaving.
  • Employee appreciation enhances the elements of a strong company culture and positive employee experience, including job satisfaction and employee engagement.
  • Appreciation can actually optimize productivity and hard work, as 9% of employees like to receive a “thank-you” in the form of more responsibility.
  • Appreciation and gratitude can deliver good vibes as powerful and beneficial as those anyone gets from perks and wellness initiatives.
  • Appreciation is healthy for team-building, as it inspires workers to regularly participate in training and office programs.

While most leaders and managers are thinking about ways to praise and appreciate their hard working team members for Employee Appreciation Day, we thought it would be fun to show what happens when employee appreciation goes wrong.

Disclaimer: SnackNation may have an interest in the brands and products mentioned above.


People Also Ask These Questions About Employee Appreciation Ideas

Q: When is Employee Appreciation Day?

  • A: Employee Appreciation Day is always on the first Friday of March. In 2024, Employee Appreciation Day will fall on Friday, March 1st.

Q: How can I plan an awesome employee appreciation week?

  • A: You can plan an awesome employee appreciation week by running with ideas, such as catering lunch or taking a field trip, and rounding out your plans with some feel-good gifts. Start the planning process with the ideas in this post.

Q: What are some good things to say on employee appreciation day?

  • A: Some good things to say on employee appreciation day include:
    • I appreciate how you always…and then complete the sentence with specific actions
    • I feel thankful for your…and then complete the sentence with qualities and characteristics
    • Without you, we would never be able to…and then complete the sentence with group accomplishments.
    • If you run out of time to think of a specific phrase, you can always say something heartfelt yet general, such as: “I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for this company and me. Knowing I have your support and dedication makes me a better, happier person both at work and at home.”

Q: Should I give a speech to my team on Employee Appreciation Day?

  • A: You should give a speech to your team on Employee Appreciation Day if you’re comfortable making speeches and you have planned something thoughtful today. If public speaking makes you clammy, you can find plenty of other ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day.

Q: How do you celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with remote employees?

  • A: You can celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with remote employees by delivering a virtual experience, such as setting up a virtual escape room adventure or delivering care packages. These Employee Appreciation Day ideas will help you plan a celebration that makes employees feel extra special.

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