5 Spring Employee Appreciation Ideas

You probably already know that employee appreciation is important for building a positive company culture. Yet, in a study from Harvard Business Review, it’s revealed that less than 20% of employees feel valued.  

Further, the survey suggests that 40% of all employees would work harder if they were simply recognized for their efforts.

When employees feel recognized and appreciated, not only are they more engaged in their work, but they are also more productive, are happier, and are much more likely to stick around. 

So, if your company is wanting to improve its business performance and profitability, employee appreciation is a smart place to start.

Here are five simple ideas to step up your employee appreciation game.

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1. Employee Thank You Notes

Sometimes it’s actually the small, simple gestures that are personalized to employees that have the biggest impact.

We live in a digital age, which means anything written on paper can feel very meaningful. When your employee does a great job, consider sending a handwritten thank you note to express your gratitude.

This small, cost-effective gesture can go a long way!

2. Make It Personal

Of course, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to making employees feel valued.

Businesses need to consider the various types of personalities, experience levels, and cultural backgrounds in order to create an employee appreciation program that feels genuine and is well-received.

But let’s get one thing straight, gifts that are covered in your company logo rarely (if ever) feel personalized.

See Related

Little Guide to Corporate Gifting

A personalized gift should be something your employee will actually love, which means it needs to be tailored to their interests, personality, and style. If you don’t know what your employee would like, it’s a great reason to start up a conversation and learn!

3. A Work From Home Day

Thanks to technology, many jobs can actually be done quite easily (and well) from home.

Allowing an outstanding employee to work from home occasionally is a great way to show your appreciation while giving them something they’ll really enjoy. 

Update during COVID-19: With many people working from home due to the pandemic, a work from home day might not feel special this year. How about giving them a no-meeting / zoom-free day instead?

If that’s not possible, how about an upgrade to their home office? Think desk speakers, office décor, and ergonomic accessories.

4. Give The Gift of Self Care

A lot of the time, your highest performing employees have a hard time making time for self care.

In order to take care of them, giving them free time, or even a self-care gift box, is more than just a nice gesture – it can mean everything to that hard-working employee.

You can also gift them with more free time by offering a gift card that covers a task at home, like cleaning their house, mowing their lawn, or grocery delivery.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

In order to make an office party that your employees really enjoy, be sure to do something different than the typical “donuts in the breakroom” email.

Consider hiring a coffee truck for the morning or hiring a local artisan to come teach a class about how to make something. It’s a great way to say “thank you” and get the whole team motivated. 

See Related

8 Ways to Host Better Employee Appreciation Parties

Bonus Tip: Have your sales team ask your clients or vendors to sponsor the events, particularly for large projects that benefit them. It’s a great way to keep them top of mind with your team and help offset cost. 

Update during COVID-19: Due to the challenge for many of us getting together to enjoy a meal, we’re temporarily modifying this suggestion. The outcome, however, remains the same: Enjoy some wonderful food together.

Ideas include:

a. Send a meal kit to your employee and yourself. Then, schedule a virtual dinner or cooking session.

b. Sign up for a private and virtual cooking class.

Spring 2021 Employee Appreciation Days:

Employee Appreciation Day – March 5

National High Five Day – April 15

Administrative Professionals Day – April 21

Executive Coaching Day – May 1

Teacher Appreciation Day – May 4

School Nurse Day – May 6

National Nurses Day – May 6-12

International Virtual Assistants Day – May 15

Nurse Assistants Day – June 17

Keep It Simple

Remember that treating your employees doesn’t have to be elaborate.  The best way to show your employees that you appreciate them is simply by expressing gratitude and getting to know them.

The more frequent and natural these small gestures can be, the more valued all of your employees will feel.

See related

The Little Guide to Corporate Gifting

Last updated: February 4, 2021

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