34 Ideas for Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day in Style

Employee engagement is crucial to any organization. How staff members work and interact within the company directly affects the outcomes of the business. While their continued efforts deserve to be recognized, oftentimes there’s a disconnect between employer and employees—particularly in the area of praise. 

Employee Appreciation Day, March 1st, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to bridge these gaps and create connection through authentic recognition. All across the workforce, employers celebrate their teams through gifts, events, messages, and acts of kindness to show them exactly how valued they truly are.

If you’re looking to be creative, we have you covered. From personalized thank-you notes to virtual celebrations, here are 34 of our favorite Employee Appreciation Day ideas for celebrating and fostering a positive work environment.

What is Employee Appreciation Day?

Founded in 1995 by Workman Publishing, National Employee Appreciation Day is an annual day dedicated to acknowledging employees’ hard work, commitment, and achievements in the workplace. It allows employers and colleagues to express gratitude for the efforts employees put into their roles.

In other words, Employee Appreciation Day is a specific occasion set aside for companies to emphasize that their team members matter and that their work is seen and appreciated. Doing so allows organization members to create a positive and motivating work environment.

Benefits of Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day

Employee appreciation is a vital part of any successful company. Employees who feel under-appreciated will be more likely to be unhappy, unmotivated, and disengaged. As these feelings fester, it can often lead to the employee looking to leave. This increases employee turnover and the associated costs.

In contrast, an organization that actively participates in employee appreciation, like celebrating National Employee Appreciation Day, will find their company enjoying a number of benefits. These benefits include:

Increased Employee Engagement:

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged in their work. Recognition creates a sense of purpose and connection, leading to higher job satisfaction and commitment.

Improved Morale and Motivation:

Acknowledging employees’ efforts boosts morale and motivation. Recognizing hard work makes them feel valued and encourages them to continue putting in their best effort. In our Employee Happiness Trends in the US Report , 83% of organizations found that using an appreciation platform like Kudoboard specifically improved employee morale.

Enhanced Retention Rates:

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay with their current employer because they know their contributions matter. This is especially important during times like the Great Resignation, as celebrating employees creates a positive work culture that improves loyalty.

Strengthened Team Dynamics:

Employee Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for team-building activities and celebrations. As your teams focus on enjoying time together, their bonds will improve, creating a more collaborative and harmonious work environment.

Increased Productivity:

Appreciated employees are happier and more motivated employees. This motivation often translates into increased productivity, as employees are more focused and dedicated to achieving company goals. In fact, 98% of employees say that people would work harder and be happier if they were appreciated at work.

Improved Creativity:

An overworked mind, especially one that feels unappreciated, will struggle to think creatively. By adding recognition programs and celebrating your employees, you create space for them to relax and find creative solutions to their problems.

Enhanced Customer Experience:

When employees are appreciated, that good energy translates into positive interactions with customers. In the words of Richard Branson, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” As you reinforce what someone is doing correctly, they will be more likely to treat your customers with the same respect you show them.”

34 Ideas for Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day

As you look to create a thriving employee recognition program, celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect place to start. Because it is a day already set aside, it can be the ideal launchpad for further appreciation program activities.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 34 employee appreciation ideas to demonstrate to your employees that you are grateful for their efforts.

1. Personalized Thank-You Notes

Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day is by saying “thank you.” Personalize a thank you card highlighting an employee’s strengths, contributions, and successes. Recognizing employee achievements through these messages can tremendously impact their work experience and improve retention and motivation.

Your celebration of this holiday can also be the perfect time to onboard employee recognition software. From staff appreciation cards to employee shout-out boards, these platforms encourage peers and leaders alike to express appreciation for their colleagues. When your organization incorporates recognition on more occasions than just Employee Appreciation Day, it will flourish.

2. Host an Employee Award Ceremony

An award ceremony is a great employee appreciation idea to celebrate your team as a group. Take a break from the daily grind and invite employees to unite and honor one another’s victories, small or large, through a recognition program.

While serious employee service awards are a meaningful way to recognize your employees, consider trying humorous awards. Funny employee awards can be a great way to build camaraderie and a more enjoyable workplace. Some fun awards you could include are:

• The Traveling Medic: Always has a first aid kit just in case.
• The Email Vigilante: Immediately responds to emails.
• The Foodie: Always knows the best places to eat and is happy to recommend something new.

3. Gift them Flexible Work Hours

Whether for the day or from that day forward, grant your employees the gift of flexibility. When you allow them to start late, leave early, or take an extended lunch break, you’re showing appreciation and trust. Flexible schedules can also help with employee retention, boost productivity, and reduce burnout.

4. Gift a Class for Their Hobby

A great way to reward how hard they’ve worked over the last year is to provide a way for them to pursue their hobbies. Especially if the previous year required more time from them than usual, this can be an excellent way to demonstrate that you care about the employee as a whole. Classes you could gift are:

• Online painting class
• Creative writing class
• Music class
• Dance class
• Language class
• Pottery class
• A Golf lesson
• Self-defense class

5. Take Something Off Their Plate

Whether temporary or long-term, taking something off their plate is a service that will help your employees feel refreshed. If you’re using a project management platform, consider pushing something to next spring or shifting it onto your plate. Especially with an employee who has a demanding position, outsourcing one of their responsibilities can demonstrate an understanding of their workload.

6. Host a Wellness Day

Show your concern for employees’ well-being by organizing a wellness day or providing gift cards to wellness experiences. Demonstrating that you care about their professional and personal well-being goes a long way to improve employee engagement. You could even use this as an opportunity to launch a new, company-wide wellness program to support their health.

Let them indulge a little bit by offering one of these activities:

• Yoga class
• In-office spa with masseuse, manicurist, facialist, or other spa service(s)
• Stress workshop
• Health screenings

7. Cater Lunch or Breakfast

The fact of the matter is almost everyone enjoys a free meal. It removes the task of preparing one of their lunches and allows them to try something new while socializing with their peers.

Whether it’s a pancake bar or lunch from a local restaurant, catering a meal is a simple way to make your employees feel appreciated. For remote employees, consider gift cards for a delivery service that brings food to them.

8. Professional Development Allowance

Demonstrate your commitment to employees’ career growth by providing a professional development allowance. They can use this money to attend conferences, workshops, or pursue further certifications related to their roles.

9. Upgrade Their Workspace

Someone’s workspace plays an integral part in their experience at work. Employees who work using an old desk or monitor will have difficulty feeling valued because it will seem the company doesn’t care for their space. For this reason, upgrading their space can enhance their day-to-day work and improve employee satisfaction, making it the perfect employee appreciation gift.

Whether you’re gifting a nicer chair or upgrading their headset, this employee reward can be a great way to demonstrate that you care about their comfort while working with your organization.

10. Create a Video or Slideshow

Compile videos or photos of managers, vendors, and customers sharing their gratitude for the employees into a video. These can be great visual representations of how someone is making an impact within your organization. Depending on how you are celebrating, a video or slideshow can be played at a party, added to a company video board, or sent directly to the employees.

11. Ice Cream Social

Take them back to their younger years with the thrill of a good ice cream party. Set up an ice cream station filled with various flavors, toppings, and other treats. This sweet gesture is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face, and could potentially be hosted by a local vendor.

12. Surprise Desk Makeovers 

If the office is the right size, organize a surprise desk or workspace makeover for employees, adding decorative touches and personal flair overnight to create a more inviting and comfortable environment. Be sure to avoid changing or removing any personal items, just add to what they already have from items like succulents, stress balls, lamps, and more.

13. Flexibility Tokens

In offices where consistent, flexible schedules or dress isn’t an option, create “Flexibility Tokens” that employees can redeem for flexibility perks. Empowering employees with choices reinforces a culture of trust and appreciation. Perks an employee could redeem include:

• Flexible work schedule
• Casual dress day
• A remote workday

14. In-Office and Remote Activities

Plan team-building activities that encourage collaboration and engagement. Building strong team dynamics contributes to a positive company culture. So, get employees to join together in activities for in-person, hybrid, or remote employees. Some in-office and remote team activities are:

• Fill the break room with board games
• Virtual mystery room
• Company-wide trivia game
• Talent show
• Virtual cooking class
• Virtual escape room
• Department or company happy hour

15. Host a Creative Class

Gathering the team and getting creative is an excellent way to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. Not only will it provide a mental break in the middle of the workday, but it also could foster creative thinking and improved teamwork. Additionally, since the pandemic, more companies have begun hosting classes virtually, which makes it an easy way to celebrate in a hybrid workplace. Creative classes you could host:

• Painting
• Crafting
• Drawing
• Photography
• Writing

16. Bring in a Guest Speaker:

Invite a motivational speaker, industry expert, or thought leader to give a talk or workshop tailored to inspire and empower your employees. This experience gives them an opportunity for professional development and a welcome break from the usual day-to-day, plus is perfect for virtual or hybrid offices. 

17. Give a Small Bonus

Everyone appreciates a little extra cash, so this is a sure way for employees to feel loved. The nice thing about receiving a small bonus is that they can use the money any way that they feel is best. So, instead of spending money on an activity or corporate gift that they may not want, give them that money to use as they see fit.

18. Give Them a Day Off

Time off is a valuable resource for every employee. By gifting an added PTO day, you are not only expressing appreciation, but also making work-life balance a part of company culture. A day off can be the perfect way to promote wellness, express gratitude, and show care for their personal life.

19. Give a Gift

Welcoming them to work with carefully selected employee appreciation gifts can be a fun way to celebrate.

Small, thoughtful corporate gifts can leave a positive impression on both in-person or remote employees, like company swag and snacks to gift cards for their favorite places.

20. Recognition Through Social Media

Leading up to Employee Appreciation Day, start a social campaign shouting out specific employees and their accomplishments. Publicly acknowledge and celebrate employees’ contributions and milestones, as well as their stories. Sharing their successes with a wider audience can make them feel valued and proud of their contributions.

21. Take Them on an Outing

Just as spring begins to form outside, why not take your teams out for a little fresh air? Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, organizing an outing will get people out of routine and feeling refreshed. Outing ideas include:

• Hike
• Museum
• Botanical Garden
• Winery tour
• Concert
• Theater

22. Upgrade Their Technology

Employees who work on old technology may not be working efficiently due to delays and malfunctions, not to mention being continually frustrated due to the problems. If your employees could use a technology upgrade, this employee appreciation day idea could be the perfect opportunity to justify the purchase of a new device.

23. Add Flexible “Learning Hours” 

Have HR place an hour-long block on employee’s calendars during specific hours each month for employees to engage in self-directed learning or explore personal projects. They’ll appreciate the time back and the ability to focus on their interests during the work day, and become stronger employees in the process.

24. Ask Them How They Want to Celebrate

While coming up with your own ideas is valuable, sometimes the best option is to survey your team members and see how they would like to be appreciated. Doing so will ensure that you celebrate in a way that is meaningful to them and at their comfort level. Additionally, it will show that you value employee feedback and input, which can help encourage a healthy company culture.

25. Bring Treats

Sweeten up their day with treats from a local bakery or sweet shop. Not only will you support a fellow business, but you will bring some added delight into their day.

Take it a step further by customizing the treats to the tastes of each individual team member. So, if someone prefers cookies, get them a gourmet cookie. If someone else loves cheesecake, bring that in. While it will require more effort, this personalization is a small gesture to demonstrate your understanding of who they are.

26. Personalized Profile Pics

As a gift on Employee Appreciation Day, commission personalized digital avatars for each employee, reflecting their unique personalities and interests. Send out a short survey beforehand that captures the important details and choose one or more artists to create the pictures. While not mandatory, employees can use these virtual aviators on Slack or Zoom, making them a great choice for remote offices. 

27. Create a Memory Book

A memory book is a collection of memories, mementos, and messages. They will visually show how their work makes a difference within the organization. A memory book could include:

• Photos taken at company events
• Handwritten notes from team members
• Positive customer service reviews
• Momentos from projects they completed
• Awards they earned

28. Provide Live Music

Incorporating music into lunch or after work, you could celebrate by hosting a local band or musician. This idea can liven up the work day, get people talking, and even get some people up and dancing.

29. Volunteer Together 

Make employee appreciation day about giving back to both your team and the community by organizing a group volunteer activity. Whether it’s a virtual volunteer opportunity or an in-person event like a beach clean up, show appreciation for employees by giving them a day away from the office where they can come together to support a cause.

30. Play Bingo

Bingo is an easy and fun way to play a game together as a team. Simply distribute premade cards (perhaps themed with your employee’s names) and have fun. This can be an amusing idea if you want to distribute employee appreciation gifts in a unique and fun way.

31. Upgrade the Break Room

If your break room is a sight for sore eyes and no one seems to spend any time in there, consider using this as an opportunity to make some improvements. From supplying snacks to upgrading appliances and decor, minor modifications can go a long way in making it a more inviting place to relax.

32. Help with Commuting Expenses

For many, their commute to work can be a significant factor in why they are unsatisfied with their employment. Someone with a long commute must spend their time and money getting to work. 

Helping them by providing a gas gift card or public transportation pass can say, “I know you sacrifice a lot to get here, but I appreciate your continued commitment.” Improve their job satisfaction just a bit by alleviating some of the burden caused by their commute.

33. Schedule a Video-Meeting-Free Workday

Particularly in a hybrid or remote workplace, the frequency of required video meetings can be overwhelming and disruptive. Whether it is a one-time thing (like an employee appreciation day celebration) or a designated day each week or month, offer a day free of meetings like “no meeting Wednesday.” Gifting remote employees a day of working without interruptions and at their own pace will be a refreshing change of pace.

34. Quarterly Appreciation Days:

Make employee appreciation a more regularly scheduled occurrence. Expand the celebration beyond Employee Appreciation Day by designating quarterly appreciation days to consistently honor and recognize employee contributions throughout the year. When scheduled in advance, human resources teams can plan ahead and make sure festivities go off without a hitch.

Genuine Appreciation Goes a Long Way on Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to go above and beyond to make your team feel valued and appreciated. By implementing these Employee Appreciation Day ideas, you can create a positive and motivating environment that boosts morale on this special day and contributes to a lasting positive workplace culture.

Remember that sincerity is the key to any recognition regardless of how you celebrate your employees. Your genuine appreciation goes a long way in fostering a thriving and engaged team.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employee Appreciation Day Ideas:

When is Employee Appreciation Day?

National Employee Appreciation Day takes place on the first Friday of March each year. The exact date for 2024 is March 1st.

What to say to employees on Employee Appreciation Day?

Your appreciation messages should remind employees they are valuable members of your organization. Comments can center around their efforts, attitude, work ethic, and dedication. No matter what you say, make sure your remarks are positive and sincere.

What is a sample employee appreciation message?

Using their unique attributes as a guide, some things you could say are:

• “I appreciate your willingness to always collaborate with your team members. You put the team’s success first, which helps us be successful. Happy Employee Appreciation Day!”
• “Thank you for your dedication and hard work. We are thankful that you are part of our organization. We look forward to seeing all the good you will bring moving forward.”
• “We appreciate your commitment to positivity despite the inevitable setbacks. Your attitude is contagious, and we appreciate the light you bring each day.”

How to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day for a large company?

In large companies, it can take a lot of work to scale a celebration to a larger audience. In these situations, utilize managers and various leaders to help personalize celebrations. They will know the best things to say and the best ways to celebrate with their smaller group. The higher management can provide the funds, gifts, and perks used to celebrate, as well as sponsor the larger recognition program.

How do you celebrate Employee Appreciation Day on a budget?

Doing something meaningful for every employee can seem like an expensive task, but it doesn’t have to be. The best and cheapest way to celebrate this holiday is by expressing gratitude. So whether it is on a thank-you group card or an email, your celebration doesn’t need to be expensive. Simply tell them why they matter and why you appreciate them. Chances are, they will value that more than an impersonal gift.