How to Write a Peer Recognition Message

In an effort to improve employee retention, many companies are implementing an employee recognition program. Employee recognition can be divided into two categories: top-down or leader-to-employee and peer-to-peer or among colleagues. While many organizations understand top-down recognition’s crucial role in employee retention efforts, this is only one side of the coin. 

Peer-to-peer recognition builds the community of the organization. As it is laterally focused, it fosters an environment where everyone notices and comments on one another’s successes. As the organization encourages team members to express appreciation, everyone becomes responsible for boosting morale. Therefore, peer recognition unites teams as they gain greater trust in one another.

As you seek to implement peer recognition in your business as an idea for workplace appreciation, removing all barriers that might be preventing your teams from implementing an employee retention program is important. Knowing what to write is among the most significant obstacles to peer recognition efforts. 

Understanding that colleagues need to praise one another is one thing, but actually writing out a peer recognition message is another. To prevent knowing what to say from being a barrier to improving your workplace, here is all you need to know on how to write a peer recognition message. We also provide a list of message ideas to get you started. 

Read More: Does Employee Appreciation Actually Work?

How to write a peer recognition message

Indeed defines peer recognition as “the act of publicly expressing gratitude to your coworkers for their work.” The goal of the message is to make the recipients feel appreciated for their efforts at work. They should walk away from the encounter feeling good and with a greater understanding of their contributions to the workplace. 

While that might seem like a lot of pressure, thankfully, writing a peer recognition message is relativity simple. The good news is that any positive, constructive comment said in passing or formally written is a form of a peer recognition message. 

In order to help you write a peer recognition message, follow these steps:

1. Find something to recognize and be specific

To write a message, you must first identify something they are doing that you appreciate. Sometimes, that is easy to figure out, and other times, reflecting on their impact can be difficult. If you are having a difficult time thinking of something, you can ask yourself these questions:

• What is something they’ve done that made your day better?
• Does something about how they approach their work inspire or help you?
• Did they recently accomplish a goal?
• Are they a top performer?
• Do they have an attitude or other soft skills that positively impacts the organization?
• Are you impressed by their dedication?
• Is there a specific company value they exemplify?
• Did they reach a specific employee milestone?

When you have something that you can express gratitude for, be sure your message specifically outlines that topic. Avoid generalities and be as specific as you can. Doing this will demonstrate to them that you are aware of their unique contributions and not just sending the message for the sake of peer recognition.

2. Acknowledge their influence

Once you’ve written about a specific instance you appreciate, take it a step further and identify how their actions positively impacted your life, the company culture, or the overall company.  

Employees like to know how their work and attitudes impact the company. So, by explicitly outlining how this person or experience influences the work environment, you will help them to see their value. It will also help them feel a greater connection to their colleagues and the organization because they will know they make a difference. 

3. Express gratitude

Since you are already taking the time to recognize them, use this as an opportunity to express gratitude for the other things they do and the person they are. You can further express gratitude by:

• Acknowledge the attributes about them that make working with them enjoyable.
• Pointing out memories of time you enjoyed together.
• Demonstrate understanding of the times they overcame challenges 

4. Be genuine

While employee recognition is crucial to creating a positive company culture and improving employee retention, it only works if it is genuine. If you simply write out a generalized message for the sake of “having a workplace appreciation program,” your efforts will ultimately fail. 

People know when a message is given out of sincere appreciation for what they do vs for the sake of maintaining an image. So, when they receive a message that is either non-specific, out of touch, or contrary to how you treat them in person, they will not receive it in a way that benefits the company. 

To get the most out of a peer recognition message, be sure only to write a statement that you truly believe in and can support genuinely. 

5. Be timely

The last step in writing a peer recognition message is promptly providing feedback. Be sure to acknowledge the good things your colleague accomplishes as they happen and not only during a yearly review or milestone. 

A truly effective peer recognition program is one that is continually pointing out the good things happening within the organization. When you wait, employees may be more likely to feel under-appreciated. As those feelings fester, they may perceive your delayed compliments as disingenuous. 

Other tips on writing a peer recognition message

• Be personal but professional – Remember that you are still the leader and must be professional. Avoid saying something that might be construed incorrectly or feel too personal. 
• Consider adding a gift- A gift is an added gesture that can increase the impact of your message. The gift doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Simply add a cupcake or a coffee. Any corporate gift can take your message to the next level.
• Write messages often- The frequency of your messages matters. When given sporadically, morale is more likely to drop. In an effort to combat that, simply acknowledge them as they happen. There is nothing wrong with someone feeling appreciated continuously.
• Add variety- There are many things worth showing appreciation for. Instead of only focusing on one type of thing, like performance accomplishments, recognize a variety of contributions, like attitude and work ethic. 
• Give the message in a way that fits them- While some people value public acknowledgment of their accomplishments, others prefer more private delivery, like receiving a Kudoboard. Be sure to tailor the delivery of the message to fit the recipient’s personality. 

Peer recognition message ideas

Sometimes, even with knowing the steps on how to write a message, it is still challenging to find the words to get started. In times like these, example messages are a great way to put words to your thoughts. While you should always personalize a general message, here are some peer-recognition message ideas to help you find the right words: 

Peer recognition message from a leader to employee

• “You probably haven’t thought of anyone noticing you staying late at the office. Well, I’ve noticed, and I appreciate it. Thank you for your efforts.”
• “You and your work always stood by the expectations and contributed meaningfully to the company’s success. We value your presence and are proud of you.”
• “I must be one lucky manager to get someone like you working for me, and I wish to see your progress in all your endeavors.”
• “Thank you for always putting your best foot forward! Your performance is always top-notch, even when you take on more work.”
• “I just want you to know that your commitment to this team and willingness to step up and do what needs to be done – even if it falls outside your job title – don’t go unnoticed.”

Peer recognition message to a colleague or team member

• “You are an individual who prioritizes the team before self. You deserve the utmost appreciation. Thank you for everything!”
• “Thank you for always showing us the right way with your attention to detail. We feel lucky to have someone like you.”
• “No matter the situation, you always rise to the occasion! Thank you for your unwavering dedication.”
• “Your expertise on X gave us valuable insights. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!”
• “Working hard is important. But working kindly is just as important, and you’ve nailed both! Thanks for being such a pleasure to work with.”

Peer recognition message for a new coworker

• “Over the last few months, we’ve noticed a huge improvement in X skillset. Your effort does not go unnoticed, and we’re proud to see you grow.”
• “I appreciate that you are always willing to accept feedback and find ways to improve. It is a pleasure to see you flourish in your role!”
• “Your growth in the last few months has been awe-inspiring. Keep up the good work!”
• “You are a natural. It has been a pleasure to watch you learn the ways of the job in such an efficient manner!”
• “Thank you for seeking opportunities to get to know your new coworkers. You already are making the workplace a more enjoyable place to be.”

Peer recognition messages for a good attitude

• “Your upbeat attitude is contagious, improving our team (and our organization!). Thanks for bringing positivity to work every day!”
• “Your optimism, happiness, and overall positive attitude are an asset to this team. Thank you for being you!”
• “It is colleagues at work who make the day feel less stressful and fill a bit of fun at work. Thank you for being the one!”
• “You bring joy and light into our work, no matter the circumstances. Thank you for reminding me of the bright side each day.”

Peer recognition messages for a team player

• “Your steadfast commitment to excellence to the team and your enthusiasm truly set you apart. I appreciate how you always perform at your best.”
• “Your work has been valuable to our success, and we are grateful to have you on our team. Thank you for your upbeat attitude, collaboration, originality, and dedication to each assignment! You are an inspiration to us all!”
• “Not everyone comes forward whenever their team needs them, but you, mate, have earned our respect for being there for us every time we needed you.”
• “I know things haven’t been easy. But I just wanted to thank you for always showing up and supporting this team, even when it’s hard.”
• “Thanks for being a great team player. Your efforts make our team stronger!”

Peer Recognition Message for Performance

• “As a result of your hard work, our entire team moved forward with our long-term mission faster than anticipated. Thank you!
• “Congratulations on reaching [goal]. Your efforts have paid off, and we are proud to call you a colleague. Thank you for your outstanding work!”
• “Good performance doesn’t just happen. It requires hard work, dedication, and resiliency. Know you are seen and appreciated for being able to get us where we wanted to go.”
• “Your dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed and has significantly impacted our organization. Please accept my deep appreciation for your outstanding performance and hard work.”
• “Keep working like this, and nothing will be able to stop you!

Peer Recognition Messages for the Small Things

• “The office kitchen is always spotless after you’ve been there! Thank you for keeping it so clean.”
• “Your desk is so beautifully decorated! It always brightens my day whenever I walk by it.”
• “Thank you for always saying hi to me whenever our paths cross. I appreciate your friendliness.”
• “I’m so grateful that you’re not afraid to ask questions! It helps me be a better leader.”
• “I appreciate that you are always willing to advocate for what is best for your team. Thank you for watching out for others.”

Your peer recognition message makes a difference

As companies adapt to meet the changing needs of their workforce, it is becoming evident that workplace recognition should not be limited to appreciation expressed between a leader and their employee. Instead, it should include all members of the organization. 

If each employee embraces opportunities to praise their peers, you will find your employees more embedded within your workplace community. A team that praises and applauds each other is a team that feels a greater sense of unity, trust, and overall satisfaction. Not to mention the overall confidence boost messages can provide to the recipient. 

So, with each peer recognition message you write, you benefit not only the company as a whole but, most importantly, you also impact the individual and their confidence.