How To Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

Employers who recognize employees boost engagement, productivity, and retention. This also leads to a stronger, more lasting bond between employers and employees.

Mark your calendars! This Friday is Employee Appreciation Day, a special day dedicated to showering your people with well-deserved gratitude and high-fives. While it’s important to celebrate both small and big wins throughout the year, be sure to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day by pulling out the stops for your rockstar crew!

Your team is the engine that keeps your machine humming. They're the brains behind the brilliant ideas, the muscle behind the deadlines met, and the heart behind the company culture that makes everyone feel welcome. So, on this day, turn the spotlight away from spreadsheets and onto the people who make it all happen.

Research shows that appreciation boosts morale, fuels productivity and keeps talented folks sticking around. In fact, a lack of recognition is the #3 reason most people leave their jobs, according to Quantum Workplace.

This article will be your cheat sheet into the history of this awesome day. We’ll also explore the science behind why appreciation matters and unleash five guaranteed-to-smile celebration ideas that'll make your team feel like the VIPs they truly are.

The history of National Employee Appreciation Day

National Employee Appreciation Day was first observed in 1995. This initiative originated to shout out and show appreciation for employees in every field. Over the years, it gained momentum as studies continue to demonstrate the benefits to employers, who have increasingly embraced the opportunity to express gratitude and boost morale among their workforces. The day serves as a reminder that employee appreciation should be a year-round practice, not just a one-time event.

At ECI, one of the ways we do this is through our Standing Ovation Awards which are given out each quarter during our company-wide Town Hall. It is a unique opportunity for team members throughout the organization to recognize standout coworkers who embody our company values. We call these values CODE: Crave Greatness, Own the Outcome, Deliver Awesome, and Embrace Community. Additionally, we recognize strategic sales individuals who play a large role in driving our sales values and an individual who creates value within the company. While there is only one winner for each category, there are often 50+ individual nominations per category.

Check out our most recent Standing Ovation Award winners in our LinkedIn article.

Benefits of employee appreciation

These acts of appreciation help employees feel like their company actually cares while bringing a range of tangible benefits for individuals and the business:

Increased employee engagement

The proof is in the stats. According to the 2023 Achievers Workforce Institute study on the State of Recognition, appreciated employees are more likely to be engaged in their work, leading to better productivity and overall job satisfaction. But the stats reveal more: if done weekly, 50% of employees said they were more engaged. This is compared to just 25% who were recognized quarterly and 16% who are never identified. Learn more about the importance of engagement in the Involvement of the Workforce.

Strengthened employee retention rates

If your employees feel recognized and valued, they are more likely to stay with a company, reducing turnover and the associated recruitment and training costs. 64% of employees say recognition would reduce their desire to job hunt.

Happier workplace culture

A culture of appreciation fosters positive relationships, teamwork, and collaboration among employees, creating a healthier work environment. Learn more about this topic in our Understanding the Benefits of Company Culture Transformation article.

Boosted motivation and production

Recognition serves as a motivator, encouraging employees to consistently put forth their best efforts and contribute to the organization's success. Achievers Workforce Institute found that 73% of employees say feeling recognized would inspire them to be more productive.

Better employer reputation

Companies known for appreciating employees become go-to workplaces, attracting top talent and building a reputation that stands out in a crowded job market. Generation Z– born between 1997 and 2012 – now outnumber Baby Boomers and is beginning to leave an imprint on the professional landscape. By 2025, they will make up 27% of the global workforce, according to the World Economic Forum.

Ways to celebrate employees every day of the year:

Personalized recognition

Tailor your appreciation efforts to each employee's preferences. Whether it's a handwritten note, personalized gift, or a public shoutout of their achievements, recognizing people goes a long way. Rewarding employees for a job well done with cold hard cash or points that they can redeem for company swag have a proven track record towards a win-win.

Team-building activities

Organize team-building activities or events that allow employees to bond, relax, and just hang out off the clock. Organize a casual lunch or happy hour to grab drinks and get to know each other outside of work.

Professional development opportunities

Invest in your employees' growth by providing professional development workshops or training sessions. This is a great way to show your team that you are committing to their long-term success.

Flexible work arrangements

Acknowledge the importance of work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours. We can all agree it is easier to get things done from your couch or with cute pets by your side. If your business doesn’t allow for standard change like this, consider a Well-being Day. This is something we do at ECI to encourage our global team to dedicate a day to doing something that makes them happy without the distraction of meetings or emails.

Employee appreciation awards

Establish employee appreciation awards to recognize great work. It can be an award, gift card, or etching outstanding employee names into the hall-of-fame wall. Companies who value rewarding their employees often use platforms like Achievers and High5 to facilitate employee public recognition for their coworkers.

Turn National Employee Appreciation Day into a celebration of the people who make your company tick. Show them they're valued, heard, and appreciated, and watch your workplace blossom with productivity, loyalty, and pure, unified awesomeness.

Are you interested in more content on this topic? Check out these other great articles:

• Does Your Company Have These 5 Elements of a Great Corporate Culture?
• Why Businesses Should Invest in Employee Wellness and how to Embrace it
• 4 Ways to Cultivate a Culture of Collaboration