Employee Appreciation Ideas: How to Show Employees You’re Grateful

For many employees, free pizza and team-building activities are a thing of the past. For one thing, many of us no longer work in an office. Secondly, people are looking for greater freedom within the workplace, so those old-hat employee appreciation ideas don’t always cut it.

Before starting a business with my sister, we both worked in-house for several companies. I can still remember the things managers did for me that made me feel appreciated, as well as the things I wanted to see.

So, how can you recognize your employees? In this post, we’ll discuss 9 employee appreciation ideas you can use to build a happy team (no team-building activities required).

What are some employee appreciation ideas?

• Bonuses

• Handwritten notes with gift cards

• Summer Fridays

• Complimentary lunches

• A clear path for advancement

• Travel opportunities

• Shoutouts (publicly and in 1:1s)

• Time off flexibility + holiday time

• Outsourcing superfluous work

Offer a bonus

While spontaneous raises can be difficult to coordinate, a bonus is a one-off and a strong indicator of your appreciation. Consider offering a cash bonus after a large project, like an acquisition or big campaign.

Unlike an annual holiday bonus, a performance-based bonus can boost productivity and strengthen retention. Obviously, money is a major motivator, so use that extra cash to both recognize and motivate your employees.

Write a note and include a gift card

Understandably, not everyone is in a position to dish out a bonus. But that doesn’t mean you can’t show your employees your appreciation in other ways. A handwritten note can go a long way, and you can include a mini bonus by way of a gift card.

Cards are a great way to personalize your appreciation, too. Choose a card that feels authentic to your employee, and provide a gift card to somewhere they love. This simple act acknowledges you know your team and what they care about.

Incorporate summer Fridays into your schedule

For anyone who works a 9-5, Friday afternoons are typically slow. In fact, Fridays account for nearly 30% of all time-off requests.

Instead of requiring employees to work that slow period, consider adding the benefit of summer Fridays. This essentially gives your employees longer weekends, more time for themselves, and an additional reason to stay with your company. In fact, some companies use summer Fridays as a retention strategy.

Provide a complimentary lunch

Free lunch can look different depending on where you work. When I worked in an office, lunch was catered once a week. Some offices cater meals daily, and other companies provide occasional free deliveries.

Whether you’re sending an Ubereats code or treating people in person, free meals are a nice way to show your appreciation. Personally, I always preferred catered events to team-building activities, since they allowed me to try new places and socialize with my coworkers.

Pre-pandemic, 67% of employees reported being happy with their jobs when free food was offered in the office. Now that so many of us are remote, consider some ways you can continue this retention-strategy from the home office instead.

Illustrate a clear path for advancement

People like knowing there’s an upward trajectory at your company. Titles, raises, and new opportunities are important ways your company can show appreciation.

Unfortunately, it often falls on managers to advocate for their team. With this in mind, be sure to prepare your employees for the next step in their careers. Use whatever leverage you have to propel your team, and advocate for their raises and promotions. And finally, give people the types of projects they want to work on.

Include travel opportunities in the budget

When I wrote bios for a client several years ago, there was one thing everyone seemed to have in common: They all loved traveling. And your company, depending on its size, can offer that experience to its employees.

When your team creates a budget for next year, include funds that allow your employees to travel. A generous travel budget allows for on-site testimonials and industry-specific conferences. Alternatively, if you’re a business owner, consider an annual retreat where your entire team can meet and enjoy a new place together.

And remember, the quality of your employees’ travel can strongly impact their satisfaction. If you’re going to send your team somewhere, be sure to include clear expectations, nice amenities, and a realistic stipend.

Give shoutouts to your team

Some people don’t need credit for the work they’ve done, but don’t assume this of your team. It’s important to tell people, both in 1:1s and in larger meetings, that you appreciate their work. Out of all the employee appreciation ideas in this list, shoutouts are perhaps the easiest option, and they don’t cost you a thing.

Unfortunately, people often overlook hard work, or they lump entire teams together. But thanking the broader team isn’t the same as pinpointing individual work and successes. When you reinforce good behavior, you also increase its likeliness to be repeated, as well as employee engagement.

Be flexible with time off, especially during the holidays

Depending on your HR situation, time off may not be within your control. However, adequate flexible time (e.g. mental health days, sick time, unlimited PTO, etc.) is a generous way to show appreciation. Plus, 68% of employees believe flexible hours have a positive team impact, with 42% saying they’d take less pay for more flexibility.

Giving employees a week or two during the holidays can also go a long way. Many people take vacation during this time anyway, so why not save them the trouble? Allow employees to spend that time with their family and friends instead of logging unproductive hours.

Outsource superfluous work

If your team feels unappreciated, it could stem from burnout. Hiring an agency can be a great way to give your team the breathing room they need to focus on the projects they enjoy.

Agencies like ours can support teams as they complete large campaigns and rebrands. If you’re interested in our creative services, you can contact us here. And remember, your first consultation is always free.

If all else fails, ask your employees

If you’re struggling to brainstorm more employee appreciation ideas, you can always ask your team for suggestions. Most people are motivated by money, of course, but not everyone places the same value on monetary compensation.

A difficult coworker may be acting out because of dissatisfaction; a seemingly happy employee may secretly feel unappreciated. Consider talking to your team to learn what will make them feel safe, recognized, and motivated.