12 Best Employee Appreciation Ideas for the Holidays

As the year comes to a close, the holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate the people who make your company thrive. Taking the time to recognize your employees’ dedication and achievements can make the season even more special, leaving a lasting impression that carries well into the new year.

The best part about recognition? A little can go a long way. Celebrating your team can make all the difference between an engaged and motivated employee and one who feels disconnected. As the year winds down, take the time to explore meaningful ways to acknowledge and celebrate your team’s efforts. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Take Time to Reflect on Achievements from the Year

Before diving into the festivities, take a moment to reflect on the milestones your team has achieved over the past year. Whether it's a company-wide meeting or a personal note of appreciation, acknowledging the hard work and accomplishments of your employees can have a profound impact. Highlighting key successes, both big and small, reinforces a sense of pride and motivates your team as they move into the new year.

2. Give Your Employees the Gift of Choice

When it comes to holiday gifts, one size doesn’t fit all. Consider offering your employees the flexibility to select a gift of choice, ensuring that everyone receives something they truly value. Platforms like Inspirus Celebrates make this simple by providing a streamlined process where employees can select a gift within your set budget from a wide online catalog. These tools take the hassle out of holiday gifting, making it easier to give something meaningful without the stress of choosing individual gifts.

3. Send Personalized Holiday Cards

Taking the time to send personalized holiday cards can go a long way in making your employees feel appreciated. Whether handwritten or digital, a thoughtful holiday card shows that you recognize and care about each individual's contributions. You can even use a digital tool to easily send holiday cards en masse, allowing you to easily reach everyone in your organization. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in employee morale and loyalty.

4. Host End-of-Year Recognition Awards

Host a small awards ceremony to recognize your employees’ hard work throughout the year. Create fun award categories that reflect your company’s culture, such as “Most Creative Problem-Solver” or “Team Spirit Champion.” Or you can make the awards even holiday themed, depending on the formality of the occasion, with awards like “Holiday Cheer Award” or “Customer Joy Maker Award.” Presenting these awards in a festive setting adds a layer of fun and appreciation to the occasion. 

5. Give Handwritten Thank-You Notes

Don't underestimate the power of a handwritten note. A few thoughtful words can have a major impact on employees. Take the time to write personalized thank-you notes to each of your employees, expressing your gratitude for their specific contributions. You could also ask your managers and leaders to write one for member of their team. Mentioning a few key achievements or moments where they went above and beyond can make these notes even more meaningful.

6. Host a Holiday Lunch or Dinner

Treat your employees to a special holiday lunch or dinner. You can keep it informal by hosting the meal in the office, or elevate the experience by renting out a venue for an elegant, more formal event.  If gathering in person is not possible, consider sending gift cards to their favorite restaurants or organizing a virtual dining experience where everyone can share a meal together online. This ensures that your team still feels connected and appreciated, no matter where they are.

7. Send A Heartfelt Video Message from Executives or Managers

A warm and genuine video message from your company’s executives and managers can make a lasting impact. In the video, the leadership team can express their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the entire team throughout the year. Including personal anecdotes, highlights of the year’s achievements, and well-wishes for the holidays can make this message even more meaningful.

8. Provide Year-End Bonuses

If your company is in a position to do so, year-end bonuses can be an excellent way to show appreciation. These bonuses can be tied to individual performance or be given as a general token of gratitude for everyone’s hard work. Even a small bonus can go a long way in boosting morale and showing that their efforts are valued.

9. Ensure Employees Have Enough Time Off to Unwind

During the busy holiday season, it's important to offer employees the time they need to unwind and spend quality moments with their family and friends. Providing adequate time off demonstrates that you care about their well-being and understand the importance of work-life balance. Whether it’s through generous holiday leave or flexible scheduling, giving your team the chance to rest and recharge helps them return to work with renewed energy and focus, ready to tackle the new year with enthusiasm.

10.  Pass Out Festive Care Packages

Send your employees festive care packages filled with holiday treats, warm beverages, and cozy items like blankets or socks. These packages can be enjoyed at home and remind your team that you’re thinking of them during the holidays, even if they’re working remotely.

11. Organize a Team Outing

Take your team out for a team-building activity to celebrate the season together. Whether it’s an afternoon at an ice-skating rink, an escape room, an evening of bowling and drinks, or a cozy group lunch at a restaurant, spending quality time outside the office can strengthen team bonds and create lasting memories.

12. Host a Memorable Holiday Party

Bringing your team together for a holiday party is a great way to celebrate the season and show appreciation for their hard work. Whether it's a casual gathering at the office or an elegant event at a local venue, a holiday party offers employees a chance to connect, relax, and enjoy some festive fun outside of the daily work routine. Including thoughtful touches like games, prizes, or even recognizing key achievements during the event adds to the celebration’s significance, leaving your team feeling appreciated and motivated as they head into the new year.

Why Recognize Your Employees?

Employee recognition is a key driver of engagement and retention. When employees feel valued for their efforts, they are more inclined to stay engaged, loyal, and content at work.

• Employee Belonging: 34% of employees report feeling most connected at work when their unique contributions are recognized (EY).
• Employee Engagement: Recognition can boost employee engagement, productivity, and performance by 14% (Deloitte).
• Employee Retention: Recognized employees are nearly 6x more likely to stay with their current employer (Zippia).
• Employee Trust: 66% of people in highly recognized teams agreed that they trust their everyday team members (Gallup).

Despite its importance, nearly one-third of employees report they haven’t received any recognition for their work in the past year. With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time for organizations to spread some cheer, show appreciation, and ensure that every team member feels valued for their contributions. Overlooking employee recognition, especially during this time of year, is a missed opportunity to uplift, motivate, and support your workforce as they prepare for the year ahead.

Elevate Your Holiday Celebrations with Inspirus

Looking to create a meaningful holiday experience for your team? Inspirus has you covered! 

Our automated employee gifting experience provides a personalized recognition experience for your team, complete with customizable digital cards and a gift of choice, ensuring each employee feels valued. Your employees can choose from over 2,500 trusted brands, including merchandise, gift cards, and more — all while staying within your set budget.

Ready to make your team’s holiday season special? Get in touch with an Inspirus specialist today to see how a holiday gifting experience can do just that.