How to Thank Employees on Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day is a golden opportunity for organizations to express gratitude to their teams for their hard work and dedication. Recognizing employees' contributions fosters a positive work culture, boosts morale and strengthens loyalty. 

Despite the many benefits of consistent recognition, employers still struggle in their strategies to appreciate and elevate their employees. Thankfully, Employee Appreciation Day can serve as a catalyst for a year-long recognition strategy that will keep employees happy and engaged.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to make the most of Employee Appreciation Day by understanding its significance, sharing creative ways to thank employees and highlighting tools like recognition and engagement platforms that make expressing appreciation easier and more impactful.

What is Employee Appreciation Day? 

Employee Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the first Friday of March, is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating employees for their efforts. Originating in the United States, this unofficial holiday has become a staple for organizations worldwide to demonstrate their gratitude. 

Taking the time to appreciate employees is not just about creating a feel-good moment — it’s an essential strategy for cultivating a motivated, engaged workforce. When organizations genuinely value their employees, they see positive impacts on productivity, retention and overall workplace satisfaction. Learn more about the history and importance of Employee Appreciation Day here. 

Practical Examples and Ideas to Thank Employees on Employee Appreciation Day

Whether you’re planning for a small team or a large organization, there are plenty of ways to make Employee Appreciation Day special. However, it is important to always remember that the most important aspect for any recognition is to always remain genuine and considerate, as run of the mill and thoughtless recognition can actually have a negative impact.  For example, lack of proper recognition is a major factor in employee turnover, with 44% of workers changing jobs due to insufficient acknowledgment of their efforts. 

To ensure a meaningful and positive recognition experience, here are some thoughtful ways to show appreciation to your employees on Employee Appreciation Day.  

1. Host a Special Event

Bring the team together by organizing a memorable event, such as a team lunch, breakfast or happy hour. For virtual teams, consider hosting engaging online activities like trivia games, virtual cooking classes or yoga sessions. These events create opportunities for connection and celebration, no matter where your employees are located.

Pro tip: Keep it during work hours so everyone can join the fun without worrying about juggling family or after-hours commitments!

2. Personal Notes of Appreciation

A simple handwritten or digital thank-you note from leadership can have a profound impact. Taking the time to personalize the message and highlight specific contributions shows employees that their efforts are truly noticed and valued. 

3. Offer Extra Time Off

Give your employees the gift of time with an early release day, an extra PTO day, or a flexible work schedule. This not only shows your gratitude but also gives employees the chance to recharge and spend time on what matters most to them.

4. Professional Development Opportunities

Demonstrate your investment in employees’ futures by providing access to workshops conferences, or training programs. Opportunities for professional growth show your commitment to their development and help them build valuable skills for their careers.

5. Surprise Treats

Delight your team with a thoughtful treat, such as coffee, donuts or snacks delivered to the office. For remote employees, a surprise e-gift card to their favorite coffee shop or restaurant is a great way to show appreciation and ensure everyone feels included, no matter where they work.

Sample Messages to Say Thank You 

Sometimes, the right words can make all the difference. A genuine and simple “thank you” with a custom message can go a long way. Here are a few sample messages to inspire your Employee Appreciation Day communications: 

• To the Entire Team: “Thank you for your hard work, dedication and teamwork. Each of you brings something unique to the table, and together, you make our organization thrive. Your commitment to excellence and collaboration inspires us every day. We’re truly grateful for each of you and all that you do to drive our success!”
• For Outstanding Performance: “Your exceptional efforts and commitment have not gone unnoticed. The passion, energy and determination you bring to your work are truly inspiring. Thank you for consistently going above and beyond to achieve outstanding results and make such a positive impact. You’re an invaluable part of this team!”
• For Remote Teams: “[Name], your contributions make a tremendous impact on our organization. Your dedication, focus and hard work are key to our success, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your efforts. Thank you for staying so engaged, connected and committed — no matter where you are!”
• For Behind-the-Scenes Efforts: “Today is all about celebrating YOU on Employee Appreciation Day. I know a lot of what you do happens behind the scenes, but trust me — we see it, and we appreciate it more than words can say. Thank you for being the glue that holds everything together!”
• For Creative Problem-Solving: “Happy Employee Appreciation Day! I just want to say how much we value your creativity and the way you tackle challenges with fresh ideas. You’re always finding new ways to make things better, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
• For Going Above and Beyond: “Happy Employee Appreciation Day! I want to give a special shoutout for all the times you’ve gone above and beyond. Your efforts don’t just get the job done — they make it better for everyone around you. We’re so lucky to have you!”

For more inspiration, check out this list of 50 meaningful employee appreciation messages. 

Employee Appreciation Day Gift Ideas 

Pairing heartfelt messages with thoughtful gifts adds a personal and tangible touch to your appreciation. Generic gifts are no longer seen as meaningful. Today’s employees value gifts that are practical and tailored to their interests. 

Here are some crowd-favorite ideas to inspire your gifting:

• Customized Merchandise: Branded mugs, apparel or journals.
• Wellness Packages: Fitness trackers, spa kits or subscription boxes.
• Tech Gadgets: Wireless earbuds, portable chargers or smart devices.
• Gift Cards: Always a popular option, allowing employees to choose their reward.
• Experience Gifts: Event tickets, cooking classes or travel vouchers. 

Give a Gift of Choice 

One of the most meaningful ways to thank employees is by giving them the freedom to choose their own rewards. Recognition and engagement platforms, like Inspirus, provide access to a global marketplace where employees can select gifts that resonate with them. From electronics and home goods to experiential rewards, these platforms ensure that every employee feels valued in a personalized way. 

Looking to give a gift of choice to your employees? Check out Inspirus’ Employee Appreciation Day program to give your employees a tailored appreciation experience. With over 100 million rewards to explore and 2,500+ trusted brands to pick from, your employees can find something that’s just right for them. Best of all, it’s always on budget – ensuring a fun, tailored experience for everyone. 

Learn more about how Inspirus' employee rewards marketplace empowers employees to choose what matters most to them. 

How Employee Recognition and Engagement Software Makes it Easier to Celebrate Employees 

A common pain point we hear about developing an effective recognition strategy is the time and effort required for implementation and ongoing management. Fortunately, HR leaders and program administrators no longer have to manually handle tasks like purchasing cards or gifts. Modern tools have simplified the process, enabling HR leaders and program administrators to automate rewards and deliver personalized recognition experiences at scale.

Employee recognition and engagement platforms are a prime example of these tools. They empower organizations to create fully streamlined strategies that not only keep employees engaged and motivated but also drive measurable business results. 

These platforms make the process of showing appreciation easier by:

• Centralizing Recognition Efforts: Empower managers and peers to send recognition messages and points seamlessly.
• Customizing Recognition: Tailor rewards and messages to align with employee preferences and key moments in their employee journey.
• Promoting a Culture of Gratitude: A public activity feed that showcases all recognition, which helps make appreciation a continuous part of workplace interactions.
• Tracking Impact: Employee recognition and engagement analytics deliver valuable data and insights to measure the success of your recognition initiatives.

Tools like Inspirus’ employee recognition platform makes celebrating Employee Appreciation Day — and every day — effortless. Explore more about how these tools can transform your workplace.

Conclusion 

Employee Appreciation Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and recognition in the workplace. It’s not just about a single day of celebration — it’s an opportunity to strengthen connections, boost morale and show your team how much they matter. By combining thoughtful gestures, personalized messages, meaningful gifts and innovative technology, you can create a lasting impact that resonates with your team. 

Make Employee Appreciation Day memorable by taking the time to show your employees they are seen, valued and appreciated. Whether through simple thank-you notes, curated events or leveraging tools like Inspirus' recognition and engagement platform, every effort contributes to a happier, more engaged workforce.  

For more Employee Appreciation Day Resources, check out our Employee Appreciation Day Hub.