The Hidden Power of Employee Appreciation Thank You Notes

And it’s not just for friends or family: Employee appreciation thank you notes are a powerful way to foster a culture of gratitude and belonging in the workplace, creating trust, loyalty and motivation amongst your workforce. 

We all want to feel appreciated for the effort we put forth–it’s part of human nature. In fact, research shows that frequent expressions of appreciation from colleagues and managers are linked to healthier, happier and more productive teams. 

Thank you notes, though seemingly small in gesture, can create a ripple effect of positivity within an organization. Read on to learn more about the power of gratitude in the workplace and how to easily craft the perfect message of appreciation. 

The Art of Proper Employee Appreciation

Recognizing employees for their hard work and dedication can take various forms, from verbal praise and tangible rewards to gestures such as promotions or bonuses. It’s a fundamental part of any thriving organizational culture. 

Regardless of the format, there are a few best practices to keep in mind that apply to all recognition efforts including staff appreciation notes. 

Timeliness

Prompt recognition enhances the impact of the thank you note, so aim to share the note within a few days. Frequent, timely moments of recognition are more impactful than one-off big gestures. 

Authenticity

Genuine acknowledgment is key. Don’t just send a message for the sake of doing so; take the time to hone in on why what they did matters to you.

Specificity

Don’t leave them wondering what exactly you’re talking about. Highlight exactly what they did, the impact and why you appreciate it. 

Personalization

Of course, you want to use the recipient’s name but personalization goes deeper. Mention their strengths, their goals, previous challenges they’ve overcome or any other details that show you listen and care.

Crafting the Perfect Thank You Note

But how do you express praise and gratitude to an employee in a meaningful way? Following the above best practices will go a long way in writing a meaningful, impactful message to make employees feel valued. 

But what about the actual content of the message itself? Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect note. 

1. Open with context: In one or two sentences, share why you are reaching out. What sparked your appreciation? 

   For example: “In our last department meeting, I was really impressed by…” or “As we wrap up this project, I’ve been reflecting on what went well and thought of you…”

2. Be specific about what you appreciate: Share what exactly you appreciate and, most importantly, the impact it has. Don’t just focus on accomplishments or wins, highlight positive traits that you value, too. 

   For example: “You really stepped up and your [action] made a huge difference to [outcome]. I really appreciate your can-do, positive attitude.” Or “I’ve always admired your perseverance and professionalism – it really shined through recently when you [action.] You are such an addition to our team.”
   

3. Be explicit in your gratitude: Don’t be shy about spelling out your thanks!

   For example: “Thank you again, I truly appreciate having you on my team.” Or “Thank you for all you do.” Or sign off with “With thanks and appreciation, [Your name].”

This format can be used for a number of different scenarios such as achieving a specific goal, putting in extra effort, showing leadership skills, or achieving a milestone like a service anniversary. 

The Impact of Thank You Notes

Benefits for Employees 

As research shows, feeling appreciated is a huge morale booster. In fact, 80% of employees say recognition makes them feel more motivated to do their best work. 

On top of that, employees who feel appreciated experience less burnout and are more likely to stay with an organization. The right words truly can contribute to a sense of belonging and foster a positive work environment that boosts job satisfaction. 

Benefits for Employers

Reduced turnover rates and improved morale aren’t just pluses for the employees at an organization – it’s a huge win for the company as a whole!

Engaged, happy employees are more productive and do better work, ultimately contributing to a   company's long-term success and growth. The importance of employee engagement really can’t be overstated. As just one marker, organizations with high levels of employee engagement are 21 percent more profitable than organizations with low levels of engagement.

Making Thank You Notes a Habit

Consistency is key to nurturing a successful company culture of appreciation. Encourage the regular practice of sending thank you notes from managers as well as peer-to-peer by making it easy to do so. 

At Seer Interactive, for example, stacks of blank thank you cards with envelopes, pens and stamps are available next to every elevator. The ability to quickly and easily jot off a message of gratitude and appreciation is woven into daily life. 

While handwritten notes are fun to write and receive, implementing a digital tool like an employee recognition platform can also make it easy to streamline appreciation efforts, facilitating timely and meaningful acknowledgment. 

Employee appreciation thank you notes are not just a formality – they are a powerful tool that has real impact on business outcomes. Dig deeper in our ultimate guide to employee appreciation with winning strategies and insight.