Employee Appreciation Day is the first Friday in March; this year, it falls on Friday, March 1, 2024. Employee Appreciation Day was started in 1995 by Dr. Bob Nelson, the author of 1,001 Ways to Reward Employees. His vision was for companies worldwide to designate one entire workday nationwide to recognize employee achievements and the excellent work and contributions they do every day to support their organizations. Many employers celebrate their employees on this day with special events, gifts, and recognition.
Employee appreciation and recognition can have a significant impact on employee motivation. Research shows that feeling appreciated increases morale, improves engagement, and reduces turnover.
Some Employee Appreciation stats:
- Employees are 20 times more likely to feel connected and stay with their employer when leaders celebrate together with employees.
- When employees feel appreciated, there is an 84% decrease in the chance they will experience burnout.
- 70% of employees say that motivation and morale improve “massively” when managers show appreciation and say thank you.
- According to a Gallup poll, employees should be recognized or praised every seven days.
- More than 60% of workers would like to see their colleagues’ good work praised more frequently by managers and leaders.
- While 82% of employees say it is important for their organization to see them as a person and not just an employee, only 45% believe their organization sees them this way.
Employee Appreciation Day should not be the only day employers show gratitude for their staff. Companies should focus on building a program of employee appreciation and recognition that promotes a positive company culture and ensures employees know their value to the organization. Every day, managers and leaders have an opportunity to appreciate their employees and teams for the work and support they bring to the business!
Sources:
- https://halo.com/employee-appreciation-day
- https://bonusly.com/post/celebrate-employee-appreciation-day
- https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/employees-seek-personal-value-and-purpose-at-work-be-prepared-to-deliver
- https://www.benefitnews.com/news/workers-willing-to-leave-a-job-if-not-praised-enough
- https://www.octanner.com/global-culture-report/2024-the-80-percent-experience