By: Kim Adamson
The concept of employee appreciation is not new. It has roots in the broader labor movement, which has long advocated for fair treatment and recognition of employers. The American labor movement, for example, dates back to the 18th century, when artisans began organizing to protect their wages and working conditions. This movement has led to the establishment of labor laws and protections that benefit today’s employees.
National Employee Appreciation Day is the first Friday in March. National Employee Appreciation Day was started in 1995 by Dr. Bob Nelson. His vision was for companies nationwide to designate one entire workday to recognize the achievements, and the excellent work and contributions employees accomplish every day to support their organizations. “Dr. Bob” is the author of 1,001 Ways to Reward Employees, which was updated in April 2012 to 1,501 Ways to Reward Employees, which was adapted to meet the needs of evolving workplaces, including virtual employees. The book is known as the “rewards bible” and includes 1,501 low-cost and no-cost rewards and strategies to appreciate and recognize employees. Many employers celebrate with their employees on this day with special events, gifts, and recognition. Some examples to celebrate employees are:
- Free Food HR and company leaders know that the way to an employee’s heart is through food! Doughnuts, bagels, coffee, tea, and juice are great in the morning. Pizza, taco bar, or a sandwich and salad buffet are excellent lunch ideas. A smorgasbord of healthy fruits and snacks works perfectly for gathering employees in the afternoon.
- Happy Hour Consider a Happy Hour at the company’s expense. Even better is to close the office early so employees can attend!
- Close the Office Early with Pay A surprise email that the company is closing the office and employees will be paid as usual will go a long way.
- Gift Cards Gift cards are an easy and quick way of saying “thank you” to your employees (and can be obtained at the last minute if someone forgot it is Employee Appreciation Day!).
- Wellness-Focused Ideas such as virtual fitness, meditation, or healthy cooking classes that employees can participate in as a team or individually at their leisure.
- Mindful Breaks Incorporate mindful breaks into the workday, where employees can take a few minutes to stretch, breathe, and reset. Use reminders or apps to prompt these breaks.
- Personal Note Send your employees a personal note to let them know you appreciate them and that they are doing a great job. Email or text is great, but a note on special stationery or a card is best.
Employee Appreciation Day is a valuable opportunity for employers to show their gratitude and foster a culture of recognition within their organizations. While celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is a great idea, it’s important to understand that employers should not limit employee appreciation to just one day. Every day is an opportunity for leaders and managers to show gratitude and appreciation to their employees and teams for the work and support they bring to the business! Research shows that employee appreciation and recognition have a significant impact on employee motivation, such as increased morale, improved engagement, stronger team connections, higher retention, and lower turnover. By taking the time to appreciate employees, employers promote a positive company culture and create a more motivated and dedicated workforce, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.
Sources:
- com/employee-appreciation-day
- com/national-employee-appreciation-day
- com/celebrate-employee-appreciation-day.
- com/7-last-minute-ideas-for-national-employee-appreciation-day
- com/25-low-cost-ways-to-reward-employees