Employee Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to show gratitude to your hardworking team. Thoughtful recognition not only boosts morale but also strengthens company culture and enhances employee engagement. VistaPrint’s recent survey of 800 U.S. workers revealed key trends in employee appreciation and consistent recognition throughout the year.
Recognition shouldn’t stop on Employee Appreciation Day. Consistently recognizing employees’ contributions throughout the year can lead to improved retention, greater job satisfaction, and a stronger overall team dynamic. Make your Employee Appreciation Day—and beyond—truly memorable.
Welcome Packages for New Hires
A strong sense of belonging starts on day one. Welcome new employees with thoughtful onboarding packages that include personalized essentials such as engraved pens or custom notebooks. Not only do these gifts create a warm introduction to your company, but they also instill pride in their new roles. By making new hires feel appreciated from the moment they join, you set the tone for a positive and inclusive company culture.
Consider adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note from leadership. This small but meaningful gesture shows that you value their presence and are invested in their success. In fact, a well-crafted welcome package can significantly improve employee retention by making new hires feel recognized, supported, and excited about their roles. These gestures go beyond a single event and lay the foundation for a long-term connection to the company.
Celebrate Milestones
Work anniversaries and major achievements deserve special recognition. Recognizing employee dedication fosters long-term loyalty and demonstrates that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Taking the time to acknowledge milestones in front of the team can go a long way in boosting an individual’s sense of accomplishment. By regularly celebrating milestones, you create a culture where long-term contributions are recognized, fostering loyalty and motivating employees to stay with the company for the long haul.
When employees feel that their years of service are appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged, supporting retention and improving team cohesion.
Host an Appreciation Event
Take Employee Appreciation Day to the next level by hosting celebratory events. Whether it’s a catered lunch, a virtual happy hour, or a team-building outing, the experience will make a lasting impression.
Hosting an appreciation event provides the perfect opportunity to engage with your team in a more personal and relaxed setting. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude, share successes, and build relationships. When employees feel appreciated and valued during an event, they are more likely to take that positive energy back to their daily work.
A well-executed appreciation event can also foster a sense of pride in the company and strengthen employee engagement. The memory of the event can continue to motivate employees long after the day is over.
Bringing It All Together
Vista’s research highlights that feeling valued at work increases engagement and motivation, making Employee Appreciation Day the perfect time to express gratitude. However, consistent recognition throughout the year has a lasting impact on employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity.
Thoughtful gestures can go a long way in fostering a positive workplace culture. When combined with consistent recognition practices—such as celebrating milestones and hosting team events—small businesses can build a culture of appreciation that leads to happier, more productive teams.
Erin Shea is the Senior Director of North America Marketing at VistaPrint. VistaPrint helps small business owners and entrepreneurs create custom designs and professional marketing.
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