Workman Publishing founded National Employee Appreciation Day in 1995 to remind managers that solid employer-employee relations are at the heart of any truly successful firm. Having a positive relationship with your employees is a vital component of being a manager, and recognizing and acknowledging their achievements may go a long way toward making staff feel appreciated. On National Employee Appreciation Day, spend some time connecting with your colleagues, offering genuine compliments, and listening to their stories. Give your staff a portion of the day off if possible, or reward them with a special lunch or group activity.
When Is Employee Appreciation Week/Day?
Employee Appreciation Day is always observed on the first Friday of March in the United States. The first Friday in March 2024 will be designated as Employee Appreciation Day. (It will fall on Friday, March 3rd, 2023.)
It is never too soon to begin planning! To get the most out of Employee Appreciation Day, you must do more than simply say “thank you.” You must endeavor to make employees realize why you appreciate them by tying their efforts to your company’s mission.
As a result, focusing on your company’s objective and culture is an excellent location to begin the planning process. Begin by asking the following questions:
- What acts have the most impact on your mission?
- What characteristics are ideal for your company culture?
Keep those questions in mind as you begin to compile a log of specific acts and examples of people contributing to your purpose or representing your corporate culture. You’ll have lots of precise, heartfelt things to thank everyone for in your cards or speeches when Employee Appreciation Day arrives.
History of National Employee Appreciation Day
Wage labor, as the foundation of the capitalist economic system, can be a mutually beneficial relationship between employer and employee. However, far too often, employees feel exploited, underpaid, or simply unappreciated by their superiors or bosses. Employer-employee relationships that are strong and trusting can go a long way toward guaranteeing a company’s long-term success and sustaining a satisfied and loyal team.
The beginnings of the American labor movement may be traced back to the early years of the republic when craftspeople came together to maintain pay levels. The first strike in the United States occurred in 1768 when New York tailors refused to accept salary cuts. Following that, American artisans began to form guilds and unions to preserve their various trades’ wages and benefits. The birth of American trade unionism.
Most American workers now have fundamental labor protections such as an eight-hour workweek, minimum wage regulations, and overtime pay. Many employers recognize the value of strong employee relations and the positive impact of happy staff, but labor organizations continue to fight for those workers who are still subjected to abuse and exploitation. Workers in agribusiness, garment manufacturing, factory farming, and other low-wage industries endure poor pay, high injury rates, and exploitative practices.
Why Should I Be Concerned About Employee Appreciation Day For My Company’s Employees?
This should not be difficult! The first part of human resource management is to remember that you are managing people. And you know what humans require in addition to fundamental survival resources: appreciation, acknowledgment, and affirmation!
Employees are likely to be happier and 13% more productive when they feel appreciated.
Do you still have doubts about whether or not your organization should observe Employee Appreciation Day? Here are some compelling reasons why you should!
- Mood Enhancement: Appreciation makes anyone feel good, and what could be better than having happy personnel in your organization?
- Increased retention: The happier your employees are, the more likely they are to stay in their current position.
- Strong culture: Consider employee appreciation day as a way to promote a healthier work culture in your organization.
- Better vibes: The better the vibes in your company, the better the talent you will recruit.
- Higher productivity: When you acknowledge your staff, they will be inspired to do better and strive to outperform their previous successes. Appreciation has underappreciated dopamine consequences.
- Inspiring Employees: When employees witness their colleagues being acknowledged, they are inspired to learn and receive that same appreciation for themselves.
- Manage Events: Are you the type of person who enjoys event management? Employee appreciation day is a terrific chance to hone your event management skills!
- Gift of Gratitude: It’s always a good idea to give back, and this is especially true when you express your gratitude to your team. They work tirelessly to ensure the success of your team and organization. As a result, it is only fair that you recognize their efforts. Furthermore, appreciation makes you happier. It’s not just about your staff. It also pertains to you!
While these are some fantastic reasons to celebrate employee appreciation day at your firm, you need not wait for a special day to show your appreciation for your coworkers. Every time you notice someone on your team doing something commendable, make it a habit to show appreciation!
30 National Employee Appreciation Day Celebration Ideas
#1. Employee Recognition Ceremony
There can’t be a better method to show employees how important they are than by rewarding them for their outstanding performance. Employees are pleased when their efforts are recognized in front of their peers. It boosts their mood and gives them a long-term sense of job satisfaction.
Furthermore, all of your other employees are inspired by their colleagues who have been recognized. You can also aim to make your corporate award ceremony more entertaining by using some amusing employee award titles.
#2. Social Media Mentions
Everyone is on social media these days, owing to its hyper-engaging features that allow users to share their happy moments with others. Giving a social media shoutout to all of your staff is one thing you can do. It is also an additional method of recognizing your staff in front of a large crowd.
Furthermore, it improves the company’s brand image, which is an important aspect in attracting the top individuals to join your team.
#3. Organizing Raffles
You may also make your employees enthusiastic about this day by holding raffles. You can give your staff whatever you want to make them happy, depending on your preferences. Also, you may make it more enjoyable by keeping various surprises available and making it more interesting.
#4. Take them out for a team lunch.
Someone correctly stated- “Take someone out to eat if you want to make them happy”.
Similarly, you might treat your employees to a team lunch on this day of appreciation. Going out for team lunch is a terrific approach to strengthening workplace bonds. You may make these lunch gatherings even more enjoyable by incorporating some team-building activities.
You can also include team happy hours if you want to spice up the celebration.
#5. Gift Card Distribution
Allowing your employees to choose their own awards is another fantastic method to show them how valuable they are. Here, you may provide your employees with a variety of various gift cards to them to purchase the rewards they prefer. Using an employee benefits platform is one of the simplest methods to accomplish this. Employers can use such a platform to offer profitable bonuses to their employees while being completely flexible.
#6. Give them a memorable experience.
Employees frequently miss out on a lot of things going on during the hectic day. Most working people rarely have any quality time for themselves. And as a result, they miss out on many opportunities and experiences. As a result, on this employee appreciation day, you can undoubtedly provide your staff with a very engaging experience.
It might be anything from baking or cooking classes to hiking in the hills or going fishing together. Your employees will remember these moments fondly and be pleased with their jobs.
#7. Playing Team Sports
Sports and games have always been a motivator for instilling sportsmanship in people. You can also commemorate employee appreciation day by hosting a variety of team games. Such workplace events remind everyone of the significance of teamwork and encourage employee engagement.
#8. Volunteering should be encouraged.
Giving back to society is an essential part of our lives, regardless of who we are or what we do. It not only represents the volunteer’s humility, but it also promotes a positive message. And, as an employer, you should take on the task of instilling a volunteer spirit in your staff.
As a result, you might organize a volunteer drive engaging your employees to show your appreciation and raise awareness about numerous issues.
#9. Proceed with the Company Swags.
When it comes to cheering up your staff, giving them business stuff is always a good idea. Similarly, to commemorate the next appreciation day, you might offer personalized corporate stuff to your employees.
#10. Track Health Issues in the Workplace
Keeping track of your health is essential in today’s world if you want to stay fit and active. As a result, adhering to healthy behaviors in the midst of a hectic schedule becomes critical. In order to encourage your staff to adopt a healthy lifestyle, you might organize in-house health challenges. Such ads urge employees to be active and have an active and healthy lifestyle.
A reminder to all employers: make it a point to incentivize their employees who accomplish such activities. This would encourage everyone to participate in huge numbers and is an excellent opportunity to improve the employee experience.
#11. Going on a School Trip
This is definitely the most entertaining idea I have for you to conduct with your staff on National Employee Appreciation Day 2024.
You can plan a day trip to somewhere you imagine your staff would enjoy. Make certain that it is a learning opportunity for your personnel. However, if you are considering anything similar, please adhere to all of the COVID-19 applicable rules established by the authorities.
#12. Bring the Dessert Buffet
This appreciation day 2024, you can undoubtedly add sweetness to your workplace celebrations by arranging a dessert bar for all. You can even let them take as much as they like back home to share with their loved ones to make it even more memorable.
#13. Express Yourself
The moment we are living in is fraught with uncertainty, and it has affected all of our lives in some manner. Your staff will also have a lot on their minds that they may not share. So, you could also schedule an Open Mic session for everyone to voice their feelings and brighten their mood.
#14. Meditation Session
In addition to assisting your employees in freeing up their brains in the preceding point, you can supplement it by organizing a meditation session. As a result, your staff will have an entire holistic mental serenity, which is critical in today’s competitive climate.
#15. Self-Care Packet
This National Employee Appreciation 2024, consider giving your staff a self-care kit. You might offer numerous personal sanitization kits as well as other facilities that you believe would appeal to your staff.
#16. Excellent Parking
If you reserve the best parking spots in your business for the upper management, you can make those locations available to your other employees to commemorate the occasion and make them feel special.
#17. Allow them to be the week’s educators.
You may make the entire week leading up to Employee Appreciation Day more memorable by allowing your senior employees to share their knowledge with the new staff. Finally, on the big event day, you can honor their accomplishments with a grand award ceremony.
#18. Handwritten thank you letters
Even in an age where emails and text messages may bring us much closer with a few clicks, receiving a handwritten letter still makes us happy. So, if you’re prepared to put in the extra effort, write down your opinions to share with your team members.
#19. Bring in the Ice Cream Truck
When it comes to ice cream, we always have a soft spot in our hearts. Then simply say, “Ice cream on the house,” and the ice cream truck will arrive to please your employees with some delicious treats.
#20. E-Learning Platform Access
With increased competition in the corporate world, it is critical to upskill and reskill your existing employees. Furthermore, employees now prioritize being a member of an organization where learning and development is an intrinsic elements of the company culture.
So, to meet their need to stay up to date on the latest knowledge while also giving your company a competitive edge, you can provide your staff with easy access to E-Learning platforms.
#21. Uber Ride Credits for the Week
If the majority of your employees must travel a significant distance to work, giving them Uber trip credits or other similar services for the week could be another meaningful approach to commemorate National Employee Appreciation Day.
#22. Pitch and Profit
Your staff may be stifling the next big idea, and it’s up to you to motivate them to make it work for both of you. By conducting Pitch and Earn workshops throughout the week, you can incorporate them into your employee appreciation day events.
On the main day, you can thank everyone who took part in it and award the finest ideas.
#23. Employees should be highlighted on the company website.
If your team is tiny, say less than 100 people, you can also plan to build an employee appreciation section on your company website. This will not only give your staff the credit they deserve, but it will also highlight your company’s people-first culture.
#24. Improve their Tools and Resources
Everyone wants to work with cutting-edge technology and approaches at work that function as catalysts for increased productivity. If your staff is still using old equipment, you can upgrade it and give it to them on the approaching appreciation day.
#25. Additional Off Days
Off days from work are always a blessing for employees. To assist your office personnel in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, credit additional day-offs in their leave quota this appreciation day 2024.
#26. Pet Days Out.
If the majority of your team members have pets, you can allow them to bring them to work on this employee appreciation day. You can even arrange for a free pet check-up camp to demonstrate your concern for your employees’ satisfaction.
#27. Amusement Park Visit
Continuing with the ideas for celebrating employee appreciation day, you might take your staff to an amusement park where they can be themselves and have a great time. However, remember to follow the local COVID-19 rules and regulations.
#28. Organize a Concert
Hosting a performance with some talented musicians will be the icing on the cake for your employee appreciation day celebrations. Don’t forget to add your own staff who can sing and play instruments, and get them all together to rock out on stage.
#29. Movie Day
Make it a half-day at work on Friday, March 4th, and treat your staff to some amusement by taking them to the movies. You can even film it in your workplace if you have a good projection system and a screen, as well as endless popcorn.
#30. Make a Classic Wall of Fame
If you don’t already have a Classic Wall of Fame, the approaching employee appreciation day would be the ideal time to install one. This would be an excellent addition to your employee recognition program, and it will undoubtedly improve the employee experience because their achievements are now publicly acknowledged.
Every Day Should be Employee Appreciation Day.
While celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is a wonderful idea, employers should not confine employee appreciation to just one day. Employee Appreciation Day should be celebrated every day.
Start thinking about developing an employee recognition program if you haven’t already. Through recognition, these initiatives can help your team develop a happy, fulfilled, and driven culture. Using employee appreciation software like Bonusly makes it simple to acknowledge your workers and reap the advantages all year long.
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