National Employee Appreciation Day Celebrations Your Team Will Love

National Employee Appreciation Day falls on the first Friday of every March and is a chance for companies to demonstrate how much they value their teams. Employee Appreciation Day is often marked by social media posts thanking employees, inspirational posts on Instagram, and a cake or donuts in the staff room, but your employees deserve better than this. With a little planning and some employee appreciation recognition ideas, you can demonstrate how much you respect and appreciate your staff’s contributions to company success. 

What Is National Employee Appreciation Day?

Employee Appreciation Day was created by Bob Nelson, a founding board member of Recognition Professionals International. Over the last 25 years, the unofficial holiday has become a tradition in US companies, which often put aside the entire day for activities that recognize and reward employees. The holiday aims to improve employee satisfaction and happiness, positively influencing morale, retention, and recruitment. 

Ideas for Employee Appreciation Day 2022

National appreciation days for employees only come once a year, so make sure you make the most of them. Below are some ideas for Employee Appreciation Day 2022:

Public and Private Recognition

Employees value it when their bosses recognize their achievements, and what better day to recognize milestones than National Employee Appreciation Day? Use meetings, social media platforms, and virtual work environments to praise employees for their hard work. Don’t just focus on work-related achievements: if Dennis in Accounting just got married or Beth in IT earned a black belt in karate, honor their off-hours achievements.

In addition to public recognition, take the time to write thank-you cards to staff, with a few notes on what you appreciate about them. A simple handwritten card can have a significant effect when the message's sincere.

Remember to recognize your remote workers as well. Virtual employee recognition ideas can range from congratulating them on Zoom meetings to arranging lunches where virtual and in-office staff have the opportunity to mingle. 

Team Building Exercises

Take the opportunity of Employee Appreciation Day to strengthen the bonds between your team. Play Two Truths and a Lie to get to know each other, work together on an employee-chosen community project, or arrange for a day of laser tag. What you do as a group doesn’t matter as much as ensuring you all have fun and learn a little about each other.

Guest Speakers

Bring in guest speakers to share their knowledge with your employees. Guest speakers can be industry experts, motivational speakers, or wellness experts. No matter what topic they cover, the information quest speakers share should be relevant to your employees and actionable. 

Take a Field Trip

Paid time off is always an excellent gift for employees, so shut down the office for the day, gather everyone together, and go on a field trip. Visit the local zoo, museum, or local park. See a concert, take a river cruise, or go to a ballgame together. 

Employee Appreciation Day 2022 Gift Ideas 

Gifts are often part of National Employee Appreciation Day. Rather than give out one-size-fits-all gifts this year, show how much you know about your employees with personalized gift boxes. Employees will appreciate that you took the time to tailor their gifts to their personal preferences.  Here are some ideas for custom gift boxes for Employee Appreciation Day 2022:

Remote and Hybrid Work Tech Box

With remote and hybrid work going mainstream, it’s essential to recognize your virtual employees. Start with a commute-friendly Squadron Pack by OGIO and fill it with tech for your employee’s work office, such as:

• The Tangelo TrueView 2.0 HD 1080P Webcam
• The Anker® PowerWave 7.5W Stand Qi Wireless Charger
• The Peeky Webcam Cover
• The Auburn Tri Fold Wireless Desk Pad

Complete the gift set with a cozy Unisex Crosswind Quarter Zip Sweatshirt by Charles River for home office comfort and a  14 oz Ceramic Cork Bottom Mug for their favorite hot drink. 

Exercise Enthusiasts

For the fitness fanatics on your team, pick up a Big Dome Duffel Bag by OGIO and fill it with gifts they’ll use at the gym, including a Sport T-Shirt or Women's Sport T-Shirt by Adidas and a smart Smart Fitness Tracker. Add a 28 Oz. On The Go Tritan Bottle to help them stay hydrated, and you’ve got a gift they’re sure to appreciate!

Spa Day Sets

Not all National Employee Appreciation Day gift ideas need to focus on work or intense activity. Sometimes your employees just want to relax. Give the gift of a spa day with a Canvas Resort Tote by Authentic Pigment and fill it with a Luxury Robe, Miasma Cotton Full Bath Towel Set, and Feel-Good 7-Piece Spa Kit.

Need more ideas for Employee Appreciation Day? Check out Triple Crown Products for thousands of promotional gifts you can customize with your logo.