Nectar HR found that “83.6% Of Employees Feel That Recognition Affects Their Motivation To Succeed At Work” Yet, finding ways to make employees feel recognized and valued can often be a challenge to employers in the hustle and bustle of their workday.
Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect opportunity for employers to truly carve out time and create a plan that makes their employees feel recognized and appreciated for all their efforts in their roles.
But how? In this article, we are going to give you practical yet unique ideas to implement into your workday on Employee Appreciation Day.
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When Is Employee Appreciation Day 2024?
Typically celebrated on the first Friday in March, Employee Appreciation Day falls on March 1st, 2024 this year.
What Is The Purpose Of Employee Appreciation Day?
Employee Appreciation Day is a time to show gratitude and acknowledge employees for their hard work. It is an opportunity to thank them and recognize their contributions. The goal of this day is to acknowledge and reward individuals for their personal and team contributions.
Why Do We Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day?
Employee Appreciation Day is a way to show respect and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of employees. Employers set aside a day to express their appreciation for their team’s commitment and achievements. This shows how important employees are for a company’s success. It emphasizes the importance of a good work environment that appreciates people’s efforts.
Companies celebrate this day to make their employees feel like they belong and boost their morale. This can result in higher productivity and job happiness. It’s not just about thanking employees; it’s about reinforcing the value of their role within the company and creating a workplace environment that is supportive and appreciative.
Is Employee Appreciation Day A Holiday?
Employee Appreciation Day is not an official public holiday. Unlike many public holidays, businesses tend to remain open on Employee Appreciation Day, and it does not entail statutory time off from work.
Ideas to Make Employee Appreciation Day in 2024 Special
Idea #1: "De-Stress Your Mind" Wellness Session
The American Institute of Stress found that 80% of workers feel stress on the job, nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress, and 42% say their coworkers need such help. This is an indicator of the need for employees to find time for a moment to step back from their workload and find a moment of tranquility amidst their busy day-to-day schedules.
This Employee Appreciation Day offers them the perfect opportunity to unwind by bringing in a “De-Stress Your Mind” Wellness Session. This session uses Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and is a unique blend of relaxation with practical takeaways your employees can bring into their lives in and out of the office.
Employee Appreciation Day can be a time to allow employees activities to step away from the chaos rather than adding to it by planning another company social event.
In Twello’s Stress Reduction session, an expert corporate mindfulness facilitator will guide your employees through two relaxing meditations and provide them with strategies they can use that go beyond conventional “self-care strategy.”
Idea #2: Host an "Achievers Spotlight Gala"
Consider hosting an ‘Achievers Spotlight Gala’ for your next Employee Appreciation Day. Based on findings from Globoforce, Employees who receive regular recognition are up to 8x more engaged.
Hosting a fun awards gala for your employees that spotlights individual and team achievements with personalized awards goes far beyond traditional appreciation.
It’s not just an evening event; it’s a commitment to recognizing your teams’ successes and celebrating their integral role in your company’s journey. This gala can impact morale and engagement, creating a better workplace culture of appreciation.
Idea #3: Chair Yoga Session
Employee Appreciation Day is so much more than the usual thank-you notes and little gifts. It’s really about creating those special moments that make your team feel genuinely valued. How about shaking things up this year and bringing in a chair yoga session? Yoga programs at work positively affect the mental condition, but most importantly, they reduce stress. It’s not your everyday office activity, and that’s exactly what makes it perfect for this day.
Allow everyone to take a short break right at their desks, stretching out, and taking a few deep breaths. This isn’t just about doing some physical stretches; it’s a chance for everyone to press pause on the daily grind, clear their minds, and just breathe. And the best part? It’s super easy and inclusive – anyone can join in, no matter their fitness level.
Idea #4: Relaxing Meditation Session
Offer your team a unique experience with a ‘Meditation 101’ session by Twello. Embrace the essence of employee appreciation day by placing a focus on well-being.
This session will give your employees a break to practice meditations with an expert facilitator but will also provide them with practical skills for a more balanced, focused, and serene work life. It’s a meaningful way to show your team they’re valued, aligning with innovative employee appreciation ideas and activities.
To make this meditation session resonate with everyone, check out some tips on how to get employees interested in group meditation.
Idea #5: A "Night Out" On The Company
When thinking of gestures that truly stand out, why not consider rewarding your employees with “night out” that is covered by the company?
Instead of the usual team-building exercises that might miss the mark or add to the stress, why not offer a gift card to a local favorite spot or a voucher for a delightful evening out, with expenses reimbursed by the company? Gestures like these are not just rewards but an acknowledgment of the personal lives and preferences of your employees, offering them a chance to unwind.
Idea #6: Personal Growth Workshops
why not take a unique approach and offer Personal Growth Workshops to your team?
Rather than the work-related training they are used to, give them a personal growth session that can help them grow in all areas of their life, aside from just in the workplace.These workshops are more than just a nod of thanks; they’re a significant investment in your employees’ overall well-being and personal enrichment.
By implementing an initiative like this, you’re showing that your concern extends beyond just the professional advancement of your employees; you’re also deeply invested in their personal growth. After all, who wouldn’t want to discover ways to become the best version of themselves? Personal development sessions like these can often be expensive for individuals to access independently. Providing these valuable resources through the workplace not only makes them more accessible but also demonstrates your commitment to the holistic well-being of your team. It’s a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges their aspirations beyond the office,
Our Most Popular Personal Growth Mindfulness Sessions:
Unleash creative prowess and innovation through mindfulness techniques tailored for the modern workplace.
Learn mindfulness tools to increase empathy, communicate effectively, and reduce conflict.
This class explores the concept of work-life balance and how to develop it mindfully.
Mindless eating can make us feel lethargic and depleted but mindful eating helps us energize and fuel our bodies.
Idea #7: Host An Office Olympics
Employers can organize an Office Olympics Day to make Employee Appreciation Day fun and special. Not only does this fun day display the team spirit and bonding amongst the employees, it can be a way of acknowledges their hard work and dedication and giving them a day full of laughs amongst each other. This day would involve planning different workplace themed games and challenges which inject some thrill in the working day!
Why not celebrate and honor your committed team members on Employee Appreciation Day, embracing the Olympic spirit? This idea is aimed to take away from the seriousness of what work can be and instead create lasting memories and a positive company culture.
Office Olympic Challenges & Ideas:
- Desk Chair Relay Race: Employees race in their office chairs, navigating through a course of cones or markers.
- Paper Plane Contest: Participants create paper airplanes and compete to see whose plane flies the farthest or hits a specific target.
- Keyboard Typing Race: A timed challenge where participants type a given paragraph to see who can finish with the fastest time and fewest errors.
- Post-it Note Art Challenge: Teams create artwork on a wall or board using only Post-it notes.
- Rubber Band Archery: Set up targets and have participants shoot rubber bands to score points.
- Office Trivia: Test knowledge about the company, its products, or general office-related trivia.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items, riddles or tasks for a scavenger hunt that participants must find or complete around the office.
Idea #8: Gratitude Journaling Session & Workshop
A “Gratitude Journaling Session & Workshop” is a great and fun idea to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. At Twello, we are believers in the power of gratitude, and our specialized session digs deep into the science behind gratitude journaling, offering your employees a special chance to learn the incredible benefits associated with it. At such an interactive and exciting workshop, your team will not only learn about the positive effects of gratitude on mental well-being but also learn how to begin and sustain a scientific journal.
What’s more, as a bonus gesture of appreciation, consider gifting each employee with a beautiful journal to kickstart their gratitude journey. This event fosters a culture of positivity, strengthens team bonds, and shows your employees that their hard work and dedication are genuinely valued. Employee Appreciation Day with Twello is an opportunity to appreciate your team’s work, while emphasizing afterwards on their growth and wellness.
Idea #9: Local Spots Food Tasting
A “Local Spots Food Tour” is the perfect way to show gratitude to your hardworking team. This unique experience is ideal for small teams, allowing for a more intimate and personalized adventure.
Tour around with your team to try the top rated foods and drinks in your area or get every team member to drop a suggestion for your food tour!
This isn’t just about enjoying great food and drinks; it’s an opportunity to explore and appreciate the local culture and community. Planning an outing like this will be the perfect opportunity to have light hearted and meaningful conversations with your team outside of the office.
Idea #10: Employee "Show & Tell"
Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with a nostalgic yet heartwarming twist by introducing an “Employee Show and Tell” segment. In this engaging activity, each team member is invited to bring an object that holds special significance to them and share its story with the group.
This unique experience not only fosters storytelling and deeper connections among team members but also rekindles the fun and excitement of a childhood tradition. As adults, we still cherish opportunities to share parts of our lives and have fun, and this activity offers just that!
It’s a chance for employees to reveal more about their personalities, interests, and life experiences outside of work. Whether it’s a hilarious anecdote, a touching memory, or a quirky hobby, the stories behind these objects are sure to generate laughter and surprise.
Idea #11: Fun Fitness Class
Bringing a fun fitness class like Twello’s “Break a Sweat BootCamp” to your team on Employee Appreciation Day can be a great idea for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a refreshing break from the daily work grind, allowing team members to unwind and recharge. Don’t worry about putting your employees through too sweaty of a workout! This particular class combines low impact pilates with yoga, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels. Bringing in this type of fitness class is great because everyone can participate.
Plus, with the option to offer this class virtually, it accommodates both in-office and remote teams. Our corporate certified facilitator will incorporate motivational songs to add a fun element to the class and make it engaging and enjoyable for your whole team! Though the class is low impact, we recommend you tell your team to bring a change of clothes from their usual just so that they are more comfortable for movement. Working out together as a group is a great way to motivate each other and increase team building. This can be relevant in the workplace as employees will be able to work together as a team and accomplish great things.
Idea #12: Fun Fitness Class
Bringing a fun fitness class like Twello’s “Break a Sweat BootCamp” to your team on Employee Appreciation Day can be a great idea for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a refreshing break from the daily work grind, allowing team members to unwind and recharge. Don’t worry about putting your employees through too sweaty of a workout! This particular class combines low impact pilates with yoga, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels. Bringing in this type of fitness class is great because everyone can participate.
Plus, with the option to offer this class virtually, it accommodates both in-office and remote teams. Our corporate certified facilitator will incorporate motivational songs to add a fun element to the class and make it engaging and enjoyable for your whole team! Though the class is low impact, we recommend you tell your team to bring a change of clothes from their usual just so that they are more comfortable for movement. Working out together as a group is a great way to motivate each other and increase team building. This can be relevant in the workplace as employees will be able to work together as a team and accomplish great things.
Idea #13: Create a Recognition Wall
Set up a recognition wall or bulletin board where employees can post notes of appreciation for their colleagues. This interactive and visually appealing initiative encourages employees to express their gratitude and recognize the efforts of their colleagues publicly. Public praise can create a positive and engaging workplace culture and motivate the entire team. It encourages individuals to support each other.
This simple yet impactful gesture can go a long way in promoting a positive and appreciative atmosphere at work and maybe this iniative can go beyond just employee appreciation day!
Some Tips For Creating A Recognition Wall:
- Have management lead by example with their appreciation notes to hopefully gain traction with other employees.
- Encourage positive, specific, and respectful messages.
- Use company-wide communication channels to promote the initiative
- Make it more visually appealing by using colour post it notes or using graphics that align with the company’s branding.
- Dedicate specific times for recognition ceremonies to celebrate contributions
Idea #14: Health & Wellness Day
There is nothing that lands with all employees like a day that is fully aimed at providing them rejuvenation, relaxation and health and wellness.
As you may have noticed from many suggestions above, though it can be fun to bring on team-building events and company outings, many employees just want some time to relax and decompress from the stress that work and the social aspects of it often bring. On this special day, you could provide an array of services and resources that help your employees rejuvenate their bodies and minds and truly bring them a sense of calm. Through various wellness sessions, activities, and thoughtful amenities, this day can empower your employees to prioritize their health and find moments of tranquility.
Things You Can Offer At Your Health & Wellness Day:
Massage Therapy: Bring in a certified massage expert to offer relaxing massages in a private room, allowing employees to unwind and relieve tension.
Yoga Sessions: Provide both chair yoga and mat yoga sessions, allowing employees to participate at their convenience and improve their physical and mental well-being.
Healthy Snack Bar: Set up a smoothie and snack bar stocked with nutritious options to keep employees energized and fueled throughout the day.
Wellbeing Workshops: Offer wellbeing sessions on topics such as mindfulness, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices to empower employees with valuable knowledge.
Wellness Fair: Set up a wellness fair featuring local health and wellness vendors, providing employees with access to various resources and services. If your company has the means to do it, you could add a small voucher for each employee to redeem at one of the booths.
Healthy Catered Meals: Offer healthy catered meals for breakfast and lunch to ensure employees have nutritious options during the day.
Giveaways and Prizes: Provide wellness-related giveaways and prizes to incentivize participation and reward employees for their commitment to health and wellness.
Idea #15: Bring In A Comedy Hypnotist
Surprise your employees with a hilarious hypnotic comedy show performed by a professional hypnotist. This interactive and humorous experience will not only provide a well-deserved break from work but also create lasting memories and lots of laughter with your employees.
We recommend making sure you have a close-knit group of emloyees that are quite comfortable with eachother before bringing in a hypotist as it can bring some people out of their comfort-zone. It also is a good idea to set boundaries off the bat with the hypnotist too make sure they don’t cross any lines that you don’t feel are appropriate amongst employees.
Volunteers from the audience can participate in the show and I promise it will make for a day of laughter and entertainment that your team will not forget.
Idea #16: Casino Day (Non-Money Edition)
This idea is sure to be unique and get employees excited! Introduce a ‘Casino Day’ where employees can use fake money or tokens to play popular casino games which are redeemable for prizes. You can get fun with the design and decorative elements of this event and host a variety of casino games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and more, all played with fun tokens or play money. Employees can try their luck and showcase their gaming skills in a friendly and non-gambling atmosphere. With a prize redemption system in place, winnings can be exchanged for rewards like prizes or gift cards to local spots, making it a high-stakes day of fun and appreciation.
How to Set Up "Makeshift" Casino Games In Your Office:
Blackjack: Use a standard deck of cards. Assign a dealer who can manage the game. Provide play money or tokens, and use a designated area for the game.
Roulette: Create a makeshift roulette wheel using a large spinning board with numbered slots or a digital roulette wheel on a screen. Participants can place bets using play money on the numbers or colors.
Poker: Play poker games like Texas Hold’em with a standard deck of cards. Designate a dealer, and use chips. Participants can gather around a regular table.
Slot Machines: Create mock slot machines or use free slot machine digital versions on your computer and hook them up to a larger display.
Craps: Use dice and a layout mat to simulate a craps table. Participants can take turns being the shooter, and others can place bets using play money.
Wheel of Fortune: Craft a spinning wheel with various sections, each representing a prize or challenge. Participants can spin the wheel using a makeshift spinner or a digital app.
Bingo: Distribute bingo cards and markers to participants. Appoint a host who calls out numbers. Participants can win prizes based on bingo patterns.
Idea #17: Guided Sound Bath Meditation
How about bringing a guided sound bath meditation in for your employees featuring singing bowls! These sessions can be very relaxing for everyone and really let the stress and pressure of a regular day be released. It’s like a spa day right at your desk!
This unique experience is not just about listening; it’s about feeling the stress melt away making it an unmissable activity for your team.
Idea #18: Coffee Tasting
Who doesn’t love some caffeine to get them through the day?
We recommend sending a pole out to your employees to make sure this event will be well received by all employees, including those who aren’t avid coffee drinkers.
If this event is something your team is interested in, host a virtual coffee tasting workshop where a coffee professional will discuss how coffee is grown and processed, about its history and origins and guide your team through a variety of coffee flavours!
If you are wanting to hold a coffee tasting event onsite, see if there is a local coffee provider who would be willing to come into your company and host a tasting event for your team! This can be a fun experience for employees and will leave them buzzing with some caffeinated energy to get back to their work day.
Idea #19: Board Game Day
Another activity that could be fun and easy to arranged by is a board game day. This can bring out some friendly competition and bonding amongst colleagues.
Employers could encourage getting employees to bring their favorite board game to share with everyone. To accommodate a large group, multiple game stations may be set up, each with a different board game. Teams can then be formed and each person from a team can cycle through the designated games! At the end of the day, a team which ends up winning the most points can be rewarded with some kind of prize so that this can make it rather memorable and enjoyable in showing up for game day.
Idea #20: A Day Off!
Now, I know this isn’t necessarily an “activity” or an option that would work for every company but lets be honest, do you think your employees would choose options above or would they simply just enjoy a paid day off if it was offered to them?
If your company has the ability to step out of the office for the day, get your employees to set up out of office emails and give them a gift they really will appreciate more than anything. Raconteur found that time off incentives can boost productivity, so this could potentially be a win-win situation for you and them!
