How to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day the Right Way

Chris Freitas • 18 January 2024

Employee Appreciation Day is a fantastic opportunity for employers to show gratitude and recognition to their hardworking teams. It's essential for companies to explore creative ways to celebrate and express appreciation. In this blog, we'll discuss the significance of Employee Appreciation Day and provide unique ideas to make your employees feel valued.  


 

Why Employee Appreciation Day Matters 

Employee Appreciation Day, celebrated on the first Friday of March, offers a dedicated moment to recognize and celebrate employees' contributions. Research indicates that expressing appreciation positively impacts morale, engagement, and reduces turnover. Moreover, it boosts oxytocin levels, fostering social bonds within the workplace. 


 

How to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day the Right Way 

From surprising your team with employee appreciation gifts to handwriting employee appreciation cards to providing a free floating holiday for employees, there are dozens of effective ways to show your team that you care. Let’s dive into a few of these methods of celebrating Employee Appreciation Day: 



  • Gift Bags: Create personalized employee appreciation gift bags with company-branded items, treats, and gift cards to show your appreciation. Don't forget to include personalized employee appreciation cards to make the day even more special.  


  • Get Creative: Schedule creative workshops on painting, cooking, or other hobbies to provide a fun, creative outlet for your team. This can help your employees feel more engaged with their workplace, and they could also walk away from the event with a new skill! 


  • Provide a Lunch Experience: Cater a special lunch for employees to make the day a little more exciting. You could also offer post-lunch activities such as walking tours of the local area, if you feel like getting out of the office. Consider asking your employees which of these they would prefer. 


  • Throw a Team Happy Hour: Host a relaxed happy hour at a local restaurant or pub, with alternatives for non-drinkers. This can help your team connect in a casual environment. 


  • Take a Field Trip: Organize a field trip to local attractions, museums, or parks. A fun outing can make a world of difference in your employees’ interactions with one another, and it can also be a great way to help them get to know the local area. 


  • Introduce a Free Floating Holiday: On the topic of special employee appreciation gifts, there’s nothing like a free floating holiday to get your workforce excited. You could announce this holiday for your Employee Appreciation Day celebration and allow your employees to schedule the holiday themselves. 




KBI Benefits: Making Employee Appreciation Easy 

Employee Appreciation Day is a fun break for your employees, but it certainly shouldn’t be the only time of the year you’re expressing your appreciation for your employees. Providing comprehensive employee benefits is a tangible and long-lasting expression of your appreciation that goes beyond a single day of fun. With the rising costs of individual health insurance in the U.S., employee benefits are becoming a crucial aspect of expressing appreciation and boosting motivation. 


Employees aren’t the only ones benefiting either. By choosing a benefits consultant like KBI Benefits, employers can enjoy up to 40% savings on new employee benefits plans. Our creative financing models ensure that the benefits practically pay for themselves when coupled with improved employee productivity. To learn more about how KBI Benefits can enhance your employee appreciation efforts, consult with a KBI Benefits expert today.  

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