When was the last time someone at work made you feel appreciated? Remember that warm glow? That’s what Employee Appreciation Day is all about – creating those moments that make your team feel seen and valued.
Employee Appreciation Day falls on the first Friday of March – giving you the perfect moment to celebrate your people.
Why showing appreciation matters now more than ever
The numbers speak for themselves. Nearly three in four UK employees feel they deserve more recognition at work. That’s a lot of people craving a simple “thank you” or thoughtful gesture.
Smart businesses know recognition shouldn’t be reserved for just one day. The most successful companies build appreciation into their everyday culture.
Simple ways to show your team they matter
Personalised recognition that hits home
Your team members each bring something special. When 36% of UK employees feel undervalued, taking the time for thoughtful, specific recognition makes a difference.
Try this: Instead of generic praise, mention exactly what impressed you: “The way you handled that client meeting showed incredible patience and problem-solving skills.”
Quality swag that tells a story
Nothing says “we value you” quite like thoughtful, branded merchandise. The key word here is thoughtful – items your team will genuinely use and appreciate. Take Five Guys, the burger chain wanted to make their team feel special and create a sense of belonging. They partnered with Swag Pack to create custom-designed varsity jackets for their employees.
Our favourites:
- Eco-friendly water bottles that keep drinks at the perfect temperature
- Customised tech accessories that make remote work easier
- Cosy branded apparel for those chilly office mornings
- Beautifully packaged self-care kits for wellbeing
Growth opportunities that show investment
When 86% of UK employees would switch jobs for better development opportunities, investing in their professional journey shows you’re committed to their future.
Simple options:
- Book allowances for professional reading
- Time allocated for learning new skills
- Mentorship connections within your company
Benefits that acknowledge real life
Only 54% of UK employees feel satisfied with their company benefits. The most appreciated perks are those that show you understand their whole lives, not just their work personas.
People love:
- Extra time off for special occasions
- Flexible hours for school runs and life admin
- Subscription services that make home life easier
Personal milestone celebrations
Birthdays, work anniversaries, and personal achievements deserve recognition. These moments create belonging and connection.
Make it personal: Have everyone sign digital cards with specific memories or appreciations rather than just their names.
Peer recognition that builds community
When colleagues celebrate each other, the whole culture shifts. Employees receiving regular peer recognition are 20 times more engaged!
Keep it simple: Create a dedicated Slack channel or team meeting segment for shout-outs.
Creating lasting impact beyond a single day
The magic happens when appreciation becomes woven into your company’s everyday fabric. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Be specific – Generic praise feels hollow; detailed recognition shows you’re paying attention
- Be timely – Immediate recognition reinforces positive behaviours
- Be consistent – Regular appreciation creates psychological safety
- Be inclusive – Ensure everyone has equal opportunity to be recognised
- Be authentic – Forced appreciation feels worse than none at all
Making appreciation part of your culture
Employee Appreciation Day gives you the perfect opportunity to kickstart meaningful recognition practices. But the real win comes from creating a workplace where people feel genuinely valued every day.
The best part? When your team feels truly appreciated, they bring their best selves to work. Everyone wins.
