2025 Employee Appreciation Day Ideas - 28 Ways to Celebrate Your Staff
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Employers are always on the lookout for new strategies to motivate their employees. But the best way to spark that motivation is with a tried and true strategy already within their power: employee appreciation.
According to a Glassdoor survey titled 'Employers Could Retain Half of Their Employees Longer If Bosses Showed More AppreciationOpens in a new tab,' 81% of employees are more motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation. But it's not just linked to motivation. Engagement, productivity, and morale also get a boost with consistent employee appreciation.
With Employee Appreciation Day 2025 coming up, now is as good of a time as any for managers and business leaders to think about not only how to acknowledge and celebrate the day but also find ways to infuse appreciation more regularly.
What is Employee Appreciation Day?
Each year, the first Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day, a national holiday in the U.S. and U.K. intended to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of employees. In the U.S., Employee Appreciation Day falls on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Employee Appreciation Day was created by Dr. Bob Nelson, a published author and founder of Recognition Professional International, as a way to strengthen the bonds between employers and employees and to remind leaders about the importance of showing employees they are valued.
Why is celebrating Employee Appreciation Day important?
Employees dictate the success of your company. It's not a stretch to say most employers would agree that the most effective way to achieve their goals is to have a workforce that is engaged, motivated, collaborative, and productive. All of those traits are boosted by employee appreciation.
According to a Workhuman-Gallup report, employees who report being recognized at their organization are 39% more likely to be engaged, 27% more likely to be thriving, and 45% more likely to agree they see a path to growth within the organization.
Without employee appreciation, you'll be hard-pressed to find any gains in employee outcomes, and you'll be more likely to witness negative outcomes.
Our research has found nearly 40% of employees are ready to look for a new job if they feel like they aren’t getting adequate and meaningful appreciation.
So, even though some may think telling employees “good job” from time to time is enough, the benefits that come from authentic appreciation – increased trust, motivation, and employee engagement – are undeniable.
How to make National Employee Appreciation Day a meaningful moment
The best way to make Employee Appreciation Day a meaningful moment is to not have it be the only time throughout the year that you are expressing appreciation to employees.
A celebration of appreciation is great, a culture of appreciation is even better. If the day is merely a reminder to check the box and fire off a quick "thank you," your organization won't see the positive outcomes associated with employee appreciation.
28 Employee Appreciation Day ideas to celebrate in 2025
Employee Appreciation Day is a chance to celebrate individual employees, teams, and the entire organization and there are dozens of unique ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day at your organization.
1. Give employees a half-day
Since Employee Appreciation Day always occurs on a Friday, consider starting a new tradition of giving employees the afternoon off so they can start their weekends early. For some, it gives them something to look forward to at the beginning of the week and motivates them to get their tasks done in the time available.
2. Promote peer-to-peer appreciation with recognition
A formal employee recognition program gives colleagues the chance to join in on National Employee Appreciation Day and continue it throughout the year. By putting the power of appreciation into employees’ hands, we not only boost morale but also the trust between workers and their employers.
Social recognition – which is most effective when there is a monetary value attached to it – amplifies employee appreciation and relationships between coworkers by creating a continuous loop of positive feedback in the workplace.
3. Plan a surprise
Even though Dr. Nelson worked hard to get Employee Appreciation Day on the calendar, there are many workers who are likely unaware of the day altogether. And rather than use that lack of knowledge as an excuse to skip the holiday, use it to plan a surprise celebration.
It could be music and balloons, a catered lunch with a dessert tower – you could even bring in trained therapy dogs to reduce employee stress. And for remote workers, a surprise gift card for lunch of their own helps keep everyone included.
4. Host a happy hour
Happy hour doesn’t wait until five o’clock on Employee Appreciation Day.
Log off an hour or two early and head out to a restaurant for some food and drink on the company’s dime. If your organization is small enough, you may be able to bring the happy hour to the office.
Be sure wherever you are there are food options that align with any dietary restrictions and mocktails or alternative drinks available for fellow employees who don’t drink alcohol. This ensures there’s something for everyone without any discomfort or pressure.
For team members working remotely, allow them to participate in a virtual happy hour. Send employees their favorite cocktail mix or a gift card.
5. Coordinate group activities
Prior to Employee Appreciation Day, send out a list of suggested group activities for employees to choose from so their manager can plan in advance. Creative ways to involve the whole team include bowling, an escape room, or a scavenger hunt.
Taking a field trip to enjoy local attractions such as a local museum, winery tour, or botanical garden is are great way to create a memorable day.
Be conscious of choosing a group activity that involves team members interacting with one another and getting to know each other. These activities aren’t just fun, they are also beneficial for team building and collaboration.
6. Bring in a pop-up booth
Reach out to small businesses or local vendors to bring into the office. Employees can learn about the products and services to purchase for themselves or others. For even more impact, have each employee pick out one thing covered by the company.
When deciding on vendors, consider your company’s core values. For example, if your organization is active in DE&I efforts, consider supporting women-owned or minority-owned businesses. If the organization is based on sustainability, bring in eco-friendly brands.
Many employees may even have side businesses of their own. Ask them if they’d be willing to share some of their own products.
7. Plan a Field Day
Who says Field Day has to end after middle school? Divide employees up into teams and take the afternoon to play games and contests. Activities could range from a three-legged race and a water balloon toss to brain games, charades, and trivia.
These team games are a great opportunity for employees who don’t know each other to socialize and connect. There’s nothing wrong with healthy competition, but try to keep it casual. The goal is to boost morale and fun.
Unless your remote population travels to the office often, this suggestion may need some adjusting for virtual employees. Luckily, there are many team-building games that can be played right on your laptop, like virtual Guess Who? or Zoom Bingo.
8. Set up an office picnic
Instead of work, how about a day in the fresh air with food and games? Activities that create random teams from across departments expand employee relationships.
Take it one step further by inviting employees to bring a dish that holds significance to them, personally or culturally. A diversity potluck is an innovative way to show interest in your employees’ backgrounds and spark conversations among colleagues. Bonus: you get to eat great food.
9. Get your employees’ cars detailed
If your workforce consists of mostly in-person workers, consider bringing in a mobile car detailing service to the office to spruce up their cars. Commuting to work isn’t fun, but doing it in a clean and fresh car makes it a little bit better.
Send out a signup sheet for employees to fill out the week before the service is coming. That way, everyone gets a chance to take advantage, even if they aren’t in the office on the actual Employee Appreciation Day.
10. Record ‘thank you’ videos
On National Employee Appreciation Day, take the time to create high-quality video messages to recognize employees for their hard work throughout the year.
One can be from the organization’s CEO, expressing their appreciation to employees for moving the business forward. Next, ask managers to produce their own personalized videos for direct reports. This moment of appreciation might include funny stories, specific personality qualities, or memorable moments that led to a positive outcome.
And with an employee recognition program, employees can share these videos on a social feed for colleagues across the company to see and celebrate as well.
11. Create a team yearbook
Create a digital yearbook to showcase employees’ celebrating a work anniversary, new hires, retirements, and more throughout the year. Jennifer Faulkner, VP of team member experience, diversity & inclusion, and talent management at Baystate Health says, “Service Milestones really reinforce emotional connection. These are personal revelations about the impact our people are having on one another’s lives.”
Celebrating these milestones helps create a company culture full of celebration – one that is built on a foundation of belonging, support, and social exchange. And putting it onto paper means employees will be reminded of that every time they look at it.
12. Promote wellbeing initiatives
With this employee appreciation idea, you can celebrate Employee Appreciation Day any which way, but if employees have low wellbeing it isn’t likely to make a difference. Employee wellbeing initiatives give your employees the chance to take a step back from work and focus on their mental wellbeing. Look to coordinate yoga or meditation breaks throughout the day for employees to take part in.
For sustained wellbeing, consider continuing these practices on a bi-weekly or monthly basis so employees can continue taking time to focus on their wellbeing.
13. Have a volunteering day
As per the Deloitte Volunteer Impact ResearchOpens in a new tab survey, 70% of working Americans strongly believe “volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours.” And while happy hours are fun, volunteer opportunities give employees a deeper purpose and allow them to contribute in a meaningful way.
Whether it’s an individual or group of colleagues, volunteering somewhere local like a homeless shelter or humane society, creates a special moment of connection among peers.
Share photos and videos in a common place everyone in the company can see them. A social feed like the Community Celebrations® timeline extends the lifespan and impact of the event. Then, others in the organizations can see and comment on the noteworthy occasion their fellow colleagues participated in.
14. Host an Ask Me Anything meeting
An Ask Me Anything (AMA) meeting is one where employees are able to submit questions to company leaders in an open forum. These types of meetings have become more common in recent years. Alongside the increase in discussions around psychological safety, they offer safe spaces to have transparent conversations without fear of judgment.
This might not sound like much of a celebration, but it can be. In addition to work topics, questions can also aim to get to know company leaders on a more personal level. Questions can be silly, maybe a little embarrassing – as long as there is an employee moderator to keep things on track.
15. Send social media shoutouts
In the week leading up to Employee Appreciation Day, use your organization’s social media channels to give shout-outs to employees who have gone above and beyond in their work. It’s important to acknowledge their impact for others to see, both externally and at the company.
16. Bring in a guest speaker
Bringing in a guest speaker can provide a spark of inspiration and entertainment for the entire company. Take the time to talk with different members of your organization, especially those leading Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to determine the subject of the talk and get recommendations for speakers.
17. Promote learning and development opportunities
According to LinkedIn's 2022 Workplace Learning Report, 72% of surveyed professionals agree that Learning and Development (L&D) has become a more strategic function in their organization. With reimbursement options, employees can gain new skills from mentorship programs, certificate programs, and post-graduate degrees.
Many employees may not even be aware of these resources, which makes Employee Appreciation Day a perfect opportunity to share them.
18. Give out team awards
Employee Appreciation Day is a day to celebrate individual and team accomplishments.
Maybe there was a group of employees from different departments who worked together on a successful project, or a group of engineers that just finished a business-changing program. With team awards, leaders are able to create a customized, personalized message from your recognition platform in order to say “thank you” to deserving recipients.
Team Awards ensure your employees feel appreciated and highlight the importance of shared accomplishments across your organization, on the holiday itself and beyond.
19. Host a company-wide recognition event
Planning a company-wide recognition event is a powerful way to celebrate every team member’s contributions. Whether in person or virtually, these events create a shared moment of appreciation, boosting morale across the organization.
Take time to highlight individual achievements, milestones, and the collective efforts that drive success. Not only does this make employees feel valued, but it also strengthens the sense of belonging and team spirit. When employees feel recognized on a larger scale, it fosters increased motivation, productivity, and a stronger connection to company goals.
20. Provide department-specific celebrations
Allowing each department to plan its own Employee Appreciation Day activities gives teams the freedom to celebrate in ways that resonate with them. This approach fosters creativity and team spirit as employees tailor events to their unique culture and goals. It’s a great way to show that appreciation can be personalized, making everyone feel more connected and valued within their team.
21. Create an employee recognition wall
An employee recognition wall, whether physical or digital, is a great way to highlight and celebrate everyday achievements. Set up a board where employees can post notes of appreciation or shout-outs to their peers.
For a virtual version, consider using platforms like Slack or an internal social network to create a digital recognition board. To keep it engaging, encourage regular participation by designating a weekly “shout-out” time. The visual display of appreciation boosts morale, fosters a culture of recognition, and gives everyone a chance to be celebrated.
22. Organize a company-wide competition or challenge
Engage employees with friendly company-wide competitions, such as a talent show, trivia contest, or fitness challenge. Offering fun, lighthearted events with prizes for winners can create excitement and camaraderie.
Consider hosting a themed competition that reflects your company’s values or culture, allowing employees to showcase their talents or team spirit. This fosters a sense of fun and connection while motivating employees to participate and bond outside of their regular work tasks.
23. Personalized thank-you notes from leadership
Personalized thank-you notes from leadership are a simple yet meaningful way to show employees they are seen and appreciated. Taking the time to handwrite or craft thoughtful, individual messages can have a lasting impact on morale. These notes make employees feel valued and recognized for their unique contributions, reinforcing a culture of respect and acknowledgment.
A well-crafted thank-you from leadership strengthens the emotional connection between employees and the company, creating a sense of loyalty and trust.
24. Turn it into Employee Appreciation Week
Why limit appreciation to just one day? Extending Employee Appreciation Day into a full week allows for more diverse activities and ensures everyone’s contributions are recognized. You can organize themed days, team-building exercises, or workshops that cater to different interests and preferences.
A week-long celebration also allows employees to look forward to and actively participate in various events, making recognition feel more inclusive and comprehensive. It’s an excellent way to deepen engagement and celebrate employees in a variety of ways.
25. Give meaningful gifts
Gifting employees something thoughtful and personalized can be a powerful way to show appreciation. Rather than generic gifts, select items that reflect your employees’ individual preferences or contributions – we dive into further detail in our gift-giving section below!
Meaningful gifts not only make employees feel valued but also reinforce the company’s appreciation, fostering stronger relationships and long-term loyalty. A well-chosen gift can serve as a tangible reminder of the company’s gratitude.
26. Host a virtual appreciation event
For remote employees, a virtual appreciation event is an excellent way to connect and celebrate their efforts. Host a virtual recognition ceremony where leaders can acknowledge achievements or organize online games and activities that promote engagement.
You can also host a virtual happy hour to encourage casual conversations and team bonding. The key is to ensure remote employees feel included and connected to their colleagues, strengthening their sense of belonging and making them feel just as appreciated as those local to an office.
27. Offer additional paid time off
Offering additional PTO is a thoughtful way to show appreciation. This extra time off acts as a reward for hard work and dedication while promoting work-life balance. A well-timed PTO offer can help employees recharge, boosting productivity and morale.
Whether it’s a “bonus” day off or a long weekend, giving employees the flexibility to take time for themselves demonstrates the company’s commitment to their well-being and helps cultivate appreciation for your organization, which breeds long-term loyalty.
28. Provide access to online wellness resources
Supporting employees’ well-being is an essential part of showing appreciation. Providing access to online wellness resources – like fitness classes, meditation apps, or mental health support – can help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
These resources can promote overall wellness, reduce burnout, and improve job satisfaction. When employees know their employer cares about their holistic well-being, it strengthens their commitment to the company and fosters a positive, supportive culture.
Thoughtful gift ideas for Employee Appreciation Day 2025
Donate on behalf of employees
It’s always important to give back. Ask employees to donate to a cause they have an emotional connection with. This doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary – canned food, clothing items, raffle baskets - they can donate anything that sparks an uplifting moment for whoever is receiving the donation.
At Workhuman®, our humans love giving back – not just during the holidays but year-round. With Workhuman Gives, there are ongoing opportunities for us to make a positive impact in our local community. Through CSR relationships, we are forming alliances with organizations that model our values and strive to make the world a better and more equitable place.
Make sure employers are matching these donation efforts from employees. Reward employees this Employee Appreciation Day by supporting the causes they care about – it’ll show them how much your organization cares about them.
Send out gift certificates
Every employee has different tastes and hobbies, which can make finding a one-size-fits-all gift difficult. Instead of spending time and energy trying to find a gift that takes culture, location, and personal preference into account, allow employees to choose their own gift.
Compile a list of stores and restaurants local to your employee population and ask employees to choose one they would like to receive. Not only will they appreciate the gift certificate, but they will also appreciate the thought put into it.
Send a personalized care package
Sending care packages to employees’ homes is a perfect opportunity to say “thank you” and a fun way to surprise employees.
Create a bag of goodies with fun snacks, a backpack, or a water bottle – thoughtful gifts for employee appreciation paired with a personalized message to show your gratitude
This is a great option for organizations with dispersed employees or a largely remote workforce because they do not need to be in the office to be included.
Personalized company merchandise
Adding custom touches, like an employee’s name or role, makes company merchandise feel personal and meaningful. Popular options include branded apparel, office supplies, or tech accessories.
Customizing gifts adds extra value, showing employees they’re recognized as individuals, not just part of the team.
Experience-based gifts
Experience-based gifts, like local activities or dining experiences, offer employees the chance to create lasting memories. Unlike material items, experiences provide meaningful, long-term value and demonstrate thoughtfulness, leaving employees with memories that reinforce their connection to the company.
Wellness packages
Wellness packages, including fitness gear, relaxation aids, or healthy snacks, promote employees' physical and mental well-being. By encouraging self-care, wellness packages support a healthier, happier workforce and remind employees that their well-being is valued by the company.
Tech gadgets and accessories
Tech gadgets and accessories make great gifts that show appreciation while supporting employees’ productivity and comfort. Consider items like wireless chargers, ergonomic tools, or noise-canceling headphones – tools that can enhance their work-from-home setup or office environment.
These gifts not only serve as practical, everyday solutions but also signal that you’re invested in helping employees perform their best. By providing the right tech, you create a more comfortable and efficient workspace, making your team feel supported and valued.
Offer a subscription of the employee’s choice
Subscriptions can range from leisure and hobbies to personal care and development. But they stack up. The pros and cons are the same: there are too many good ones. One of my favorite gifts I have received at Workhuman was a digital subscription to Storyworth. The platform itself is a space to document memories and stories based on specific prompts each week for an entire year.
That was a perfect gift for me, but not for everyone, I imagine. Workhuman provided other subscription options to choose from, with the hope that every employee would enjoy at least one of the choices.
Make employee recognition and appreciation a priority year-round
As we’ve mentioned, saying ‘thank you’ and acknowledging your employees shouldn’t have to wait until Employee Appreciation Day – and it shouldn’t stop after it, either.
Recognizing employees for their contributions and achievements makes them feel like they and their work matter to the company. A Gallup survey found that employees who feel fulfilled from recognition are:
- 4x as likely to be engaged
- Less than one-half as likely to be looking or passively watching for job opportunities
- 44% more likely to be “thriving” in their overall life
Employee recognition is the way to make every day Employee Appreciation Day, as it demonstrates a consistent language of appreciation and their continued investment and commitment to employees. This inspires them to feel connected, confident and cared about.
FAQs
Why is employee appreciation important?
Employees crave gratification for their hard work. Expressing appreciation for your employees is an authentic gesture that acknowledges their inherent value. Recognizing and appreciating employees has the power to resonate with them throughout their careers.
How do companies show employees appreciation?
There are many different ways to show employees you’re appreciative of them and one of the best ways is to say thank you often and sincerely. This can be even more impactful with an employee recognition program, as it can be seen by other employees across the organization.
What are the benefits of appreciating your employees?
Appreciating your employees is a boon to their well-being and morale. It strengthens your company culture and makes the workplace more inclusive. It also just makes business sense. Gallup found that creating a culture of recognition can save a 10,000-employee company up to $16.1 million in employee turnover costs annually.
Conclusion
Employee Appreciation Day schedules time for gratitude on the calendar. It’s an honorary reminder to acknowledge what makes every business go: its people.
You should show appreciation for your employees throughout the year. It’s the only way that appreciation will be felt and genuinely meaningful. But you can kick Employee Appreciation Day celebrations up a notch. Something a little crazier than pizza in the break room.