Employee Recognition Days: Why Are They Important? And What Are The Best Gift Ideas?

It's easy for us all to fall into work routines: we get into the office or open the computer, start checking off the day's to-do list, plan out the week, and coordinate with co-workers to decide who needs to do what and when. At times when we are caught up in our own bubbles of work, it can be easy to lose sight of the amount of effort and collaboration it takes from all employees to keep a task, project, and team operating smoothly. 

So whether your team is working through a challenging, demanding period of work or enjoying some smooth sailing, taking a moment to press pause on your regularly scheduled program and express recognition and appreciation for your employees’ hard work can go a long way. 

Employee Appreciation Days Throughout The Year

There are designated times throughout the year that are naturally well-suited to a pat on the back or an expression of gratitude. Work anniversaries, reaching milestones, outstanding achievements, birthdays, holidays, busy seasons, and even challenging days or learning moments all offer great opportunities to remind employees how much they are valued and appreciated. There are actually scheduled Employee Appreciation Days too as noted on the chart below:

National Mentoring Month (January 1-31)	International Thank You Day (January 11)	Administrative Assistants/Professionals Day (Last Wednesday of the last full week of April)
Employee Appreciation Day (First Friday of March every year)	International Women’s Day (March 8)	HR Professional Appreciation Day (September 26)
National Custodian Day (October 2)	National Customer Service Week (First full week in October)	Bosses Day (October 16)
National Receptionist Day (Second Wednesday of May each year)	National Intern Day (Last Thursday in July)	National Accounts Receivable Appreciation Day (March 3)
National IT Professionals Day (Third Tuesday of September each year)	National Food Service Employees Day (September 25)

 

While these “official” appreciation days may not directly correlate to a milestone or special occasion on your team, it's easy enough to add the date into your calendar and celebrate with a small gesture

Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

So what are some ways you can recognize your employees throughout the years? Below we’ve listed out some ideas!

Sweet Treats (Did Someone Say BROWNIES?) & Breakfast Boost

Starting the day with coffee and breakfast is a simple but effective way to show employee appreciation. Why not go beyond the basics? Our personal favorite: treat your team to delicious brownies and blondies! Pair them with fresh coffee or a hearty breakfast to make the morning extra special and show your employees how much their efforts mean to you.

Gift Cards

A simple yet thoughtful gesture, a gift card to a local restaurant gives your employees a chance to enjoy a treat of their choice. It's an easy way to say thank you for their hard work.

Personalized Recognition Card

Handwritten cards acknowledging specific efforts or achievements offer a personal touch. Calling out what an employee did well shows that their contributions are noticed and appreciated.

Verbal Expressions of Gratitude

Sometimes all a person needs is to feel seen and valued, and often as employers we forget to say our appreciation aloud. Verbal affirmation and short, sincere conversation can go a long way. Taking just two minutes to personally thank someone for their hard work shows you care about their contributions.

Lighthearted Desk Surprises

Inject some humor into the workplace by giving a quirky, fun gift that sits on their desk. It’s a lighthearted way to remind employees that their efforts are appreciated, with a bit of laughter.

While monetary gifts like bonuses and raises are certainly valuable and motivating, more personal gestures throughout the year foster a deeper sense of recognition and appreciation. And by creating a mindset around recognition that is built into the company culture rather than done out of necessity, the shift is likely to be felt more genuinely across the entire team. 

Proof in the Numbers: Employee Recognition Statistics You Need to Know

Harvard Business Review Employee Recognition Study

A study cited in Harvard Business Review found that "40% of employed Americans say they’d put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often."

And the positive implications of employee recognition in the workplace stretch beyond energy levels (an impact that is mutually advantageous for the employees and employers), and that alone should be a reason to increase recognition. But on top of that, employee retention rates, general employee satisfaction, and well-being are all ameliorated by increased recognition by employers or higher-ups.

Authentic Recognition Healthcare Employee Survey

A survey by Authentic Recognition studied how often healthcare employees received recognition and found that:

• 2% Received Daily recognition
• 11% Received Weekly recognition
• 20% Received Quarterly recognition
• 17% Received Annual recognition
• 29% Received No recognition of any kind.

The same healthcare employees who were surveyed in the above study were also asked if they are recognized enough by their supervisor or manager, with results as follows:

• 39% were not recognized frequently enough
• 15% were almost recognized frequently enough
• 42% were recognized about the right amount
• 2% were recognized a little too frequently
• 1% were recognized much too frequently

These studies, while only informed by a select group of employees in one industry, are insightful when considering the importance of any supervisor, manager, or company leader bolstering their recognition of employees. 

Achievers Employee Recognition Study

A separate study conducted by Achievers in 2021 found that the second leading reason employees stated that they would stay in their current role was recognition (21% of responses), with the leading reason being work-life balance (23%).

Conclusion: The Importance of Employee Recognition & Thoughtful Gift Ideas

Building recognition into the workplace environment looks different for everyone. Some people may find it easier to mark a day on the calendar that is devoted to gifting, writing cards, or contributing other thoughtful gestures, while others may find a more long-term and holistic approach better aligns with their style. 

As long as the efforts are intentional, authentic, and consistent, they will continue to positively impact the employee’s relationship with the company and their place in it. Employee appreciation: it’s the gift that keeps on giving!