10 Amazing Employee Recognition and Appreciation Ideas

Did you know that the lack of recognition and appreciation could be holding back your employees from being productive?

By appreciating your employees, you can create a positive culture and foster a sense of loyalty to the company. 

And I’m not talking about the usual “employee of the month” and occasional gift cards. Instead, you need employee recognition ideas that truly stand out and leave an impression.

Wondering what is the best way to recognize employees?

In this article, you’ll discover 10 creative employee rewards and recognition ideas your employees will love.

1. Shout Out on Social Media

Simply post a pic of your employees on social media and brag about their achievements. It would be great if they heard from senior leadership. It will make them feel that they are making a genuine difference to the company’s business growth.

2. Give Employees a Surprise Day Off

It’s a great idea to give your top-performing employees the option to take an extra day away from work. They can use that time however they want—hanging out with their families or friends, relaxing on the couch, or going out on a date. They’ve earned it.

3. Take Your Team Out For a Lunch

It’s an oldie but a goodie. For some reason, eating on the company dime makes your favorite pizza taste that much better. :)

Every now and again, consider taking your team out for a meal. Depending on the occasion, it could be a lunch, it could be a fancy dinner, or it could be a formal holiday party.

4. Home Delivery

However, keep in mind that you don’t want only to give your team monetary awards to show your appreciation. Send a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers to your employee’s home address.

5. Offer Learning Opportunities

Lack of professional development is a major source of workplace dissatisfaction. Invest in the professional development of your employees. Surprise your employees with tickets for a conference, seminar, training, or pay for the online courses they enroll in. Don’t let your employees think that you’re not invested in their professional development.

6. Celebrate Work Anniversaries

Work anniversaries celebrate the loyalty your employee has shown to the company over the years. Have a calendar so you don’t forget and go the extra mile when appreciating this. It should be more than just a casual email or a gift card.

7. Take Your Team on a Trip

Plan a company outing. It’s a great way to say thank you to your employees. Whether that’s to a speaking event, local conference, hill station, public park, a sporting event, or a local museum is up to you. It’s a fun break from work that encourages team bonding.

8. Create Your Company’s Wall of Fame

One of the great ideas to build a happier company is by creating your company’s Wall of Fame in a visible location in your office.

Each month, add an employee’s photo (or employee of the month) to your Wall of Fame to make sure that they are recognized for their great work and contribution.

9. Make a Personalized Employee Recognition Certificate

There is nothing better than letting employees know of their hard work and value to a company. Create a personalized employee recognition certificate.

10. Recognize Non-Work Achievements

Your employees have undisclosed talents and interests. Some are great artists, while some spend their time doing charity work. It's a great idea to reward your employees based on their interests and achievements.

Do the bragging on behalf of your employees, and show your whole team how amazing everyone is.

Today, employee recognition is no longer just nice to have – It’s critical. Employee recognition is the key to employee satisfaction.