Ways to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

National Employee Appreciation Day is the first Friday in March, which this year falls on March 1. Here are a few ideas to help you honor the occasion. 

Take a moment to think about each person and communicate thanks. 
An individualized note can mean a lot. Recognize an employee at a meeting. Consider a creative gesture like a photo collage for the team that points out employee contributions. At various times throughout the year, public information officers might provide employee recognitions to the local newspaper, so plan for that if you haven’t before. 

Plan thoughtful recognition events. 
It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be thoughtful and inclusive. Even if you’re not hosting an event or recognizing people individually on this day, perhaps take a look at OPM’s Awards Ceremony Suggestions for future use. Seek to build a culture of recognition and check out some findings from a survey about recognition programs to help you with that task. 

Show appreciation by considering the everyday. 
According to a GovLoop survey on employee experience, there are some things our readers value even more than recognition and awards at work. So, make Employee Appreciation Day an opportunity to think about what you are giving every day. Learn more from our latest employee engagement guide. 

Use the day to think about and demonstrate empathy. 
Considering the feelings, opinions, experiences and perspectives of the people around us builds the foundation for respectful interactions. As you take on the challenge of exercising empathy in the workplace, make use of our resource, Empathy in the Workplace: A GovLoop Toolkit.  

Celebrate the culture of well-being. 
Well-being is what makes an agency a great place to work, so commit yourself to increasing that reality at your workplace. Don’t know where to start? Try 6 Ways to Support Your Team’s Well-Being  

Find out what’s fun. 
Through surveys, discover what employees might like to receive in the way of refreshments or recreational opportunities, and try to provide that. If you don’t want to create the pressure that comes with gathering everyone in one place, suggest that everyone take an hour for something they’d enjoy doing independently or in small groups.