Business

18 ways show employee appreciation and boost retention in 2023 - "Happy work anniversary!"

December 6, 2022
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Employee appreciation is essential for any successful business. Showing your employees that you value their hard work and dedication is an important part of building a positive work environment. Here are 18 ways employers can show their employees appreciation:

1. Create an Employee Appreciation Day

Designate a special day every year as an official Employee Appreciation Day and make sure to recognize all your employees with a gift or award of recognition. This will show them that you are grateful for their hard work and that you value their contributions to the organization.

2. Personalized Thank You Notes

Take the time to write individualized thank you notes or cards to each of your employees recognizing their hard work and achievements. A handwritten note will show them that you see them as individuals, rather than just another member of the team. Look to LettrLabs to create robotically handwritten notes, so you can scale your recognition predictably and without the hand-cramps. Our handwritten direct mail works great for employee appreciation as well as building relationships with clients and great for cold outreach to get new clients. Contact us today to learn more and request a free sample today.

3. Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Show your employees that you value their growth by offering opportunities for professional development and training. This will not only help them develop new skills, but also show that you are committed to helping them reach their career goals. Check out these 20 professional development ideas from teambuilding.com.

4. Celebrate Milestones

Recognize milestones like promotions, anniversaries and birthdays with special awards or rewards so your employees know they are valued and appreciated.

5. Provide Benefits That Matter

Show your commitment to employee wellbeing by offering benefits that matter most to them, such as healthcare, parental leave, flexible working hours and office perks. In today's world even offering simple perks like pet insurance can make a big difference. Start by asking what people would like and see what's reasonable now and what might take time to achieve in the medium term.

6. Offer Opportunities for Growth

Give your employees the opportunity to take on more responsibility or try out new roles so they can continue to grow both personally and professionally. A clear vision of how employees can progress is a great start at creating clear and actionable objectives. If you need time to develop this be honest, but set clear expectations with your employees on when they'll be developed.

7. Foster Open Communication

Create an environment where open communication is encouraged by holding regular team meetings and one-on-one discussions. This will help to ensure that employees feel heard and valued.

8. Show Your Gratitude

Don’t forget to simply say thank you! Acknowledge accomplishments, express your appreciation and recognize the individual contributions of each employee. By doing so, you’ll show them that you recognize and value their hard work.

9. Offer Flexible Schedules

Giving employees the option to work flexible hours or telecommute can be a great way to show your appreciation. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure their needs are met and that you trust them with their own schedule.

10. Give Out Gifts

From small tokens of appreciation to bigger rewards, giving out gifts can be a great way to show your employees that you care about them. Whether it’s a gift card, tickets to a sporting event, or even just a simple handwritten thank-you note – any form of gift-giving will show that you’re thinking of them and appreciate their hard work.

11. Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Offering employees the opportunity to participate in professional development programs such as conferences, seminars, and classes is another great way to show employee appreciation. It shows that you’re investing in their future, which allows them to grow professionally and personally.

12. Host Fun Events

Whether it’s a company picnic, a holiday party, or a team-building activity – having fun events for employees to take part in is a great way to show appreciation. Not only does it give employees something to look forward to and bond over; it also shows that you’re willing to invest in their happiness and well-being.

13. Give Out Bonuses

Bonuses are a great way to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. It can be anything from monetary rewards to extra days off – whatever works best for your organization and budget.

14. Offer Incentives

Offering incentives such as gift cards, vouchers, or even just recognition for outstanding performance can be an effective way to show your employees that their work is being noticed and appreciated.

15. Provide Complimentary Meals

Providing complimentary meals or snacks can be a great way to show appreciation without breaking the bank. It’s a nice gesture that will make your employees feel appreciated and valued at work.

16. Celebrate Milestones

Acknowledging employee milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and other achievements is another great way to show your employees appreciation. It shows that you’re aware of their contributions and that you value their hard work.

17. Give Praise

A simple “thank you” or “good job” can go a long way in showing your employees that their efforts are appreciated. Taking the time to recognize and praise employees for their hard work is an important part of building a positive work environment.

18. Listen to Feedback

Showing your employees that their opinions and feedback matter is a great way to show appreciation. It shows that you value their input and are willing to take it into consideration when making decisions.


Employee appreciation is key to maintaining a positive work environment. By implementing some of the tips we’ve provided, you can create a workplace where employees feel appreciated and valued. This will not only make them happier and more productive; it will also help to reduce turnover rates and boost morale. What are you waiting for? Start showing your employees some love today!

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For handwritten thank you cards to show your employees  or clients your appreciation check out LettrLabs! We've developed our own robotic automation system to create real handwritten notes that will exceed all expectations. Request a free sample today!

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