25 June, 2025
Employee Appreciation Day and How to Get It Right
Ever feel like a simple “thank you” at work can go a long way? That’s the spirit behind Employee Appreciation Day, a dedicated moment to pause, reflect, and genuinely celebrate the people who keep businesses moving forward.
It is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that behind every success story, there’s a team of hardworking, creative, and committed individuals making things happen day in and day out.
In this blog, we’re going to unpack what Employee Appreciation Day is all about. Where it came from, why it matters, how companies celebrate it around the world, and how even small gestures can make a big difference.
Ready to see how appreciation can shape a healthier, happier workplace? Let’s dive in.
When Is Employee Appreciation Day Celebrated?
Mark your calendar. It’s the first Friday of March every year. That’s when Employee Appreciation Day rolls around, giving companies a perfect reason to hit pause and celebrate the people who make the magic happen.
It all started in the United States, but the idea quickly caught on across the globe. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia now celebrate it on the same day, while others, like India or Singapore, have adopted their own versions, often through internal appreciation programs or customized cultural practices that reflect local workplace values.
Sure, the exact date might shift depending on where you are. But no matter when it’s celebrated, the heart of the day stays the same. Thanking employees for showing up, stepping up, and making work happen every single day.
Why Is Employee Appreciation Day Important?
When people feel appreciated, they show up differently. They’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stick around. And Employee Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to put that gratitude into action in a way that’s visible and meaningful.
Let’s break down what that kind of recognition does:
It gives morale a serious boost.
Everyone wants to feel seen. According to a 2023 Gallup study, employees who feel genuinely recognized are 21% more engaged and way less likely to burn out. Even a small “thank you” can go a long way in showing someone they matter.
It keeps your top talent around.
In a job market where people have options, appreciation can be the difference between someone staying or starting to update their LinkedIn. A 2022 Workhuman report revealed that employees who get regular recognition are 56% less likely to job hunt. That’s huge.
It makes people more productive.
Yes, really. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that recognition programs can bump productivity up by 30%. Why? Because people work better when they feel good and feel like their work matters.
It builds stronger connections.
Appreciation builds trust across teams... It fosters real relationships between leadership and employees, turning workplaces into communities instead of just office spaces.
It supports mental well-being.
Appreciated employees are happier and healthier. A 2024 Forbes survey showed that when people feel valued, they report lower stress and higher job satisfaction.
The History of Employee Appreciation Day, Where It All Started
Believe it or not, Employee Appreciation Day hasn’t been around forever. It all started back in the 1990s, thanks to Dr. Bob Nelson. You might know him as the “Guru of Thank You.” He was one of the founding members of Recognition Professionals International (RPI), and in his 1994 book 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, he made a bold (and brilliant) suggestion,
“Let’s dedicate a day just to appreciate the people who make our companies tick...”
That idea took off. In 1995, the first official Employee Appreciation Day was celebrated, and from there, it quickly became a regular fixture on company calendars across the U.S.
As global companies caught wind of the trend, the celebration spread worldwide. While each region may put its spin on the occasion, the core message remains universal, which is to recognize and value your people.
Over time, the way we show appreciation has developed, too. Back in the day, it was all about annual reviews or maybe a holiday bonus. But as workplaces changed and the research piled up, one thing became clear. Regular, meaningful recognition is what truly makes a difference. So now, we’re seeing everything from handwritten notes to creative team events and personalized shoutouts becoming the norm.
Because appreciation is no longer an afterthought. It’s part of the culture…
How Do Companies Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day?
There’s no cookie-cutter formula for celebrating Employee Appreciation Day. And that’s the point. From simple shoutouts to surprise time off, here are some of the most loved (and effective) ways organizations make appreciation mean something:
Say It Like You Mean It
A sincere “Thank you” can do more than any corporate memo ever will. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quick Slack message, or pulling someone aside to say, “You crushed that project”. Personal recognition hits differently. In fact, studies show that when people feel seen, they’re way more engaged. And no, a generic “good job team” email doesn’t count.
Let Them Have a Little Fun
Not everything needs to be serious... Office trivia, a lunch out, escape rooms, themed dress days, anything that breaks the routine and gets people laughing together builds real connection. These kinds of light moments matter more than another scheduled “team bonding” session with a PowerPoint.
Give Gifts They’ll Like
Skip the branded stress ball... Instead, think personalized and thoughtful gifts. Such as gift card to their favorite spot, a custom mug with their name, or even a cool desk gadget. Small gifts done right feel more personal than performance bonuses that disappear into taxes. And yes, people remember them.
Invest in Their Growth
Appreciation means supporting what’s next. Offering employees a chance to take a course, attend a workshop, or connect with a mentor tells them, “We see your future here.” And that’s something most workplaces never say out loud.
Make It Public (But Not Performative)
There’s something powerful about calling someone out in a good way. A quick post on LinkedIn, a company-wide shoutout, or an “Employee of the Month” moment can go a long way. Just keep it real. No one likes a forced trophy. People love genuine praise that says, “Hey, we noticed.”
Give Them Time Back
What can be the best gift? Time… Half-days, surprise long weekends, or even just a meeting free afternoon can be more valuable than anything wrapped in a bow. It shows you trust them enough to say, “Take a breather. You’ve earned it.” It’s practical appreciation, not performative.
Put Wellness on the Table
Appreciation shouldn’t stop at work output. It should touch how people feel, too. Offering yoga sessions, wellness kits, or mental health resources reminds your team that they’re more than job titles. A smoothie bar or guided meditation may seem small, but it tells people, “We care about you, not just your KPIs.”
How Google Nails Employee Appreciation Day For Real
When it comes to setting the gold standard for employee appreciation, Google goes all in. In 2024, they turned Employee Appreciation Day into a full-on experience that blended recognition, fun, and professional development in a way only Google can. Here's a peek at how they pulled it off:
A Global Virtual Fest brought together teams across regions through live performances, interactive games, and executive acknowledgments, creating a shared space for recognition.
Curated Gift Boxes were sent out to employees, each one filled with branded essentials like hoodies, notebooks, and water bottles, that felt thoughtful, not off-the-shelf.
Peer Recognition took center stage through Google’s “gThanks” platform, where employees nominated each other for titles like Team Player and Innovation Champion.
Career Development Sessions were integrated into the day. By covering topics from AI innovation to leadership growth, reinforcing that appreciation includes investing in growth.
Volunteer Programs added a layer of impact. Employees were invited to support causes they care about, from mentoring students to taking part in environmental efforts.
The Global Impact of Employee Appreciation
Employee Appreciation Day may last 24 hours, but its ripple effects can last all year. Companies that consistently recognize their people often see real gains—higher productivity, stronger loyalty, and a more connected culture.
Globally, Employee Appreciation Day highlights how recognition can (and should) look different across cultures. In Japan, where teamwork and collective effort are central, companies often honor entire teams. In contrast, U.S. organizations typically spotlight individual accomplishments. By adapting their approach to reflect local values and workplace norms, companies can make appreciation feel more genuine and more meaningful to the people receiving it.
This one day can help build a workplace where everyone feels seen, no matter where they are in the world.
End Note
Employee Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of what propels a company forward. It's their people.. Since its modest start in the 1990s, it has developed into a worldwide occasion for acknowledgement, introspection, and reconciliation.
However, it takes time to measure the value of appreciation. It manifests itself in our daily deeds, in the way we recognise effort, celebrate advancements, and create space for others to feel seen.
How will your business appear to those who visit each day?
Make Appreciation a Daily Habit with Pulsewise
Employee Appreciation Day is a great reminder, but appreciation shouldn’t end there. With Pulsewise, it doesn’t.
Our platform gives you the tools to truly listen to your team through quick pulse surveys, real-time feedback, and actionable insights. So instead of guessing what your employees need, you’ll know. And instead of saving gratitude for once a year, you’ll build a culture that runs on it.
When appreciation becomes part of the process, people tend to stay.
FAQs
What do you say on Employee Appreciation Day?
Keep it honest and direct. A simple “Thanks for everything you do” or “Your work matters here” goes a long way, especially when it’s personal.
What to give for Staff Appreciation Day?
Something that shows you’ve paid attention. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a useful gift, or a well-timed day off. It’s the thought, not the size, that sticks.
How to do Employee Appreciation Day?
Start with intention. Recognize real contributions, involve leadership, and make sure remote and on-site employees feel equally seen.
Why is Employee Appreciation Day celebrated?
Because people want to know their work matters. This day creates space to acknowledge that and strengthens connection, motivation, and trust.
What is the purpose of Appreciation Day?
To pause, look around, and give credit where it’s due. It’s a reminder that a strong workplace starts with people feeling valued.
What is the story of Employee Appreciation Day?
The idea started with Dr. Bob Nelson in 1995, as a push to make employee recognition part of workplace culture, not just something saved for performance reviews.
