17 Fun Employee Appreciation Day Ideas and Activities

Here is our list of the best Employee Appreciation Day ideas and activities.

Employee Appreciation Day ideas and activities are events that show appreciation for your staff. Examples include recognition programs, volunteer drives, and mentorship programs. The purpose of these activities is to honor and recognize staff members.

Employee Appreciation Day ideas and activities are similar to online employee appreciation ideas, remote work anniversary ideas, and online celebration ideas. These ideas help recharge your teams.

This list includes:

• Employee Appreciation Day events
• Employee Appreciation Day activities for the office
• Employee Appreciation Day games
• Employee Appreciation Day themes

Let’s get started!

List of Employee Appreciation Day ideas and activities

Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is essential to create a positive and productive work environment. Here is our list of some of the best Employee Appreciation Day activities for the office.

1. Mystery Appreciation Buddies

You can give your Employee Appreciation Day a fun Secret Santa-style twist with Mystery Appreciation Buddies! This activity encourages teammates to commend each other for their hard work.

Here is how to make Mystery Appreciation Buddies a hit on Employee Appreciation Day:

1. Have employees pick a colleague’s name in secret.
2. Throughout the day, encourage participants to leave thoughtful notes, treats, or surprises for their chosen buddy without revealing their identity.
3. At the end of the day, organize a reveal session where the team finds out the identity of their Mystery Appreciation Buddy.

This exercise is a simple and exciting way to spread positivity and strengthen team bonds.

2. Appreciation Adventure Maps

You can bring a sense of adventure to Employee Appreciation Day with Appreciation Adventure Maps. These maps put an appreciative spin on a scavenger hunt.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Start by creating personalized maps for each team member, marking different locations within the office.
2. Place personal messages, small gifts, or team building activities at each spot.
3. Have teams explore the office to uncover their surprises!

Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to follow the maps, turning the day into an exciting journey of appreciation. Employee Appreciation Day games like this hunt encourage exploration, teamwork, and a shared sense of celebration.

3. Personalized Fortune Cookies

Adding a sweet touch to Employee Appreciation Day is easy with personalized fortune cookies. To start, order or make custom fortune cookies with special messages of appreciation inside. You can either make fortune cookies for each specific team member or write broader messages of thanks. During celebrations, set up a designated area with these cookies and encourage employees to grab one. Team members can open the cookies together, revealing the heartfelt messages inside. Personalized fortune cookies are a tasty and engaging way to express gratitude, creating a moment of joy and connection among team members.

Check out these customizable fortune cookies.

4. Paper Plate Awards

Award ceremonies are a common way to recognize team members, but you can give this activity an arts and crafts twist with Paper Plate Awards! These awards are a way for team members to give each other special recognition.

Here is how to host this activity:

1. Create a craft station with paper plates, markers, glitter glue, and stickers.
2. Have each team member draw a colleague’s name from a hat.
3. Participants will make a paper plate award for their colleague.
4. Awards can be silly or serious, like “Best Tie Collection” or “Best Time-Management Skills.”
5. Have a fun awards ceremony where colleagues exchange plates.

This activity helps build positive feelings within the team and celebrates individual strengths.

5. Red Carpet Treatment

Employee Appreciation Day is all about making your team feel special. To bring that feeling to the office, consider setting up a red carpet experience at the office entrance so employees feel like celebrities when they walk into work!

Here is how to set this experience up:

1. Put a vibrant red carpet at the front door.
2. Add some decorative barriers or ropes on each side of the carpet to give it that special feel.
3. Place a welcoming sign or banner overhead to set a positive tone.
4. Include a small table with refreshments like drinks and snacks near the entrance.
5. Create a playlist of upbeat and celebratory music to play as teams walk in.
6. Assign a friendly team member or two to act as greeters, handing out personalized welcome cards or small tokens of appreciation.
7. Have a couple of volunteers act as “paparazzi” and snap photos of team members as they walk inside.

This simple yet thoughtful setup will make the team feel valued and create a positive start to their day at the office.

6. Office Chair Massage

A massage is one of the best ways to unwind, and you can bring that relaxation to the office by hiring a masseuse!

Here is how to set up this activity:

1. Find a professional massage service that offers on-site visits.
2. Set up a quiet and comfortable area in the office where the massages can take place.
3. Create a sign-up sheet or schedule to allow employees to choose their preferred time slots.
4. Consider providing refreshments or a calming ambiance to enhance the overall experience.

This simple and thoughtful gesture is sure to make Employee Appreciation Day extra special for your team.

7. Volunteer or Donation Drives

Encouraging a helpful mindset among your team is vital for boosting morale and creating a strong sense of community at work. To support your community, you can get your employees involved in charity events or donation drives. Further, your team can support colleagues in need through initiatives like an Employee Assistance Fund. It is important to emphasize teamwork to foster a supportive atmosphere. Another option is participating in community service, like helping at local shelters, senior centers, or environmental projects. Consider online volunteer opportunities on platforms like VolunteerMatch that cater to various interests. Organizing these activities shows appreciation for your team and raises awareness for important causes.

Learn more about VolunteerMatch.

8. Day Off From Work

Giving employees a day off is a great way to express gratitude for their hard work and can positively impact both short- and long-term job satisfaction and motivation.

However, before implementing this incentive, consider these steps:

1. Check company benefits and policies to ensure compliance and avoid confusion.
2. Discuss the possibility of an extra day off for Employee Appreciation Day with management, highlighting the benefits like increased morale and productivity.
3. Once approved, collaborate with HR to plan and communicate the day off well in advance.
4. Consider alternatives for those unable to take extra time off, such as gift cards or a work-from-home day.
5. Evaluate the initiative’s success after the day off and use feedback to improve future employee appreciation efforts.

Providing extra time off communicates appreciation for employees’ hard work, positively impacting morale and satisfaction.

Here are some ideas for leaving the office early.

9. Gift Cards

Gift vouchers are a budget-friendly way to appreciate your employees.

Here are a few steps to follow when getting gift cards for work:

1. Decide on a budget based on the number of employees and the type of gift card.
2. Choose a suitable gift card, like one for a popular retailer, restaurant, or online store. You can also get a versatile option like Visa or Mastercard gift cards.
3. Personalize the gift by adding a handwritten note or custom message on the card or packaging.
4. Present the gift cards creatively through a virtual event, surprise ceremony, or by email or mail for remote employees.
5. Follow up with employees post-event to express gratitude and address any feedback.

For remote teams, use eGifter to send customizable e-gift cards for both small and bulk orders. This thoughtful gesture will pleasantly surprise your staff and demonstrate your appreciation for their hard work.

Learn more about eGifter.

10. Recognition Program

Recognition and rewards programs in Employee Appreciation Day events ensure companies regularly and sincerely recognize their workers.

Here are some types of recognition programs you can utilize:

• Create a “meet the team” section on your website for workers who consistently go above and beyond or recently accomplished something outside of work. This gesture will show appreciation for hard-working employees and honor them on the company website.
• Commemorate important events and recognize long-term work with awards. The award show will highlight the work of successful employees who contributed to the company. For example, you can give employees certificates, awards, or titles based on their accomplishments.
• A points-based program is another option to reduce administrative costs and offer employees more control over the recognition they receive. In this program, employees will earn points by completing different tasks and redeeming them to get bonuses.

Recognizing teams publicly and regularly encourages workers to do their best and encourages retention.

11. Mentorship Program

Career growth opportunities, such as mentoring and training, show your employees appreciation. These programs are particularly beneficial for younger staff. Consider upskilling programs, learning allowances, or formal mentoring initiatives pairing junior and experienced employees.

Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Identify desired skills through surveys or meetings.
2. Develop a mentorship program with clear goals and guidelines.
3. Choose experienced mentors within the organization.
4. Match mentors and mentees based on shared goals.
5. Launch the program with an event or email.
6. Create an easily accessible platform for pairs to connect.
7. Provide resources for the mentoring relationship.
8. Encourage feedback on progress.
9. Celebrate achievements and success stories to highlight program success.

Launching a mentoring program demonstrates a commitment to employee growth and development.

12. Lunch With Employees

Employees often appreciate a lunch reward where they can gather to have a meal together. For example, you can organize lunch in the office by having different dishes from different cultures. Another idea is to ask employees to bring food to eat together in the office.

Here are some activities you can incorporate after lunch in the office:

• Lunchtime concerts
• Walking tours
• Library talks
• Bike rides

You can also conduct a group referendum and peruse the weekend newspaper for suggestions.

This activity can be a great way to bond with your team while learning about each other’s passions and discovering fun new activities after having a meal together. At the same time, you can promote health by giving out healthy treats or organizing a group meal at a restaurant with various nutritious choices.

13. Personalized Gifts

As a token of appreciation, you should send each employee a personalized gift to reward them for their hard work.

Here are different ways to implement this idea:

• Have employees exchange gifts to make the event more engaging. Similar to Secret Santa, colleagues can draw names and give presents to each other. Encourage your team to write personalized notes to each other with words of gratitude.
• Fill a bag with fun gifts, like company-branded apparel, lunch cases, or water bottles, and send the packages to employees.
• Include treats or gift vouchers to local restaurants, massage parlors, and coffee shops in your gift packages.
• Incorporate Employee Appreciation Day themes, and ask members to bring gifts accordingly.

You can also ask your employees what types of gifts they would like. This activity can make employees feel appreciated and enjoy presents with family and friends.

Check out this list of employee appreciation gifts.

14. Thank-You Note Activity

A meaningful way to express appreciation to your employees is through handwritten thank-you notes. You can start a campaign encouraging workers to write notes to their peers, providing participants with note cards, pens, and envelopes. On Employee Appreciation Day, have employees write messages of gratitude and collect them in a box. Then, HR or the wellness supervisor can distribute the notes.

For virtual appreciation, use Kudos to create personalized messages for hardworking employees. Thank-you letters demonstrate that you value your employees beyond their paychecks. The personal touch of a handwritten note can leave a lasting impact, creating a memorable experience for years.

Learn more about Kudos.

15. Happy Hour

Happy hour is an entertaining way to win over a gathering. There are several virtual and on-site options for holding a team happy hour.

Here is how to host a successful happy hour:

1. Choose a convenient date and schedule the happy hour after work.
2. Select a nearby venue with ample space.
3. Arrange appetizers, finger foods, and drinks.
4. Incorporate games or activities to encourage mingling.
5. Use the event to recognize and reward employees for their hard work.
6. Personally thank each employee and express appreciation for their contributions.

Consider adding a cocktail-making session led by a professional, either in-person or virtually, by sending cocktail kits to participants beforehand. A happy-hour event is an entertaining and thoughtful way to show your employees that you value and appreciate their efforts.

Here are more happy hour ideas.

16. Meditation Session

You can set up a meditation session to help your employees clear their heads and get a break from work. As a result, you will provide your staff with the emotional stability they need to succeed in today’s business climate.

Here is how to arrange a meditation session for Employee Appreciation Day:

1. Set a time and location.
2. Find a quiet and calming space within the workplace that can comfortably accommodate all participants.
3. Provide comfortable seating or cushions to enhance the meditation experience. For a relaxing ambiance, you can also play soft music or set up an essential oil diffuser.
4. Arrange for a skilled meditation instructor to lead the session.

You should communicate with employees about the session and encourage them to attend. During the meditation, remind the employees to disconnect from their work and focus on relaxing their minds and bodies. Finally, thank the instructor and the employees for their participation and reinforce the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation, especially in a work setting.

17. Pizza Party With A Movie

Hosting a pizza party is a great way to show appreciation for employees’ hard work. However, combining pizza with a movie screening adds a fun element to the party.

Here is how to organize this event:

1. Decide on the date, time, location, and number of attendees.
2. Select a movie all viewers can enjoy. Consider their age range and interests, and choose something appropriate. A popular blockbuster, a classic comedy, or an uplifting, feel-good film are all excellent options.
3. Then, choose various pizza options, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Also, consider ordering sides, such as salad or garlic bread. Remember to provide napkins, plates, and utensils.
4. Set a projector and movie screen.
5. Include comfortable seating arrangements.
6. Have workers gather plates of food and enjoy the film.
7. Finally, ensure guests enjoy themselves by checking regularly and keeping the food and drinks replenished.

Overall, this event is a great way to show appreciation for your employees and build teamwork within your organization. Employees can appreciate a movie while munching on pizza, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Organizations can use plenty of methods to appreciate their team’s efforts on Employee Appreciation Day. However, expressing gratitude to workers is not limited to just one day of the year. Recognizing employees’ contributions should be a top concern if you want to increase their enthusiasm and commitment to the company.

You may also retain more talent and create an environment conducive to excellence if you regularly show appreciation for your staff. Happier and more optimistic employees tend to produce better results. Thus, you should implement the strategies mentioned above and see how employee morale improves.

Next up, check out more info on award ceremony ideas, farewell party ideas, and employee welcome gifts.