Employee Appreciation Day
Leslie Carver 
Do you value your employees? Do you want to retain them? If so, you’ll want to add Employee Appreciation Day to your calendar!
It’s celebrated on the first Friday of March each year. Before you sigh about adding another item to your to-do list, I’d like you to consider how even a small act of kindness can have a big impact. Think about celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. There is no doubt that your parents (or those that have stood in the gap and support you) already know how much you love and appreciate them. They may even tell you not to worry about the holiday or give them a gift. However, what happens when you give them a card, flowers or share a meal with them? They smile. They enjoy reading your words and the time that you’re giving them. You’ve made a deposit in their emotional bank account.
You have the opportunity to do the same thing for your employees! You are in a position to make a difference. This is why I get so excited about Human Resources and leadership. It’s not just about requisitions, headcount, turnover, benefits, sales, numbers, etc. It’s about making our world a better place one employee at a time!
So what are you going to do on March 4th? How are you going to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day? I’ve compiled a random list of ideas below if you don’t know where to start. Some items may seem crazy and won’t fit your culture. For example, if your employees are construction workers that work outside all day, you may not want to give them a fresh flower. However, knowing what won’t work should push you one step closer to what will work for your employees.
Food:
- A box of Girl Scout Cookies (have a selection to choose from)
- A candy bar display (Life Savers, Starbursts, Hershey kisses, etc) with small bags so they can fill them up with their favorites
- A coffee bar with flavors you don’t usually provide
- Fresh fruit display
- Ice cream sundae bar
- Lunch delivery from a local restaurant
- Multiple food trucks that can provide options on site
- A bag of coffee that supports charity
Partner with local businesses for services:
- Dry cleaning or laundry
- Car wash and/or detailed during business hours
- Home meal delivery
- Hairdresser, nail tech or massage therapist onsite
- Baby diaper service
- Tire rotation or oil change
Hobbies or personal interests:
- Flowers from a local florist
- Seeds to plant in a garden (choose from a selection of vegetables or flowers)
- T-shirt or cap of a favorite sports team
- School logo items (employee’s alma mater or their child’s school)
- Coffee mug that suits them (only if they drink coffee)
- Dog or cat treats
- Water purification straw for camping, hiking and outdoors
- Reflective vest for runners and cyclists
Whatever you decide to give, be sure to include a personal handwritten note from a leader that the employee has a relationship with. Emails are great, but handwritten is better! Most employees will keep that card and some will even show it to their family. You are giving them an opportunity to shine at home.
Never underestimate the power you have to make a difference!