About Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity for employers and companies to give thanks to their staff. Although this is not a nationally recognized holiday, many companies and small businesses have begun participating in Employee Appreciation Day. No specific date marks this day, which gives employers more flexibility with scheduling their own appreciation days.

History

Although no specific origin for Employee Appreciation Day can be found, many people assume it originated to balance Boss's Day, which is celebrated on October 16. In 1958, Patricia Bays Haroski registered National Boss's Day with U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As a result of the increasing popularity given to Boss's Day, many employers chose to integrate Employee Appreciation Day to extend thanks to their employees.

Significance

Employee Appreciation Day allows employers to show their gratitude for their workforce. According to the Journal of Extension, employee appreciation ranked in the top three most motivating factors for employee satisfaction. Creating an entire day devoted to expressing thankfulness to staff can increase employee contentment and thus company profits.

Types

When it comes to planning an Employee Appreciation Day, the sky is the limit. It can be prepared as a motivational contest advertised weeks in advance to get staff excited. Perhaps employees who meet certain quotas or expectations will receive awards or prizes during the appreciation day. The Employee Appreciation Day might be set up as a company-wide party offering all staff members free lunch, such as a pizza party or outside barbecue. A wide range of incentives and prizes may be handed out, for instance, company T-shirts, candy, gift certificates, trophies, passes to leave early and even money. Consider polling staff prior to having an appreciation day to find out exactly what they prefer as motivational incentives.

Time Frame

Although the term is Employee Appreciation Day, employers have the option of extending the holiday for a variety of reasons. An Employee Appreciation Week might offer themed days where staff can dress in certain attire or participate in daily contests. This week can be combined with another goal such as reaching month-end quotas to rev employee energy during this crucial time period. Offering an Employee Appreciation Month might allow for separate divisions of the company to get honored each week for their various contributions to the business.

Considerations

The important aspect to remember when considering Employee Appreciation Day is that the goal is to give thanks to employees. It may be tempting to plan a day according to what management thinks is fun, but taking the time discover what the staff enjoys should be the main focus. However, Employee Appreciation Day should not be the only time during the year that employees are shown gratitude for all of their hard work. True employee appreciation surfaces when employers let their staff know daily that they are an integral part of the team.

Resources

• Employee Appreciation Day
• How To Plan an Employee Appreciation Day