The Importance of Recognising Your Team

At the time of writing this, it’s Employee Appreciation Day!

Whilst this day is a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team (despite not being widely recognised in Australia), it’s not just about recognising your team on one day each year.

I thought this day was a great opportunity to discuss the value and importance of recognising our people more generally.

Taking the time to celebrate your employees can boost morale, improve engagement, and create a more positive workplace culture. Embedding gratitude and recognition into your daily leadership style will have a far greater impact than a single celebration.

Let’s explore why employee recognition is crucial, creative ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, and how to foster a culture of appreciation year-round.

Why Employee Recognition Matters

It might seem like a small thing, but showing appreciation has a significant impact on workplace morale, engagement, and productivity.

• Gallup research shows that workplace recognition increases employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
• A study by Nectar HR found that 87% of employees feel meaningful recognition improves job satisfaction.
• Engaged employees are 17% more productive, leading to a 21% increase in profitability.

On the flip side, a lack of appreciation can damage team morale and increase staff turnover. Employees who feel undervalued are more likely to disengage from their work or seek opportunities elsewhere. Given the high cost of recruitment and training, investing in employee recognition can save businesses thousands of dollars in turnover costs.

One common mistake leaders make is assuming that employees know they are valued. But appreciation needs to be expressed—a simple "thank you" can go a long way.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day – or Any Other Day

If you choose to celebrate your team on Employee Appreciation Day, or any other day, it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to show your team you value them.

Surprise Recognition Moments

People love unexpected appreciation! Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note, an email shout-out, or a spontaneous morning tea, surprise gestures can have a lasting impact.

Example: One business hand-delivered flowers to admin professionals on "Secretary’s Day"—an unexpected but cherished gesture!

Give the Gift of Time

One of the most valued forms of appreciation is time off. Consider letting your team finish work early, take a long lunch, or enjoy a fully paid afternoon off.

Example: Announcing "Team Appreciation Friday" and letting employees leave at 2 PM can be a great morale booster!

Team Celebration Event

A team lunch, coffee catch-up, or catered morning tea can bring people together and create an opportunity for informal recognition.

Example: A workplace BBQ or picnic is a great way to show appreciation in a relaxed setting.

Professional Development as a Reward

Offering employees a chance to learn and grow is a powerful way to show appreciation. Consider gifting an online course, conference ticket, or a book relevant to their career growth.

Example: Giving employees a budget to choose a professional development course of their choice shows that you invest in their future.

Small, Thoughtful Gifts

A small, personalised gift can show appreciation in a meaningful way. It doesn’t have to be expensive—think about coffee vouchers, wellness kits, or a customised thank-you card.

Example: A company provided "relaxation packs" with herbal tea, a candle, and a handwritten note to encourage employees to unwind and recharge.

Public Recognition and Shout-Outs

Some employees love public recognition. You could:

• Give a shout-out in a team meeting.
• Highlight team members in an internal newsletter.
• Feature them on the company’s social media.

Example: One business dedicated a weekly "Team Spotlight" on LinkedIn to showcase employees’ achievements and contributions.

Tailoring Appreciation to Individual Preferences

Not everyone likes to be recognised in the same way. While extroverted employees may enjoy public recognition,

introverts may prefer a private note or one-on-one acknowledgment.

Consider Different Styles of Recognition:

• Public Recognition – Team meetings, social media, newsletters.
• Private Recognition – Handwritten notes, emails, one-on-one praise.
• Experiential Rewards – Extra time off, team outings, professional development.
• Tangible Rewards – Gift cards, books, small tokens of appreciation.

Knowing what makes each team member feel valued will make your recognition efforts more impactful!

Embedding Employee Appreciation into Everyday Work Culture

While Employee Appreciation Day is a great initiative, recognition should be an ongoing practice, not just a once-a-year event.

Make Gratitude Part of Team Culture

Encourage leaders and managers to acknowledge good work regularly. Whether through weekly check-ins, feedback sessions, or spontaneous ‘thank-yous’, embedding appreciation into daily operations makes it more meaningful.

Lead by Example

Employees look to their leaders for cues on workplace culture. If appreciation comes from top leadership, it has a greater impact.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Appreciation doesn’t just have to come from the top—encouraging team members to recognise each other fosters a culture of support and gratitude.

Keep It Genuine and Specific

Vague appreciation (“good job!”) doesn’t have the same impact as specific recognition. Tailor feedback to highlight the exact contribution and impact.

To Wrap Up

Employee recognition is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve workplace morale, engagement, and productivity. While Employee Appreciation Day is a great excuse to celebrate, embedding genuine, consistent appreciation into your leadership style is what truly makes a difference.

By recognising your team’s efforts—big and small—you create a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and committed to success.

So, how will you show appreciation to your team today?

An Invitation

If you’d like to connect with other business owners, leaders and managers, I’d love for you to join us inside our free Facebook Group where you can connect with like-minded business owners, leaders and managers to discuss all things HR - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia