5 top tips on engaging your team 

2025 marks 30 years since National Employee Appreciation Day was first founded in 1995 by Workman Publishing. A report by Gallup/WorkHuman found that employees who strongly agree they get valuable feedback about their performance are 5 times more likely to be engaged with their work.  

We’ve pulled together 5 top tips for engaging and celebrating your team.

Take the time to acknowledge each member of your team’s efforts and contributions. Personalised notes or shout-outs during team meetings can go a long way in making everyone feel valued. For even more inclusivity, encourage your team to nominate one another to highlight specific achievements that may not be seen on a wider company level. 

While verbal recognition is important, tangible rewards can also make a big impact. Consider writing personal thank-you notes or offering small treats like a coffee voucher on a monthly or quarterly basis as a mini boost. Tailor rewards to what your team would appreciate most or give them multiple choices. 

Use this day as an opportunity to listen to your team. Send a quick survey or hold open sessions where everyone can share their thoughts and suggestions in a safe space. Showing that you value their input can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction. 

Promote a healthy work-life balance by considering offering flexible working hours or remote working options. Show your team that you care about their wellbeing by supporting the balance of work and home life. 

Show appreciation in your daily interactions and make it a point to recognise the efforts of your team. When you’re seen to value appreciation, you can encourage a positive team culture. 

While celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is a great start, fostering team appreciation should be a continuous effort throughout the year. 

Gallup/WorkHuman report: The Human-Centered Workplace: Building Organizational Cultures That Thrive, 2024. 

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