Today, most leaders understand that recognizing employees really pays off in terms of engagement, productivity, retention, and creating a place where people generally feel good about going to work. Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day (First Friday in March) is a great place to start, but when leaders make appreciation a habit, they can help build an environment that makes every day feel like a special day. Here are 45 creative, budget-conscious ways to make someone’s day. Rock Their World Say thanks to the rock stars in your office by transforming an ordinary rock into a fun and unique recognition memento, as seen in the image above. Download the PDF. Double the Recognition When you recognize someone, give them two treats and two thank you notes. Ask them to keep one set and use the other to recognize another employee. Say It with Food Decorate a jar of salsa for an employee who is “on fire” with whatever their tasks or goals are. Or give a jar of jelly and a thank you message to someone who always helps out in a “jam.” Thanks for the Memories Celebrate achievements by creating a team scrapbook to keep in a common area. If you’re not crafty, ask employees to pitch in. Every Day Counts Show employees you’re paying attention by recognizing their days of service. So instead of celebrating a five-year milestone, say thanks for 1,825 days of service. Getting to Know You Implement a “Get to Know You” program by spotlighting a different employee each week. Send out a group email, or reserve a space on a bulletin board to post photos of the person and fun facts about them. Coffee, Anyone? Perk up your team in the afternoon with a surprise coffee break! Bring in lattes for everyone, make some cards that […]