Expressing genuine gratitude to your team should never be a once-a-year affair. While formal events like Employee Appreciation Day are valuable, showing consistent employee recognition helps maintain a supportive work environment—and can have a positive impact on employee retention.
Reinforcing that you appreciate your team’s efforts, rather than taking them for granted, can make a significant difference in morale and engagement. In fact, a recent Robert Half survey found that aside from compensation and perks, 74% of workers cited receiving recognition for their accomplishments as a key contributor to job satisfaction. Additionally, 79% of workers feel adequately recognized by their manager, while 21% do not—a gap that underscores the importance of consistent and meaningful appreciation.
Is there a connection between employee recognition and retention on your team?
More than likely, yes. Consistent recognition is a powerful driver of employee retention. When people know that their work is meaningful and appreciated, they stay committed to the organization, reducing costly turnover. This is especially important in competitive hiring markets, where skilled professionals have ample options and may quickly move on if they feel undervalued.
How can you make offering gratitude part of your ongoing management style? Consider these six approaches:
1. Draw inspiration from the leaders you admire
Think about the managers who truly left a mark on your career. Perhaps they always took the time to listen to your ideas or recognize your efforts with a personal phone call rather than an impersonal email. Maybe they surprised you with a small celebration when you reached a personal milestone.
Those leaders made it clear they were grateful for you and your work—and those memories stuck.
Now, pay it forward. Incorporate these personal touches into your own approach to employee recognition. Tailored appreciation can be especially meaningful because it shows you’re invested in the individual behind the role.
2. Recognize value in multiple ways
Professionals are increasingly interested in a holistic work experience. Flexible schedules, the option to work remotely and generous paid time off are all valuable employee recognition ideas—44% of employees say extra time off or flexible hours motivate them to do their best work, while 41% value increased schedule flexibility.
These non-monetary expressions of gratitude convey that you care about an employee’s overall well-being and future, not just their day-to-day output. In fact, 45% of employees are most motivated by small tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards or swag, and 40% find verbal praise during one-on-one meetings highly motivating.
But that’s not to say money isn’t also critical. A common reason valued employees feel underappreciated and end up quitting their jobs is inadequate compensation. So, be sure to consult resources like the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half to confirm that the salaries you’re paying your employees are in line with current market trends.
3. Broadcast your appreciation
A private “thank you” can be uplifting, but public acknowledgment often magnifies the positive impact of employee recognition. Highlight standout performers in a team meeting or celebrate achievements in company-wide communications. Public acknowledgment doesn’t just make the recipient feel good—it leads to a culture that values people’s efforts, inspiring others to excel.
4. Make it personal and memorable
Handwritten thank-you notes or personalized tokens of appreciation may seem old-fashioned in the digital era, but that’s precisely why they stand out. Instead of relying solely on email, consider sending a real, hold-it-in-your-hands note. A tangible acknowledgment creates a lasting impression and can remind employees, even years later, that their manager truly valued their contributions.
5. Recognize team as well as personal achievements
Sometimes, it’s the collective effort that counts. Recognizing teams for hitting critical milestones or completing tough projects shows every member that their role matters. This approach not only reinforces a shared sense of purpose but also helps employee retention, as teams that feel united and motivated are more likely to stick together. Consider employee recognition ideas that celebrate group accomplishments, like team lunches or spotlight features in your company’s newsletter.
6. Set up peer-to-peer employee recognition programs
Hire talent
Encouraging employees to appreciate each other’s efforts builds camaraderie and trust. By creating a peer-to-peer employee recognition program, you invite everyone to participate in acknowledging wins, no matter how small. Simple initiatives such as a digital “shout-out” board or monthly peer awards empower colleagues to uplift one another.
Making employee recognition meaningful isn’t just a morale booster; it’s a strategic component of talent management. By creating an ongoing culture of appreciation, you’re far more likely to keep employees enthusiastic and inspired. In the long run, that means less turnover, a stronger employer brand and a more resilient company that’s well-positioned to thrive regardless of what the market brings.
