5 workplace events that show employees appreciation

April 15, 2025 10:00 AM

If you want to foster a positive workplace culture at your company, you must prioritize recognizing employees' hard work and contributions. Employee appreciation events are a great way to do this. These events boost morale, engagement, loyalty, and productivity. Here are five powerful employee appreciation events to host at your company to celebrate and motivate your team.

You should host these powerful employee appreciation events to improve morale, bonding, and productivity at your company. Whether it's a casual meal or an organized outing, find a way to make your workplace's employees feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Team lunch or dinner

Nothing brings people together like food! Hosting a team luncheon or dinner is a classic way to show gratitude. Head to a local restaurant or cater a meal at the office. To make it extra special, plan a brief recognition speech highlighting key team accomplishments and expressing gratitude for these achievements.

Whether you eat out or cater, accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions with an inclusive menu. There should be vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free options to accommodate most intolerances and lifestyles.

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Wellness days

Unlock the power of lifestyle wellness benefits and help employees recharge and focus on their well-being by organizing a wellness day. Consider planning a full-day experience packed with activities like yoga classes, guided meditation, and workshops on mindfulness. Provide perks like free chair massages, fresh smoothies, and relaxation kits to take home. You can also bring in wellness professionals to discuss topics like stress management and workplace ergonomics. Overall, wellness days show your team that you care about their physical and mental health.

Appreciation awards

Celebrate your team's milestones and individual achievements with an awards event. Design categories like "Team Player of the Month," "Innovation Guru," "Rising Star," and so forth. At the event, hand out trophies or thoughtful gifts to the winners. Keep the mood light and celebratory by expertly decorating the venue and offering a wide variety of refreshments. You should also play videos showcasing employee contributions and stream the event virtually so remote teams can join.

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Fun outings

It's important to have fun at work, so treat your employees to some downtime by organizing an exciting outing or field trip. Escape rooms, bowling alleys, amusement parks, and hiking trails are all potential opportunities for fun and bonding in a relaxed, non-work setting. Offer team-building activities during the event, like a scavenger hunt, to inspire collaboration.

Learning retreats

Show appreciation by investing in your employees' growth. Organize a retreat filled with workshops, guest speakers, or skills development sessions. Add interesting activities like evening socials or team-building games to balance work and play.

Ask employees beforehand what opportunities they'd like for personal and professional growth to tailor the retreat to their needs.