51 Employee Recognition and Appreciation Award Ideas

The best way to boost employee morale (and retention rates) is to make sure your staff feels valued and appreciated — and to recognize them when they go above and beyond. All you need is a little creativity, proper planning and a list of ideas to get started.

Informal Recognition

Even small, everyday wins should be celebrated. Get the whole staff involved in passing around the well deserved "attaboys."

1. Start a brag book for employees to write in whenever a coworker deserves thanks or praise. Read entries weekly at the staff meeting.
2. Create a "kudos corner" on the company intranet for staff to share virtual high-fives.
3. Establish an "Open Mic" time for employees to have free rein of the PA system. They'll have a captive audience to profess their thanks and admiration for fellow coworkers. (A great opportunity for creativity — and a few laughs — as well!) Genius Tip: Use an online sign up to allow for three five-minute timeslots each week.
4. Print praise cards and provide a stack for each employee. They can be filled out throughout the year and delivered to employee mailboxes for quiet acknowledgement of a job well done.
5. Purchase a hilariously showy hat that is displayed overtly in the office — until an employee decides to crown a coworker, that is. Staff and clients alike will know that greatness has occurred when they see someone wearing the hat!
6. Recognize excellence on social media to share praise in front of a bigger audience.