International Employee Appreciation Day 2025

Anna Nova Galeon

07-03-2025

International Employee Appreciation Day 2025

Image by MichaelJayBerlin via Envato Elements

Beyond the ‘Thank You’: Honouring the heart of every organisation

Employees are the foundation of every organisation, driving success through dedication, skills, and hard work. However, in the fast-paced business world, their efforts can sometimes go unnoticed. This is why International Employee Appreciation Day, celebrated on the first Friday of March, serves as an important reminder to recognise and value the contributions of employees.

In this article, Anna Nova explores the history and significance of Employee Appreciation Day, why appreciation matters, its impact on employees and organisations, and how companies can integrate recognition into their daily practices.

The history of Employee Appreciation Day

International Employee Appreciation Day was founded in 1995 by Dr Bob Nelson, a leading expert in employee engagement and recognition, in collaboration with Workman Publishing. The day was created to encourage employers to prioritise employee appreciation and foster a positive workplace culture.

This day, which is celebrated on the first Friday of March each year, has gained global recognition. Initially observed in the United States, it is now widely celebrated in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Organisations of all sizes use this occasion to show gratitude to their employees through various activities and initiatives.

Though it began as a single-day observance, its message of continuous appreciation has inspired many organisations to integrate employee recognition into their workplace culture year-round.

Why employee appreciation matters

Below are the reasons why employee appreciation matters:

Boosts employee morale and job satisfaction

Employees who feel valued are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and happy at work. A simple "thank you" can significantly affect how employees perceive their role within an organisation.

Enhances workplace culture

A culture of appreciation promotes teamwork, trust, and a sense of belonging. Employees who feel recognised contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment.

Improves employee retention

One of the leading reasons employees leave a company is a lack of appreciation. Studies show that recognised employees are more likely to stay and remain committed to their organisation's goals.

Increases productivity and performance

Employees who receive regular recognition are more motivated to perform at their best. Research indicates that companies with strong recognition programs experience higher productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Strengthens employee-employer relationships

When leaders acknowledge and appreciate their employees, it builds trust and loyalty. Employees are more likely to feel connected to their organisation when their efforts are valued.

The impact of celebrating employees

Recognising and appreciating employees goes beyond a simple "thank you", it creates a work environment where people feel valued, motivated, and engaged. When organisations prioritise employee appreciation, they cultivate a positive workplace culture that benefits both individuals and the company.

For employees

Increased job satisfaction and happiness
Higher motivation and engagement
Better mental well-being and reduced stress
A stronger sense of purpose and workplace belonging
Greater loyalty to the organisation.

For employers and organisations

Improved employee retention rates
Higher productivity and efficiency
A more positive and motivated workforce
Enhanced company reputation and employer branding
Stronger workplace relationships and team cohesion.

Recognising employees regularly creates a win-win situation for both employees and the organisation. Companies that value appreciation enjoy higher employee loyalty, increased profits, and long-term success.

How to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day can be as simple as a heartfelt thank-you message or as grand as an employee recognition event. Organisations can show appreciation through personalised recognition, public acknowledgements, small perks like gift cards or extra time off, and team-building activities. Investing in professional growth opportunities and ensuring leadership actively engages in recognition efforts strengthens workplace morale.

The key is to make appreciation genuine and meaningful, ensuring employees feel valued not just on this day but throughout the year.

Going beyond Employee Appreciation Day - Making recognition a habit

While Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March, it is essential to practice gratitude year-round. Here’s how organisations can foster continuous appreciation:

Encourage peer-to-peer recognition - Let employees acknowledge and appreciate each other through recognition programs.
Integrate appreciation into daily work - Make recognition a regular part of meetings, performance reviews, and workplace culture.
Actively listen to employees - Show appreciation by addressing employee concerns and implementing feedback.
Create a culture of gratitude - Appreciation should be an everyday habit, not just an annual event.

Conclusion

International Employee Appreciation Day, observed on the first Friday of March each year, is a powerful reminder of employees' invaluable contributions to their workplaces. A culture of appreciation leads to happier employees, stronger teams, and tremendous organisational success.

Whether through a simple "thank you," a personalised gesture, or professional development opportunities, recognising employees positively impacts morale, productivity, and retention.

One of the best ways to show appreciation is by investing in continuous learning and development. Our online training programmes empower employees with essential skills, ensuring professional growth. Take a moment today to celebrate and appreciate your employees. A small act of gratitude can make a lasting impact!

About the author

Anna Nova Galeon

Anna, our wordsmith extraordinaire, plays a pivotal role in quality assurance. She collaborates seamlessly with subject matter experts and marketers to meet stringent quality standards. Her linguistic precision and meticulous attention to detail elevate our content, ensuring prominence, clarity, and alignment with global quality benchmarks.