Seven Ways to Show Employee Appreciation During the Holidays

With the end of the year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll celebrate all the hardworking employees in your organization. 

Employee appreciation is a powerful way to end the year and ensure the team feels seen and heard. Whether you’re the admin tasked with this job or you’re an EA bringing fresh ideas to the table, here are some of the ways to celebrate the team.

Employee Appreciation Gifts for the Holidays

Some organizations opt for end-of-year events, while others prefer to give gifts to their employees. Traditional employee gifts like a coffee mug or other company swag can be fun, but there are many other creative options to explore. Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas for the modern business landscape.

Food Delivery Gift Cards

If your team consists of many virtual employees, consider gifting food delivery gift cards. That way, they can order lunch from their favorite restaurant when working from home. You can even encourage them to try new restaurants or opt for local go-tos on the company’s dime. 

Fitness Subscription Service 

Give the gift of health and fitness to your team with a yearly access pass to a fitness app! For both virtual and in-person employees, getting exercise can be challenging during busy workdays. Empowering team members to prioritize their health will show them you care about their mental and physical well-being.

Cool Tech and Gadgets

It seems like there’s a new gadget in the workplace every day, from self-warming coffee mugs to a convenient cell phone stand for Zoom calls. The latest and greatest gadget will elevate each employee’s desk and excite them to show up in the morning. 

Employee Appreciation Ideas

Aside from gifts and events, there are a few ways to celebrate the hardworking people in your organization. Here are a few non-traditional ideas that will make your staff feel appreciated.

Decorate the Office

The holidays are a magical time, no matter where you live. Get your organization feeling festive by decorating and creating a vibrant, jolly workspace. Be sure to include all the upcoming December holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Bodhi Day. Ensure all your employees’ cultures and beliefs are included in the decorating so everyone feels represented. 

Enlist the help of the internal events team or put together a group of your own to properly execute the decorating. You may be surprised at how inspired and touched the employees feel by this action! 

Ask for Feedback

The last few years have been challenging for businesses of all sizes, regardless of industry. While they are certainly grateful for their jobs, your employees may need to express their concerns or feedback to feel confident and satisfied moving forward. 

Gathering feedback could entail an anonymous suggestion box or digital form, a one-on-one with a department leader, or a company-wide brainstorming session. Whatever fits your organization, gauge employee interest and determine if that would be a productive way to end the year.  

Write Thank You Cards

If you’re planning on behalf of an executive, suggest having them write personalized cards to each team member. There, you can thank them for their dedication and hard work this year. Employees crave recognition from their leaders, which is a great way to end the year on a high note and start strong in 2024.

Give the Gift of Time Off

We already mentioned gifting PTO in this post, but some of your employees will genuinely appreciate more time with their families than any gift or event. The holidays can be challenging and wonderful all at the same time, and some people just want to be with their loved ones.

ASAP Is the Gift that Keeps on Giving

This holiday season, enlist the help of ASAP to ensure you are going above and beyond in your role. Whether you’re planning a company party or spearheading the company gifts, ASAP has the resources to support your endeavors as an admin professional. Explore our free resources and elevate your skills in time for the new year.