Latest news with #EmployeeAppreciationDay
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
To show employee appreciation and build morale in 2025, think beyond free pizza and beer
At the fitness media company Personal Trainer Development Center, owner Jonathan Goodman and his team wanted to show appreciation for a hard-working editorial director, who joked about landing a sneaker endorsement deal, despite not being a big-name athlete. So Goodman and his team made him a mock-up of a Nike endorsement contract, which included an added perk: The company paid for a new pair of shoes for him every month for a year. "It's not a huge bonus, but it's representative of something like, 'Hey, these people listened to me,' and it was very personal," said Goodman, who has authored several books. "We didn't just say, 'Buy a pair of shoes every month.' We had a contract made, and a bunch of people were involved." To show appreciation and build trust with employees, companies will often recognize workers by giving out free lunches, sending thank-you emails, and offering other personal rewards. However, appreciation gifts aren't one size fits all, and workers don't always want them in the form of free pizza or a salary increase. WorkTango examined news reports and studies to explore how companies have approached employee appreciation, and how their efforts can boost savings, increase retention, and improve morale. Dr. Bob Nelson, one of the founding board members of Recognition Professionals International, introduced the holiday in his 1994 book "1001 Ways to Reward Employees." In a 2019 blog post for Workman Publishing, his book's publisher, Nelson wrote that workers should be appreciated by their companies every day. He created Employee Appreciation Day, which falls on the first Friday in March, because only 12% of employees felt valued for the work they did for their employer. Many staffers feel that appreciation makes a difference. According to a 2024 Gallup study, 1 in 3 workers "strongly agreed" they received positive feedback for their work in the past week. A 2024 Gallup and Workhuman study also revealed that over half of U.S. employees were actively looking to leave their current roles. Still, if those workers receive authentic and personal recognition from their supervisors, they are 65% less likely to leave the company. The staggering statistic shows the importance of high-quality employee appreciation, which the research said should be authentic, personalized, and equitable. Without managers who emphasize their value-add or offer meaningful growth opportunities, employees can feel unappreciated or taken for granted. For instance, companies that have continually required frontline hospitality and transportation staffers to learn more advanced technologies and customer service skills without recognizing that effort have seen high turnover, according to a 2022 Deloitte study. "If you do not have happy employees, you do not actually have a potential long-term success as a company," said Rishad Tobaccowala, author of "Rethinking Work" and former global chief strategist and growth officer at Publicis Groupe. "If you unappreciate them for 364 days and give them a cake on Day 365, it is actually underlining how much you underappreciate them." When top-performing staffers feel appreciated and remain in their roles, it keeps morale high among other employees. This also keeps a lot of knowledge within the company-two things that are hard to measure but extremely valuable. "Once that morale is down, no matter what you do, it's going to be really hard to get [your employees] back," said Trevor Fry, a tech business consultant who has also worked in director-level roles. "Their foot is out the door. They're likely looking for somewhere else [to work]. If they're not, and you keep them, they're not engaged." Retaining staffers and reducing turnover can save companies money in the long run. According to 2024 Gallup and Workhuman research, turnover can be expensive for companies, costing them 200% of a manager's salary, 80% of a technical staffer's salary, and 40% of a frontline worker's annual pay. "It's expensive, and it's also a morale hit when people leave the company, especially when it's a well-liked employee. It's important to try to retain them," Fry said. "I think how you do that is showing that appreciation, just making it a place where they want to work." Years ago, free pizza, beer, or branded swag was considered a sufficient show of appreciation. However, as our understanding of what makes employees feel valued and recognized has evolved, that one-size-fits-all approach is no longer enough. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, recognition efforts need to be authentic, tailored to the individual, and respectful of how the employee wants to receive recognition. Getting to know direct reports includes acknowledging staffers' lives outside of work. Ask about how their families are or even how their favorite team is doing. Author and workplace wellbeing expert Dr. Heather Lamb said this one move could make a big difference in rigid corporate environments. Eventually, these conversations should start to ask the employees how they feel about their jobs and how things can improve for them. "It really is not about the money," Lamb said. "It's about the quality time and the quality conversations that eventually implement change." Getting to know direct reports can lead to ideas for personalized appreciation efforts, like Goodman's Nike contract for his editorial director. After noting that one of his companies employed a lot of single mothers and employees with families of their own, he and his team gifted house cleaning services every three weeks to his workers. Employee appreciation doesn't always have to involve a gift service or item. It can also take the form of fun events that everyone-even remote workers-can enjoy. Goodman's other company, Online Trainer Mentorship, holds an annual awards ceremony on Zoom. Everyone attends in costumes and wins a trophy in a funny category. Some tech companies, like Spotify, give their staffers a mandated week of time off, labeled Wellness Week. At one company, Fry knew his team had a big launch ahead of them, so he set up a kickoff week, inspired by Sprint Zero in Agile, a business framework that helps teams solve challenging problems in the most efficient, productive way possible. The team used the week to rest and recharge but still prep for the launch with a few mandatory meetings and a lot of optional activities. "[We] let the teams kind of self-organize into what they want to work on," she said. "They get to know their team, really set those foundations and build some fun team bonding things before it then becomes work. Giving people space and time to actually enjoy each other is key." From personalized gifts to mandated time off, employee appreciation comes in many forms. But as research shows, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The best method will depend on what each individual employee wants and needs to feel recognized. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story was produced by WorkTango and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Associated Press
08-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
SuperCare Health® Celebrates Improved Employee Engagement on National Employee Appreciation Day
Leading Respiratory Care Company Exceeds 2024 Forecast for Workplace Satisfaction in Q1 2025 'Together, we are building a stronger organization and a company culture rooted in care, innovation, and growth.' — Mya Moran, Senior Manager of Marketing CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA, UNITED STATES, March 8, 2025 / / -- SuperCare Health, a leading respiratory care and medical equipment provider that partners with healthcare professionals and insurance networks to help patients manage their care, joined organizations across the country on March 7 in honoring their employees on National Employee Appreciation Day, an annual observance established in 1995 by a coalition of employers led by Dr. Bob Nelson as a way to improve employee morale and honor the achievements of individual contributors in the workplace. On this important day of recognition and all year long, SuperCare Health renewed their commitment to leading the healthcare industry with a safe and supportive workplace, as well as providing exceptional service to patients with chronic conditions including COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, and more. In late 2024, the Southern California based company with more than 1,000 team members launched new employee engagement initiatives in response to results from a pulse survey in which employees collectively expressed a desire for elevated teambuilding, connection, and belonging at work. That was just the beginning of substantial changes at SuperCare Health. Within just three short months, the executive leadership team reported that workplace satisfaction has already improved in Q1 compared to numbers from Q4 last year. So what is the secret to their immediate and resounding success? Said Mya Moran, Senior Manager of Marketing and leader of the organization's internal communications, '2024 was a year of transformation for SuperCare Health. We truly listened to our team members and implemented their feedback. Our adaptability and commitment have allowed us to meet challenges with resilience, grow as an organization, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Together, we are building a stronger organization and a company culture rooted in care, innovation, and growth.' As the companywide festivities for National Employee Appreciation Day began on March 7, John Cassar, SuperCare's CEO and Owner, expressed, 'The tremendous efforts of our employees extend beyond day-to-day responsibilities. This past year, we came together in incredible ways, supporting those affected by the LA fires, adopting families during the holidays, revitalizing our mission to improve lives, and strengthening our company's values. These accomplishments reflect the heart of SuperCare Health— Our people. It is because of our employees that we are able to continue supporting our communities and advancing respiratory care. As we recognize each and every one of our team members on Employee Appreciation Day, let's celebrate not only the milestones we've achieved together, but also the shared purpose that drives us forward.' SuperCare Health is committed to increasing access to care, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining the patient experience from the hospital to the home. To learn more about SuperCare Health and to enroll in one of our comprehensive respiratory care programs, visit us online. To explore our newest division, SuperCare Diabetes, check out our website. Speak with a SuperCare Health customer service representative by calling (800) 206-4880 or emailing [email protected]. About SuperCare Health SuperCare Health is a comprehensive high-touch, high-tech, post-acute healthcare organization that manages patients with chronic conditions and provides a broad range of therapies, including ventilation, oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP, medication optimization, nebulizers and nebulized medications, airway clearance and mobilization, enteral supplies, and more. Utilizing innovative technologies combined with quality clinical services, SuperCare Health's services, programs, and products support cost savings, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined care coordination. Amanda Charlin SuperCare Health +1 626-949-2419 Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free classes at CCAC now available to Allegheny County employees
Allegheny County employees can now take classes at a local community college. On Friday, County Executive Sara Innamorato announced that tuition at the Community College of Allegheny County will be free for county employees interested in developing their careers. The new deal is part of Innamorato's first executive order. She said it is an important step in improving conditions for the local workforce. 'On my first day in office, I intentionally decided to set a tone for my administration about workforce and announced increased pay for workers at the bottom of our salary scale, increase vacation days, remove barriers to entry and improve other benefits. But that was just the beginning. If we want to deliver world-class service to the people of Allegheny County, we need a comprehensive approach to improving and strengthening our workforce,' said County Executive Innamorato. 'We surveyed our workers and heard from thousands of them in the process about what is working and what could be improved at the County. In response, I'm signing my first Executive Order today and ordering several measures to attract, strengthen, and retain talent.' CCAC is reducing the cost of tuition by 50% and Allegheny County pays the other half. 'The Community College of Allegheny County is excited to partner with Allegheny County to offer its employees access to more than 130 programs of study across nine career paths. We are dedicated to working closely with Allegheny County employees to provide the educational resources they need to achieve their career goals and we are grateful to County Executive Innamorato for the county's continued support and investment in CCAC,' said CCAC President Dr. Quintin Bullock. The announcement was made on Employee Appreciation Day. The county manager will provide details on how to take these classes to Allegheny County employees ahead of the 2025 Summer Academic Term. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Associated Press
06-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Gratitude Effect: Building Engagement, Connection, and ROI Through Workplace Appreciation
87% of employees believe companies should recognize contributions with tangible tokens of appreciation NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Snappy, the leading gifting company, has released its 2025 Workforce Study, based on insights from 1,500 U.S. employees, offering a comprehensive look at how gratitude, recognition, and gifting transform workplace cultures, drive employee engagement, and boost business success. While timed for Employee Appreciation Day on March 7, the findings reinforce that appreciation shouldn't be a one-day event—it's a year-round commitment that fosters connection, motivation, and long-term retention in the modern workplace. The Gap In Employee Appreciation Day Recognition Despite widespread employee interest in formal recognition, many companies are failing to prioritize Employee Appreciation Day. This oversight represents a missed opportunity to strengthen company culture and reinforce employees' sense of value. Recognizing employees on this day can be a launching pad for fostering year-round appreciation and engagement. Only 37% of employees reported that their company celebrates Employee Appreciation Day. 66% of employees said that they would like their company to recognize the occasion. The Role of Gifting in Appreciation and Connection Gifting is more than a perk – it's a proven driver of employee engagement and workplace culture. Snappy's 2025 Workforce study confirms that employees feel more valued, motivated, and connected to their company when they receive meaningful recognition. Milestone Recognition Increases Retention: 79% of employees said a birthday gift would make them feel appreciated and valued, while 67% indicated that an annual anniversary gift would encourage them to stay in their role. These milestones, often overlooked, present an opportunity for companies to show they care about their employees' personal and professional journeys. Recognition From Leadership Matters Most: 40% of employees said that appreciation from their direct manager is the most meaningful. When recognition comes from leadership, it reinforces the connection between employees and their organization. Onboarding Gifts Set the Tone For Engagement: Onboarding gifts have emerged as critical touchpoints for new hires, with employees citing welcome gifts as one of the top ways companies can make them feel valued from day one. This type of gesture creates a lasting impression that sets the tone for a positive workplace experience. Branded Swag Builds Pride: 85% of employees reported that wearing swag with their company's logo makes them feel proud of their organization's mission, while 76% said it helps them feel more connected to their colleagues. These symbols of belonging foster a shared sense of identity and culture. Gratitude as a Driver of Engagement and ROI Recognition is more than a morale booster, it is a key driver of performance, innovation, and long-term business success. This heightened engagement translates into better ideas, stronger relationships, and improved business outcomes. The High Cost of Neglecting Recognition: On the flip side, a lack of recognition has significant consequences. 42% of employees reported being less productive when they don't feel appreciated 30% identified feeling invisible or undervalued as a primary reason for losing motivation 10% say a lack of recognition is a key factor in disengagement Companies that fail to prioritize appreciation risk lower productivity, disengaged employees, and higher turnover. Employees Expect Meaningful Recognition: 87% of employees believe companies should recognize contributions with tangible tokens of appreciation. Cultural Insights into the 2025 Workplace Employees are deeply invested in connection, belonging, and recognition, and companies that align with these priorities will see greater engagement and retention. A Preference For In-Office Work: The study found that 69% of employees work full-time in the office and 57% prefer it that way. For many, the office is a vital space for collaboration and relationship building. Workplace Friendships Matter: Strong workplace relationships are a cornerstone of workplace satisfaction, with 75% reporting that they have friends at work and 72% saying they have long-term friends they originally met through work. These connections are key to building a supportive and engaged culture. Snappy's 2025 Workforce Study underscores a fundamental truth: gratitude and recognition aren't just nice to have – they're essential for engagement, retention, and business success. When employees feel valued through meaningful gifts, milestone celebrations, and a regular cadence of appreciation from leadership, they are more motivated, productive, and committed to their organization. As companies navigate the future of work. Investing in a strategic recognition program that includes gifting can drive stronger connections, boost morale, and deliver measurable ROI. Appreciation isn't just good for employees – it's good for business. About This Study Snappy's 2025 Workforce Study surveyed 1,500 employees across industries and demographics to explore how recognition and gifting impact workplace engagement, satisfaction, and performance. About Snappy Founded in 2015, Snappy is a global gifting company on a mission to spread joy, share gratitude, and remove the guesswork from gifting. Snappy is the trusted gifting and swag partner to over 47% of Fortune 100 companies and has delivered more than six million gifts worldwide. With the acquisition of Covver, Snappy expands its capabilities to include innovative AI-driven personalization for swag and branded merchandise. Recognized as one of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies and featured on Fortune's 'Best Small & Medium Workplaces' list, Snappy continues to thrive on building meaningful relationships through the power of gifting.
