45 Creative & Fun Employee Appreciation Ideas For Office
Here is a list of 45 creative and fun employee appreciation ideas for the office.
These ideas are simple, but they can make a big difference in how your team feels about their work.
Try a few of these and see the positive impact on your workplace!
Themed Office Parties: Host a themed party (e.g., 80s, Hawaiian, Movie Night) with costumes, decorations, and related activities.
A themed office party is a fun way to bring everyone together. You can pick a theme like the 1980s, a Hawaiian luau, or a favorite movie night.
Everyone dresses up according to the theme, making it exciting and colorful. The office can be decorated to match the theme, with balloons, streamers, and props.
You can also have games and activities that fit the theme. For example, at a Hawaiian party, you could have a limbo contest. These parties help everyone relax and have fun together.
Personalized Thank You Notes: Write handwritten notes to each employee, highlighting their unique contributions.
Personalized thank-you notes are a special way to show employees you appreciate them.
These are handwritten notes from the boss or a manager. Each note mentions something specific that the employee did well.
It could be about a project they completed or how they helped a teammate. These notes make people feel good because they know their hard work is noticed.
Receiving a personal note can brighten someone’s day and encourage them to keep doing their best.
Employee of the Month Parking Spot: Reserve a prime parking spot for the employee of the month.
The Employee of the Month parking spot is a great reward for hard work. Each month, the best employee gets to park in a special spot close to the office entrance.
This spot is reserved just for them, and it shows everyone how much their effort is valued.
It’s a small but meaningful way to recognize someone who goes above and beyond in their job.
Having a prime parking spot is convenient and makes the employee feel proud.
Surprise Snack Cart: Roll a snack cart around the office with a variety of treats for employees to choose from.
The surprise snack cart is a tasty treat that rolls through the office.
Now and then, a cart filled with snacks is brought around for employees to enjoy. It might have things like chips, cookies, fruit, or even ice cream.
The best part is that it’s a surprise, so no one knows when it’s coming! When the cart arrives, everyone gets excited.
It’s a simple way to add some joy to the workday and show employees that they are appreciated.
Office Awards Ceremony: Create fun awards (e.g., “Best Team Player,” “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day”) and host a small ceremony.
An office awards ceremony is a fun event where employees are recognized for their unique contributions.
Different awards are created, like “Best Team Player” or “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day.”
During the ceremony, these awards are handed out to employees who have done something special.
It’s a chance to celebrate everyone’s hard work in a lighthearted way. The awards can be funny or serious, but the goal is to make everyone feel appreciated.
It’s a fun way to build team spirit and recognize individual achievements.
Flexible Work Hours: Offer flexible hours for a week or month as a reward for hard work.
Flexible work hours allow employees to adjust their schedules to fit their lives better. As a reward for hard work, you can offer flexible hours for a week or even a month.
This means employees can choose when to start and finish their workday, as long as they complete their tasks.
For example, someone might prefer to come in early and leave early, while another might like to start later in the day.
This flexibility helps employees balance their work with personal time, making them feel trusted and valued.
Team Lunch Outings: Take your team out for lunch at a nice restaurant.
Team lunch outings are a great way to build relationships outside the office. Every so often, take your team out to a nice restaurant for lunch.
This gives everyone a chance to relax, enjoy good food, and talk about things other than work.
It’s a break from the usual routine and a way to show appreciation for their hard work.
These outings can help team members bond, making it easier to work together when they’re back in the office. Plus, everyone loves a free meal!
Custom Swag: Create personalized company merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks with employees’ names.
Custom swag is personalized merchandise that employees can use and enjoy.
You can create items like t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks with the company logo and the employee’s name on them.
These items are special because they are unique to each person. It’s a fun way to show that the company cares about its employees and wants them to feel proud of where they work.
Whether it’s a cozy hoodie or a sleek water bottle, custom swag can be a daily reminder of their value to the team.
Wellness Day: Provide a day dedicated to wellness with yoga sessions, massages, or mental health workshops.
A wellness day is a special day dedicated to employees’ health and well-being. On this day, the office can offer activities like yoga sessions, massages, or workshops on mental health.
It’s a time for employees to relax and focus on taking care of themselves. Wellness days help reduce stress and remind employees that their health matters.
By providing these opportunities, the company shows that it cares about more than just work – it cares about the overall well-being of its employees.
Office Makeover: Allow employees to personalize or refresh their workspace.
An office makeover allows employees to refresh and personalize their workspace.
This could mean letting them redecorate their desk, add new furniture, or bring in items that make them feel more comfortable and inspired.
Employees can choose new colors, plants, or even artwork that they like.
A personalized workspace can make employees feel more at home and happy while they work. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on how they feel each day.
Happy Hour Fridays: Organize an in-office happy hour with drinks and snacks every Friday.
Every Friday, you can organize a small gathering in the office where employees can relax with drinks and snacks.
It’s a time to unwind, chat with coworkers, and celebrate the week’s accomplishments.
You can offer a variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic options, along with some tasty snacks.
This weekly event helps build a sense of community and gives everyone something to look forward to at the end of the week. It’s a great way to boost morale and create a positive atmosphere.
On-Site Barista: Hire a barista for a day to make custom coffee drinks for the team.
An on-site barista is a special treat for coffee lovers in the office.
For a day, you can hire a professional barista to come in and make custom coffee drinks for the team. Employees can order their favorite lattes, cappuccinos, or even fancy espresso drinks.
Having a barista on site adds a touch of luxury to the workday and shows employees that their comfort and satisfaction are important.
It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in how employees feel about their workplace.
Charity Donation in Their Name: Donate to a charity of the employee’s choice in their name.
Making a charity donation in an employee’s name is a meaningful way to show appreciation.
When an employee does something outstanding, you can donate to a charity of their choice in their name. This shows that the company cares about the causes that are important to its employees.
It’s a way to give back to the community while recognizing the employee’s hard work.
This thoughtful gesture can make employees feel proud and valued, knowing that their efforts are helping to make a difference.
Wall of Fame: Create a “Wall of Fame” in the office to showcase employee achievements and milestones.
A Wall of Fame is a special place in the office where employee achievements and milestones are celebrated.
You can create a dedicated space to showcase photos, certificates, or notes about employees who have done something exceptional.
It could be for completing a big project, reaching a work anniversary, or even especially helping a coworker.
The Wall of Fame makes employees feel recognized and appreciated.
It’s a visible reminder that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and encourages others to strive for excellence as well.
Office Trivia Game: Host a trivia game with questions about the company, pop culture, and employees.
An office trivia game is a fun and engaging way to bring the team together. You can host a trivia game with questions about the company, pop culture, and even fun facts about the employees.
Teams can compete against each other, and the winners could receive small prizes or bragging rights.
The trivia game not only tests knowledge but also encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
It’s a lighthearted way to break up the workday and give everyone a chance to learn more about each other and the company.
Surprise Half-Day Off: Surprise employees with a half-day off to enjoy some personal time.
A surprise half-day off is a wonderful way to show employees that their hard work is appreciated.
Imagine working hard all week, and then suddenly being told you can leave early to enjoy the rest of the day as you please.
This kind of surprise gives employees a chance to relax, spend time with family, or do something fun outside of work. It’s an unexpected treat that shows the company values their time and well-being.
Even just a few extra hours off can make a big difference in helping employees feel refreshed and appreciated.
DIY Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY sundae bar in the break room with a variety of toppings.
A DIY sundae bar is a delicious treat that everyone in the office can enjoy.
Set up a sundae station in the break room with a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and fruit.
Employees can build their sundaes, customizing them with their favorite ingredients. It’s a fun and interactive way to give everyone a sweet break during the day.
The sundae bar brings a bit of joy to the office and gives employees a chance to take a moment to relax and enjoy a tasty treat.
Professional Development Grants: Offer grants for employees to attend conferences, courses, or workshops.
Professional development grants are a great way to invest in your employees’ growth. By offering grants, the company can help cover the costs of conferences, courses, or workshops that employees are interested in.
This allows them to learn new skills, stay updated on industry trends, and grow in their careers. Supporting professional development shows employees that the company cares about their future and wants to help them succeed.
It also benefits the company, as employees bring back new knowledge and ideas that can improve the workplace.
Lunch with the Boss: Organize a one-on-one or small group lunch with the company’s leadership.
Lunch with the boss is a special opportunity for employees to connect with company leadership in a more personal setting.
Organize a one-on-one or small group lunch where employees can sit down with a manager or the company’s top leaders.
During lunch, they can discuss ideas, ask questions, or just get to know each other better. It’s a chance for employees to share their thoughts and for leaders to show that they are approachable and interested in their team’s opinions.
This kind of interaction can build trust and make employees feel more valued and connected to the company.
Employee Shout-Outs: Dedicate time during meetings to give shout-outs to employees for their hard work.
Employee shout-outs are a simple but powerful way to recognize hard work during meetings.
Set aside time in regular meetings to highlight employees who have gone above and beyond. A shout-out could be for finishing a tough project, helping a colleague, or showing great teamwork.
These shout-outs are a public acknowledgment of effort and dedication, which can boost morale and encourage others to work hard as well.
It’s a way to make everyone feel appreciated and recognized in front of their peers, adding to a positive and supportive work environment.
Company-Sponsored Hobbies: Sponsor group classes or activities based on employee interests (e.g., cooking, painting, fitness).
Company-sponsored hobbies are a great way to bring employees together over shared interests.
The company can organize group classes or activities based on what employees enjoy, like cooking, painting, or fitness. These activities are a fun break from work and give everyone a chance to learn something new.
For example, a cooking class could teach employees how to make delicious dishes, while a fitness class could help everyone stay healthy.
By sponsoring these hobbies, the company shows it cares about employees’ interests and well-being. It also helps employees bond over common hobbies, which can lead to stronger teamwork.
Desk Drops: Place small gifts or notes on desks for employees to find in the morning.
Desk drops are small surprises left on employees’ desks for them to find in the morning. These could be little gifts, like a snack, a plant, or a motivational note.
The idea is to give employees a small, unexpected treat that brightens their day.
Desk drops show that the company appreciates its employees and wants to make their workday a little more special.
It’s a simple gesture, but finding something nice on their desk can start an employee’s day off on a positive note.
Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program: Create a platform where employees can recognize each other’s efforts.
A peer-to-peer recognition program is a platform where employees can acknowledge each other’s efforts. This allows coworkers to give each other shout-outs for hard work, teamwork, or any act of kindness.
The program might include a system where employees can give points or badges to one another, which can be exchanged for rewards.
This type of recognition is powerful because it comes directly from peers who work together daily.
It helps build a supportive and positive work culture, where everyone feels valued not just by their managers but by their teammates too.
Casual Dress Days: Allow employees to dress casually or according to a theme on certain days.
Casual dress days allow employees to wear more relaxed clothing to work. Instead of the usual office attire, they can dress comfortably, like wearing jeans or T-shirts.
Sometimes, casual dress days can have themes, like wearing team colors, costumes, or even pajamas. These days are a fun way to break up the routine and let employees express their style.
Casual dress days can make the workplace feel more relaxed and enjoyable, which can help boost morale and make everyone feel more at ease.
Off-Site Team Retreat: Plan an off-site retreat for team-building and relaxation.
An off-site team retreat is a special event where employees leave the office to spend time together in a new setting.
These retreats are designed for team-building and relaxation. They might take place at a resort, a camp, or even just a different city.
During the retreat, employees can participate in activities like workshops, games, or outdoor adventures.
It’s a time to relax, bond with coworkers, and recharge. Off-site retreats help strengthen relationships and improve teamwork, making it easier for everyone to work together when they return to the office.
Holiday-Themed Activities: Celebrate holidays with themed office activities, such as a pumpkin carving contest or Secret Santa.
Holiday-themed activities are a fun way to celebrate special times of the year in the office.
You can organize activities like a pumpkin carving contest for Halloween, a Secret Santa gift exchange for Christmas, or even an Easter egg hunt.
These activities bring a festive spirit into the workplace and give everyone a chance to participate in something enjoyable. They help break the routine and make the office feel more cheerful.
Celebrating holidays together also strengthens the sense of community, as everyone shares in the fun and excitement of the season.
Group Volunteer Day: Organize a day for the team to volunteer together at a local charity.
A group volunteer day is when the whole team comes together to help out at a local charity.
It might involve activities like serving food at a shelter, cleaning up a park, or helping out at an animal rescue.
Volunteering as a group is a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact. It also allows employees to bond while doing something meaningful outside of the office.
By organizing a volunteer day, the company shows it cares about social responsibility and encourages employees to contribute to a good cause.
Office Games Tournament: Host a tournament featuring games like ping pong, foosball, or video games.
An office games tournament is a fun and competitive way to bring some excitement into the workplace.
You can set up a tournament featuring games like ping pong, foosball, or video games.
Employees can sign up to compete, and you can create brackets to see who comes out on top. The tournament could last for a day or spread out over a week, with prizes for the winners.
This kind of activity encourages friendly competition and helps employees relax and have fun together. It’s a great way to boost morale and build camaraderie among the team.
Monthly Breakfast Club: Offer a monthly breakfast with various foods and drinks for the team.
A monthly breakfast club is a special time when the team gathers to enjoy breakfast together.
Once a month, the company can provide a variety of breakfast foods and drinks, like pancakes, fruit, coffee, and juice.
This event gives everyone a chance to start their day with a good meal and some social time with colleagues.
It’s a relaxed setting where employees can chat and connect before the workday begins.
The breakfast club helps build a sense of community and makes employees feel appreciated as they start their day on a positive note.
Office Decoration Contests: Encourage teams to decorate their workspace for holidays or seasons with a prize for the best.
Office decoration contests are a fun way to encourage creativity and teamwork. For holidays or different seasons, teams can be invited to decorate their workspaces according to a theme.
For example, they could decorate for Halloween with spooky decorations or make their area festive for the winter holidays. The best-decorated workspace could win a prize, like a team lunch or a gift card.
These contests add some fun to the office and allow employees to express their creativity.
It also helps make the workplace more colorful and lively, bringing a bit of joy to everyone’s day.
Gift Cards for Local Businesses: Give out gift cards to local restaurants, cafes, or stores.
Giving out gift cards to local businesses is a great way to reward employees while also supporting the community.
These gift cards could be for nearby restaurants, cafes, or stores that employees can visit in their free time.
It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows employees to treat themselves to something they enjoy, like a nice meal, a cup of coffee, or shopping for something special.
By choosing local businesses, the company also helps support the local economy. This kind of reward is practical and appreciated, giving employees the flexibility to use it how they like.
Time Capsule Project: Create a time capsule with notes, items, and memories from employees to be opened in a few years.
A time capsule project is a creative way to capture memories and moments from the office to be opened in the future. Employees can contribute notes, small items, or even photos that represent their time at the company.
These are then sealed in a container and stored away to be opened in a few years.
The time capsule is a fun and meaningful project that encourages employees to reflect on their experiences and think about what the future might hold.
When it’s finally opened, it provides a unique opportunity to look back on how much has changed and to remember the good times shared at work.
Photo Booth Fun: Set up a photo booth with props for employees to take fun pictures.
Setting up a photo booth in the office is a fun way to let employees capture silly and memorable moments.
The photo booth can be stocked with props like hats, glasses, and signs that employees can use to create funny or themed pictures.
This can be set up during special events, parties, or even just on a random day to surprise the team.
The photos can be printed out or shared digitally, giving everyone a keepsake of the day. A photo booth adds an element of fun to the office and encourages everyone to relax and enjoy some lighthearted moments with their coworkers.
Pet-Friendly Days: Allow employees to bring their pets to work on designated days.
Pet-friendly days are when employees are allowed to bring their pets to work. On designated days, the office can become a pet-friendly zone where dogs, cats, or other well-behaved pets can join their owners.
This can create a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere in the office, as pets often bring comfort and happiness.
It also gives employees a chance to share a bit of their personal life with coworkers, strengthening bonds within the team.
Pet-friendly days are a great way to reduce stress and add some extra fun to the workday.
Book Club: Start a book club with monthly discussions and provide the books.
Starting a book club in the office is a great way to encourage reading and discussion among employees.
Each month, the company can provide a book for everyone to read, and then organize a time for a group discussion.
The book club gives employees a chance to explore new ideas, share their thoughts, and connect with others over a shared interest. It’s also a good way to promote learning and personal growth.
Whether it’s a novel, a self-help book, or something related to the industry, the book club can become a regular activity that employees look forward to.
Surprise Picnic Lunch: Host a surprise picnic lunch in a nearby park with games and food.
A surprise picnic lunch is a delightful way to treat your employees to something different.
Imagine telling everyone to take a break from work, and then leading them to a nearby park for a picnic!
You can bring along blankets, delicious food, and fun games like frisbee or badminton. It’s a chance for everyone to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and have some fun together.
The surprise element adds excitement, making it a memorable experience. This kind of event helps employees unwind and strengthens team bonds in a laid-back, outdoor setting.
Employee Discount Programs: Partner with local businesses to offer employees discounts on various products or services.
Employee discount programs are a great way to help your team save money while supporting local businesses.
By partnering with restaurants, cafes, gyms, or stores nearby, you can offer employees special discounts on various products and services.
This perk not only benefits employees by making their favorite spots more affordable, but it also shows that the company cares about their well-being outside of work.
It’s a practical and appreciated benefit that employees can use regularly, making their everyday lives a little easier and more enjoyable.
Fun Learning Workshops: Offer workshops on fun topics like cooking, photography, or DIY crafts.
Fun learning workshops are a fantastic way to encourage creativity and skill-building among employees.
These workshops can cover a wide range of topics, like cooking, photography, or DIY crafts.
The idea is to offer something different from the usual work tasks, giving employees a chance to learn new skills in a relaxed, enjoyable environment.
Whether it’s a cooking class where everyone makes a new dish or a photography workshop that teaches how to take better pictures, these workshops are both educational and fun.
They help employees grow personally and can even spark new hobbies or interests.
Work-From-Home Day: Let employees work from home for a day as a reward.
A work-from-home day is a simple yet effective reward for hard work. It gives employees the chance to work from the comfort of their own homes for a day.
This can be a nice change of pace from the regular office routine and can help employees manage their time more flexibly.
Whether they use the time to avoid a long commute, focus on tasks in a quiet environment, or simply enjoy being at home, a work-from-home day is a perk that many employees appreciate.
It shows trust in their ability to manage their work and can boost morale.
Movie or Game Night: Host a movie or game night in the office with snacks and entertainment.
Hosting a movie or game night in the office is a fun way to bring the team together after hours. You can set up a screen for a movie or organize a game night with board games, card games, or even video games.
Provide some snacks like popcorn, chips, and drinks to make the evening even more enjoyable. This kind of event allows employees to unwind and socialize in a relaxed setting.
It’s a great way to foster friendships within the team and create a sense of community. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Recognition via Social Media: Feature outstanding employees on the company’s social media channels.
Recognizing employees via social media is a great way to publicly celebrate their hard work. The company can feature outstanding employees on its social media channels, sharing their achievements with a wider audience.
This could include a post with the employee’s picture, a description of what they did well, and why they are appreciated.
This kind of recognition makes employees feel proud and valued, as their efforts are acknowledged not just within the company but also in front of clients, customers, and the community.
It’s a simple yet effective way to boost morale and show that the company is proud of its team.
Secret Day of Service: Organize a secret service where management does something special for the team, like cleaning their workspace.
A Secret Day of Service is a special day where management surprises the team by doing something nice for them, like cleaning their workspaces, bringing in breakfast, or organizing their files.
The idea is to give employees a break from some of the little tasks they usually handle, showing that management cares about their comfort and well-being. Because it’s a secret, the surprise element makes it even more enjoyable for the team.
This gesture helps strengthen the bond between management and employees, creating a positive and supportive work environment.
Office Scavenger Hunt: Plan a scavenger hunt around the office with clues and prizes.
An office scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging activity that gets everyone moving and working together.
You can plan a scavenger hunt around the office, where employees must follow clues to find hidden items or solve puzzles.
The hunt can include small prizes for those who complete it, making it competitive and exciting. This kind of activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, all while having fun.
It’s a great way to break the routine and inject some energy into the workday.
Monthly Surprise Raffle: Hold a monthly raffle with fun prizes, and enter every employee automatically.
A monthly surprise raffle is a fun way to reward employees regularly. Every month, you can hold a raffle where every employee is automatically entered to win a prize.
The prizes can vary, from gift cards and tech gadgets to extra time off or special privileges like a prime parking spot.
The element of surprise keeps everyone excited and looking forward to the raffle each month.
It’s a simple but effective way to show appreciation and give everyone a chance to win something special.
Annual Appreciation Day: Dedicate a day each year to celebrate and appreciate your employees with various activities and rewards.
An Annual Appreciation Day is a dedicated day each year to celebrate and honor employees for their hard work and dedication.
On this day, the company can organize various activities, like special lunches, award ceremonies, games, and giveaways.
Employees could also receive small gifts or bonuses as a token of appreciation. This day is all about making employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions throughout the year.
By setting aside a specific day for appreciation, the company reinforces the message that its success is built on the efforts of its team, creating a positive and motivated work culture.
Conclusion
Incorporating fun employee appreciation ideas into your workplace can make a big difference in how your team feels.
These creative ideas not only show your gratitude but also help build a stronger, more connected team.
Whether it’s through small gestures or larger events, taking the time to appreciate your employees can create a positive and enjoyable work environment.
Try some of these ideas and watch your workplace thrive with energy and enthusiasm!
Engage With Us
We’d love to hear how you’re bringing fun employee appreciation ideas to life in your office!
Have you tried any of the ideas from our list? Do you have creative ways to show appreciation to your team?
Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below!
