Every March, the first Friday is set aside to celebrate employees across the United States.

The holiday was created by Dr. Bob Nelson in 1995 to boost morale and show workers how much they are valued.

Since then, it has become an annual tradition for bosses and companies to find ways to show appreciation for their staff.

While some people may view this holiday as a "hallmark holiday," there is real value in taking time out of our busy lives to celebrate the people we work with.

In today's fast-paced business world, it's easy to get caught up in our own tasks and goals and forget that we are part of a team.

Over the past two years, with the pandemic, we have all had to adapt the way we work. That has meant working from home for lots of us, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

It's surely been great to have more flexibility with our time and not have to commute, but it's also been isolating for some of us who are used to working in an office.

This Employee Appreciation Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the employees we do see in person, as well as those who are still working remotely. Employee Appreciation Day is a reminder that we all play an important role in helping businesses run smoothly and reach their goals. This day was created to encourage employers to give thanks and recognition to their workers. The holiday has gained in popularity over the years, with companies large and small taking part. Here's everything you need to know about this important day!

Why Is National Employee Appreciation Day Important?

There are a lot of reasons why it's important to celebrate employees. First and foremost, happy employees lead to a productive workplace. When workers feel appreciated, they're more likely to go the extra mile for their company.

Additionally, good employee relationships can help reduce friction and drama in the office. Promoting a positive work culture has been shown to improve morale, creativity, and teamwork. Finally, thanking employees for their hard work is simply the right thing to do!

How Can Bosses Show Appreciation to Employees?

Everyone loves to feel appreciated, and employees are no different. Feeling appreciated at work can improve morale, motivation, and even productivity. So how can bosses show appreciation to their employees? Here are a few ideas: 

Thank-you notes

A simple but effective way to show appreciation is to write thank-you notes. Whether it's for a job well done or just a kind act, taking the time to write a note will let your employees know that you noticed and that you appreciate them.

Take your employees out to lunch

This is one of the easiest and most common ways to show appreciation for your employees. It doesn't require much effort or money, but it will make your employees feel appreciated. Plus, they get a break from their work and can enjoy some good food!

Organize an office party

If you want to go all out, organize an office party! This is a great way to show your employees that you appreciate them and that you value their contributions to the company. It's also a fun way for everyone to bond and get to know each other better.

Give employees time off

This may not be possible for every boss, but if you can give your employees some time off, they will certainly appreciate it! Time off allows employees to recharge and come back to work refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

Care packages

If you can't give your employees time off, then send them a care package! This can be anything from a basket of goodies to a gift card for their favorite restaurant. Just something to let them know that you're thinking of them and that you appreciate all they do.

Gift cards

Gift cards are always a great way to show appreciation. They can be used for anything from buying groceries to getting a massage. And your employees will definitely appreciate the thoughtfulness!

How can bosses develop better relationships with employees?

We all want to be liked and respected at work. After all, we spend the majority of our waking hours there! But how can you develop better relationships with your employees? Here are some tips: 

Get to know them on a personal level

Try to ask them about their hobbies, their family, and what they do outside of work. This will help you to see them as people, not just employees.

Be friendly and welcoming

When someone new joins the company, be sure to welcome them warmly and introduce yourself. Make an effort to chat with them regularly, even if it's just about work-related things.

Be positive

This one should be obvious, but always try to maintain a positive attitude around your employees. No one wants to spend time around a Negative Nancy!

Find out their working style 

Do they like to work independently or as part of a team? Do they prefer to communicate via call or email or in person? Once you know their working style, you can adjust your own accordingly and make working together easier.

Make an effort to collaborate 

Even if you don't share the same working style, make an effort to collaborate with your employees. Brainstorming ideas together, working on projects together, and just generally being open to their input will help to foster a better working relationship.

Be respectful

This one should go without saying, but always be respectful of your employees. This includes everything from using proper language to not interrupting them when they're speaking.

Compliment them on their skills and achievements

Everyone loves a good compliment! Make sure to compliment them on their skills and achievements, both inside and outside of work. A little bit of praise can go a long way!

Conclusion

Developing better relationships with your employees can be tricky, but it's definitely worth the effort. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to having a more positive and productive work environment! 

Celebrating employees is important for many reasons. By showing appreciation, you can improve workplace morale, creativity, and teamwork. There sure are many ways to show appreciation, but sometimes the little things mean the most. Get to know your employees on a more personal level and be a team player to develop strong relationships with them.

National Employee Appreciation Day is a time to show your employees how much you appreciate all their hard work. It's also the perfect opportunity to thank them for their dedication and loyalty to your company. 

No matter what you do to show your appreciation, make sure that your employees know how valued they are! Thank them for all that they do, every day, and for sure you'll have more dedicated and hardworking team members.