Fun Employee Appreciation Day Ideas that Your Team Will Love

24 January 25 - Fun Employee Appreciation Day Ideas that Your Team Will Love

The world celebrates Employee Appreciation Day in March every year! Your team works hard, and they deserve a day that's dedicated to celebrating their efforts. Taking time to show appreciation creates a moment for connection and celebration; it’s a reminder that every contribution matters.


Many companies want to show appreciation to their staff, but might be working with a smaller budget. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make your team feel appreciated. A little creativity and thoughtfulness goes a long way.


A well planned celebration can make a big impact. It can boost employee morale, increase loyalty, and help build a stronger, more motivated workforce.


In this post, we will be covering some fun and exciting ideas you can use to celebrate your team and show them just how much you appreciate what they do.

Employee Appreciation Day Ideas to Motivate Your Team

Your employees deserve to feel valued for all the hard work they do. Here are some popular employee appreciation ideas that will make the day truly memorable.

1. Team Building Games

These activities help employees bond and get to know each other outside of work, letting them unwind and have fun together, while also being a way to encourage collaboration and friendly competition. Team building games range from simple trivia competitions to scavenger hunts around the office to complicated relays on an inflatable obstacle course run.

We have a wide variety of interactive games that would be perfect for Employee Appreciation Day. Our top picks include:

  • Batak Pro: The perfect game to challenge your team's reaction times, coordination, and stamina. It's a high energy game that sparks competitive spirits in a fun and engaging way.

  • Ballnado Ball Grabber: A thrilling game where participants work together to grab flying balls and win exciting prizes.

  • Racing Car Simulators: The game that immerses all players in exciting races and a realistic and dynamic driving experience, complete with a choice of tracks and off road tests.

  • Retro Arcade Games: The ultimate crowd favourite! It has two player options and a library of up to 60 beloved games including Pac Man, Space Invaders, Frogger, 1944, Pinball, Galaxian, and Donkey Kong.

  • Total Wipe Out: This gets everyone involved in the fun. It's a swinging arm game inspired by the likes of TV shows like 'It's a Knockout' and 'Total Wipeout.'

  • Inflatable Assault Courses: Split your staff into different teams, pit department against department, or arrange relay races. It encourages friendly rivalry and bonding that lets the team cheerfully encourage each other.

Fun Pro also has sports inspired interactive games, like Electronic Basketball, Air Hockey, Shuffle Board, Table Tennis, Football Tables, and more.

2. Personalised Notes or Gifts

Personalisation goes a long way. If words of affirmation are your way of showing appreciation, a personalised note or gifts are a good option. A lot of thought goes into handwriting notes and this naturally has a stronger effect on everyone.

Personalised notes or postcards are one of the best ways to show employees genuine gratitude and effort.

And when it comes to personalised gifts, employees appreciate something unique, something they want and appreciate. To up the ante and make things more interesting, you can encourage the whole team to give gifts to each other (even if it's not Christmas).

3. Office Makeovers

Surprise your team with a workplace makeover. Refresh the office environment by introducing new décor, arranging comfortable break areas, or even adding fun elements like a photo booth or a snack bar.

A makeover will show your employees that you care about their work environment, and it makes them feel appreciated when they come to work.

4. Wellness Activities and Retreats

To increase job satisfaction and retention, employee wellbeing is important. Providing wellness activities on Employee Appreciation Day can show your team that you value their health and wellbeing.

Activities like yoga, meditation, a spa package, or even a healthy snack station can boost morale and help reduce workplace stress. But if your employees work remotely or live far from each other, you can buy packages that are close to their places or provide an allowance for a relaxing spa day.

5. Employee Recognition and Awards Programmes

You can boost employee morale with a consistent programme for rewards and recognition. Of course, one day a year of appreciation is not enough to keep employee morale high, but it can help increase employee loyalty. You can create custom programmes using spreadsheets and gift card vendors.

Employee recognition platforms also exist where your team can do peer to peer recognitions, get rewards, and point gifting.

6. Shoutouts on Employee Collaboration Platforms

Public appreciation should not be understated. Employee collaboration platforms like Skype, Microsoft Teams, Slack, etc can let you do this. Simply choose employees that you want to appreciate and write something for everyone to see. It might not take a lot of time, effort, or thought for you, but receiving public recognition can mean a lot for your team.

Why Workers Appreciation Day Matters

If you're running a company and have a team of people working together with you, you have to remember that you're managing people. And you know what people need other than the basic resources? They need recognition, appreciation, and validation!

Recognising your employees on Employee Appreciation Day isn't just about one day of celebration, it's about creating a culture of appreciation that should be upheld all year round. When employees feel that their hard work is valued, it results in numerous benefits for both individuals and the company as a whole:

  • Increased Job Satisfaction: Regular recognition helps employees feel more satisfied in their roles, which leads to a more motivated and committed team.

  • Reduced Burnout: Recognising achievements and showing gratitude helps employees avoid burnout by reminding them of the value of their work.

  • Healthier Workplace Culture: Appreciation creates a positive, inclusive workplace culture where employees feel supported and motivated to do their best.

  • Higher Employee Retention: The happier your employees are, the more they would stay in their existing job and appreciate their own efforts at the company.

  • Strong Culture: Employee Appreciation Day is also a great way to promote a healthier work culture in your business. It makes everyone feel included and appreciated.

  • Better Productivity: If you appreciate employees, they will be motivated to perform well and some will even want to outdo their past achievements. Appreciation feels good and it inspires everyone to always be better.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day?

Employee Appreciation Day typically falls on the first Friday in March, but you can choose any day that works best for your team.

How can I recognise employees with limited resources?

You don’t need a big budget to show appreciation. Simple, thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes, public recognition, company fun and games, or team lunches can make a big impact.

What types of team-building games work for large groups?

Fun Pro UK offers games that are crowd favourites and cater to large groups. Take your pick from interactive or corporate game hires like Batak Pro and Batak Lite, Mega Wire, Lights Out Game, Cash Grabber Machines, Virtual Pinball, and more.

Can these ideas be adapted for remote or hybrid work environments?

Yes, many employee appreciation ideas, such as virtual trivia, online wellness challenges, and remote team building games, can be adapted to fit a remote or hybrid workforce.

How do I ensure activities are inclusive and accessible for all staff?

It’s important to consider the different needs of your employees. Make sure that games and activities can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability, and that there’s a range of options to suit various interests.

Can Fun Pro UK handle event logistics and setup?

Yes, Fun Pro UK offers full event support, including logistics, setup, and coordination. Our team ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

How do I measure the success of our Employee Appreciation Day?

You can measure success through employee feedback, engagement levels during activities, and follow up surveys to gauge the lasting impact of the event on morale and job satisfaction.

How Fun Pro UK Can Help You Host the Perfect Event

Fun Pro UK specialises in creating interactive, memorable experiences that can transform any Employee Appreciation Day into an event your team will remember for years to come. We offer a wide range of engaging games and event equipment designed to cater to different company cultures and budgets.

From giant games to interactive team building challenges, we have options that can accommodate both small teams and large corporate events. Our team works with you to make sure that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. We will also provide you with all the support needed for a successful celebration.

With our experience and extensive equipment options, Fun Pro UK makes it easy for you to create a celebration that resonates with your team, boosts morale, and fosters lasting loyalty.

Let us help you host an unforgettable Employee Appreciation Day. Contact us today and start planning the perfect event for your team.

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