Eight tips to level up small business employee appreciation

Offering benefits, training, and perks that meet your employees' needs

As a small business owner, you juggle a lot of responsibilities to keep things running. But there’s one that can be easy to overlook, especially when things are running smoothly: nurturing your employees so they feel valued, celebrated and supported. It’s not just great for morale and retention—it can improve performance and productivity.

The good news: Showing meaningful employee appreciation and cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” as an employer might be easier than you think.

With Employee Appreciation Day right around the corner, we’ve got some ideas—and a few great deals—to help you kick things off and make your team feel appreciated year-round.

Getting Employee Appreciation Day Right Every Time (and All Year Long)

You don’t have to be a pro-gift-giver or “go big” to get employee appreciation right. A few things to keep in mind as you make appreciation a regular practice beyond Employee Appreciation Day.

Tip 1: Personalization is key

Even a small, handwritten note or card can go a long way between “checking the box” with employee appreciation and really making it count.

Tip 2: Keep a calendar with employee anniversaries

Acknowledge tenure with a thank you card, a small gift or the afternoon off.

Tip 3: Acknowledge your employees’ big accomplishments

For individuals and teams alike, make it a priority to show what a significant contribution or big win means with a small token or note.

Tip 4: Remember the value of time

Time is money in business, but it’s also one of the most precious resources we have as individuals. More than parties or bonuses, consider extra days off, flexible work schedules, or work-from-home days to show employees you value their time off the clock, too.

Tip 5: Include everyone in the gratitude

Not just senior employees or those with measurable outputs, such as the sales team. Even if this means keeping gratitude on a smaller scale, it will help you avoid exclusion, which could even cause appreciation efforts to backfire.

Tip 6: Bridge the remote work gap

If you have workers who are often in the field or working remotely, show appreciation when they’re in town with in-person visits, meals or in-town activities. This shows them that just because they’re not always in the office doesn’t mean they’re not a priority.

Tip 7: Be generous with your time, too

Taking an interest in employees, in particular making time to meet and listen, is a great way to show your appreciation.

Tip 8: Pay attention to high-performing employees

This isn’t just to reward them for going above and beyond; it’s to ensure no one is overworking. Showing them you notice their hard work by suggesting time off or reducing their workload can go a long way in boosting morale and preventing burnout.

Employee appreciation gifts your staff will value

What can you give employees that they’ll actually want? Here are a few ideas any employee can appreciate.

Gift cards

Gift cards are a universally appreciated gesture, and a great way to customize amounts and let them choose what they really want or need. 

Additional time off (time is valuable!)

Whether it's half-Fridays, flexible hours, or extra days off around the holidays, you can’t put a price on time.

Reward your employees with bonuses for their hard work

A tried-and-true way to give employees a little extra for their efforts.

Match donations to your employee’s supported causes

Give back to charities or causes that are important to your employees.

Flowers

Flowers are always a thoughtful way to celebrate an occasion. 1-800-Flowers offers gift baskets and food gifts in addition to arrangements.

Employee Training & Development

Another way to acknowledge that employees are one of your most important greatest assets? Investing in opportunities for training and development. Offering ways to advance their skills and expertise shows you value them and offers lasting growth that benefits you both.

Two great resources to try include Coursera, which offers unlimited access to thousands of courses across industries, and Trainup, which offers in-person and e-learning courses for teams.

Benefits and Perks

As an employer, you’re able to compensate employees and offer programs that can cultivate a culture of appreciation. These are the kind of benefits that make your business a great place to work. And when you’re a great employer, word spreads, opening you up to even more great talent.

Improved Health Insurance Costs

Offer employee health plans so employees have access to affordable medical, dental and vision coverage.

401K Contributions

Set up a Sharebuilder 401K program to match employees’ contributions to retirement savings.

Save on Childcare Costs

Alleviate the costs and stress for parents with discounted tuition at Kindercare, the nationwide childcare provider and learning center.

Share an “Attitude of Gratitude” Year-round with Discounts from Business Deals

When we asked small business owners what employee appreciation efforts work best for them, we heard a few things loud and clear: that all appreciation should be authentic; free time is priceless; and gratitude is most authentic when it’s least expected. Make an attitude of gratitude second nature with deals curated specifically for employee appreciation.

Keep your appreciation going all year long with Capital One Business Deals

Sign up for free and get access to new deals and opportunities to show your employees they’re the best, all year round.