Oct 30, 2025 10:00:00 AM | Employee Appreciation 7 Ways To Express Gratitude Towards Employees in 2026

In today’s hybrid and fast-changing workplace, employees are looking for more than just lip-service—they want to feel genuinely appreciated, seen, and connected. In fact, recent research shows that recognition is a top driver of retention, engagement and culture success. Whether your teams are on-site, remote or working hybrids, gratitude is now a daily practice—not just an annual event. Here are seven effective ways to express employee gratitude in 2025.

1. Personalize Every Thank You

Generic appreciation falls flat. Employees want to know that their unique contributions matter.

Take time to personalize your message—mention the specific project, effort, or behavior you’re recognizing. Whether it’s a handwritten note, an eCard, or a shoutout in your recognition platform, small, personalized details go a long way.

Tip: Incorporate your company values into recognition messages. Connecting appreciation to your purpose reinforces what your culture stands for.

2. Celebrate Everyday Wins, Not Just Big Milestones

If Annual awards are great, but consistent recognition builds stronger engagement. Recognize daily actions that move your safety, service, or performance goals forward.

Micro-moments of gratitude—like acknowledging an employee who prevented an incident, supported a coworker, or identified a process improvement—keep motivation high year-round.

Tip: Use recognition tools that allow peers and leaders to send quick eCards or points to celebrate small wins instantly. 

3. Offer Flexibility & Well-Being Support 

In 2026, flexibility is one of the most powerful ways to show gratitude. Employees who feel trusted to manage their work and life commitments report higher satisfaction and loyalty.

Express appreciation by offering flexible schedules, remote options, or dedicated wellness days. When you invest in well-being, employees feel seen not only as workers, but as people.

Tip: Incorporate wellness campaigns into your recognition program—reward employees for participating in fitness challenges, mindfulness programs, or wellness events.

4. Recognize Employees Publicly & Privately 

Different employees appreciate recognition in different ways. Some love public praise, while others prefer a personal note or quiet acknowledgment.

Mix it up. Highlight achievements in team meetings, newsletters, or digital feeds while still offering one-on-one recognition for those who value privacy.

Tip: Create a recognition calendar that includes regular opportunities for public celebration and private appreciation touchpoints.

5. Empower Peers to Share Gratitude

Peer-to-peer recognition is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen culture. When employees can thank each other, it reinforces teamwork and inclusivity.

Encourage your teams to share recognition openly—whether it’s through a platform like People Are Everything™, in Microsoft Teams, or during daily huddles.

Tip: Launch monthly “gratitude challenges” to spark engagement, where employees send shoutouts or eCards to peers who exemplify your company values.

6. Celebrate Growth and Development

Gratitude isn’t only for results—it’s for progress. Recognize employees who take on new challenges, complete training, or mentor others.

By celebrating growth, you’re showing employees that you value their development and future within the company.

Tip: Integrate recognition with learning milestones in your LMS or HR system so achievements are automatically acknowledged.

7. Keep Gratitude Visible All Year Long

Recognition should never be limited to Employee Appreciation Day or the holidays. Gratitude should live in every season of your culture.

Plan campaigns and communications throughout the year that remind employees they’re valued—Safety Month, milestone anniversaries, wellness events, and company celebrations all provide opportunities to say “thank you.”

Tip: Use your recognition platform’s campaign pop-up feature to highlight seasonal themes or important cultural moments automatically.

Gratitude Builds Cultures That Last

Expressing gratitude isn’t just about making employees feel good—it drives measurable results in engagement, retention, and performance.

When gratitude is personal, consistent, and connected to purpose, it becomes part of your company’s DNA.

If you’re ready to strengthen your culture and build lasting engagement through recognition, our team can help.

Schedule a Recognition Consultation or Demo to see how C.A. Short Company can help you create a culture of gratitude that drives results.