No one builds something incredible alone.
The best efforts are shaped by multiple perspectives and specialties before being brought fully to life. This year, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredible individuals who have helped make Want To Work There what it is today. Their contributions, big and small, are part of why we’re able to do what we do.
Something tells us you have those people on your team too.
In this article, we’re sharing creative ways to show employee appreciation that you can mix and match based on your workplace culture and your relationships with each individual. The new person on the team that’s been picking things up super quickly may get a different kind of thanks than the person that’s been by your side through ups and downs for years - and that’s okay! In fact, it makes your gratitude even more special when it’s customized to the individual.
The ideas below are great tips for celebrating employees this month, along with some ways you can make gratitude a regular part of your workplace culture. After all, who says you have to wait until November to give thanks?
And while we’re at it, thank YOU for the work you do to make workplaces better and for being part of the Want To Work There community. Together, we’re creating environments where people feel valued. ❤️
Why Gratitude Matters in the Workplace
Gratitude is about more than saying “thank you.” It’s about fostering a culture where employees feel recognized, appreciated, and motivated to do their best work. Thoughtful gestures of appreciation, whether big or small, can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and even enhance retention.
Let’s explore some creative, meaningful, and budget-friendly ways to express your thanks to employees.
Tangible Ways to Show Gratitude
If you have the budget, gifts are a fantastic way to show your appreciation:
Use a Gift-Giving Service
One of our favorites is loop & tie, because not only do they source gifts from small and under-recognized makers, but it's also a super unique way to give gifts. You (as the sender) choose a collection to gift - at your price-point of choice - and the recipient gets to choose a gift from that selection! (Might we recommend the LGBTQ+ Owned collection?) And if it turns out they don’t want a physical gift, they can always pay it forward to a charity of their choice. As a gift to our readers, they’re offering 15% off your first 10 gifts with code WTWT15 !
Provide Bonuses
You may or may not have a lot of control over this process, but it’s worth giving it some thought. How are bonuses calculated at your company? Is that process transparent to employees? If your company doesn’t currently provide bonuses, consider adding this for discussion in 2025 planning meetings. Additional compensation is the #1 way a company can show gratitude to its employees, and let’s be honest, end-of-year bonuses are everyone’s favorite holiday tradition!
Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Show Appreciation
Say It Out Loud
Public acknowledgement is a meaningful way to thank someone for a job well done. It can boost the morale not just of the recipient, but even that of the whole team to see someone get the recognition they deserve. This could be a shout-out in a all-hands meeting, or you could start your next team check-in by reading off a list of something impactful that each person contributed this past year.
Write It Down
Handwritten cards or thoughtfully drafted emails can be truly impactful. It’s also likely that the recipient will save it and read it again in the future. Speaking from experience - it means a lot for someone to receive a personalized note from a supervisor or coworker.
Record a Personalized Message
Maybe speaking from the heart is more your style than writing it out. If that’s the case, take a minute and record a quick message and send it over. I’d recommended jotting down a couple notes you want to touch on, but to not make it sound too rehearsed - your off-the-cuff remarks are likely to come across as more sincere.
How to Foster a Culture of Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. Here’s how to integrate it into your workplace culture year-round:
Make Gratitude a Regular Agenda Item
One company we’ve worked with has a collaborative agenda that all employees can add to in advance of their weekly team meetings, and one section is reserved for shout-outs. Anyone at the company can use this space to dole out timely praise for a job well done.
Bring Back Employee of the Month
Consider creating a simple process for team members to nominate someone to be employee of the month and to provide a reason or to why that person deserves it - and consider tying it to your company values to keep those top of mind. At the end of the month, share all submissions with those nominated, whether they win or not.
Use Technology to Celebrate Wins
Many workplace systems have a shoutout function built in - including Microsoft Teams, Slack (through apps), and employee experience tools like Lattice and CultureAmp. Check with your admins to make sure these tools are enabled so your team can start using them!
Gratitude During the Holiday Season
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your team’s contributions and show your appreciation. Whether through gifts, words, or consistent recognition practices, the effort you put into saying “thank you” now can leave a lasting impression heading into the new year.
If you’re looking for inexpensive employee gratitude ideas for startups or want to explore how to express gratitude to employees during the holiday season, remember this: It’s not about how much you spend but how thoughtful and genuine your gestures feel.
Thank You for Building Better Workplaces
At Want To Work There, we’re inspired by leaders like you who prioritize gratitude and positive work cultures. Together, we can create workplaces where people feel valued every day—not just during the holidays.
Let’s keep building workplaces that matter. We’re truly better together. ❤️
