Thoughtful Ways to Show Employee Appreciation, Today and Every Day
Behind every successful company is a team of dedicated, talented individuals who show up each day with dedication. Those who work behind the scenes, who put their best foot forward for the customers, who keep operations running smoothly, and every other vital piece of the puzzle.
Employees are the heart of any business, and while Employee Appreciation Day is a great reminder to say thank you, true appreciation isn’t just about putting on one fun day. To make sure your employees know they’re acknowledged and appreciated, the work must be done to build a culture of gratitude into the day-to-day workplace.
At Gourmondo, we believe in showing appreciation through thoughtful experiences, and food has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. Here are just some of the meaningful ways you can show your employees they’re valued, today and throughout the year.
1. Create a Meaningful Experience with a Special Meal
Food is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost morale and bring teams together. A shared dining experience allows employees to connect, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Plus, taking time to enjoy a meal provided as a gesture of thanks fosters connection and makes employees feel valued.
Ways to celebrate with a catered meal:
Start the morning right: Treat employees to a breakfast spread featuring house-made pastries, fresh fruit, and locally roasted coffee.
Host a team meal: Bring everyone together with a seasonally inspired buffet or a sit-down multi-course meal, complete with handcrafted entrees, sides, and desserts.
Surprise your team with lunch: A simple gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Treat your employees to Gourmondo’s signature boxed lunches, thoughtfully packed with high-quality ingredients.
Wrap up the work week with a happy hour: Small bites and craft cocktails can make for a relaxed yet festive way to say thanks.
2. Personalize Your Recognition Efforts
A shared meal may bring people together, but personalized recognition makes appreciation stick. Taking the time to highlight individual contributions in a way that feels genuine and considerate reinforces trust and appreciation. However, recognition should always be respectful of personal boundaries. Not everyone enjoys public praise, and some may prefer a quiet acknowledgment over a big announcement.
Ideas for meaningful recognition:
Handwritten notes: A simple yet impactful way to express gratitude. Leave a personal message on their desk or in their inbox.
Public recognition: Acknowledge employees during a team meeting, through an internal newsletter, or via a social media spotlight. Be mindful of individual preferences; some may prefer private recognition instead.
Customized gifts: Think beyond the standard company swag—choose something tailored to their interests, such as a local coffee subscription, a book by a favorite author, or a curated gift box.
Career development opportunities: Investing in an employee’s growth – through mentorship, training, or conference access – shows long-term appreciation.
Extra time off or flexible scheduling: A paid half-day, a “long weekend” pass, or flexible work options can be a valuable way to say thank you, show your trust in your employee, and show your respect for their personal time.
3. Encourage Team Connection and Bonding
Appreciation is even more powerful when it’s shared. Encouraging employees to recognize each other fosters a sense of community and strengthens team relationships.
Ideas for Building Team Appreciation Culture:
Create a gratitude wall: Set up a space where employees can write appreciation notes to their coworkers.
Put on a “team awards” ceremony: Host a lighthearted award ceremony with fun categories like “Most Likely to Save the Day” or “Office DJ.”
Establish a peer recognition program: Encourage employees to nominate coworkers for going above and beyond.
A workplace that values recognition creates an engaged and motivated team, and Employee Appreciation Day is a great time to set that standard.
4. Make It an Event, Not Just a Gesture
While a one-day celebration is meaningful, sustaining appreciation year-round has an even greater impact. A company that truly values its employees goes beyond recognition—it actively supports their well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. When employees feel cared for and respected, they’re more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work.
Ways to Keep Appreciation Going:
Quarterly team celebrations: Host catered lunches, happy hours, or fun outings every few months to keep morale high and build team connections.
Wellness initiatives: Provide access to healthy meals, fitness stipends, mental health resources, or stress-relief activities like meditation sessions or wellness days. A company that prioritizes employee health shows that appreciation isn’t just about productivity, it’s about people first.
Professional development support: Investing in growth – through mentorship, skill-building courses, or conference access – demonstrates long-term appreciation and a commitment to employees’ futures.
Encouraging work-life balance: Offering flexible scheduling, remote work options, or additional time off can help employees recharge and feel valued beyond their day-to-day tasks.
A culture of appreciation leads to stronger teams, higher morale, and a workplace where people genuinely want to be, all year long.
5. A Personal Anecdote from the Gourmondo Team
Gourmondo has always believed that appreciation isn’t just about creating special events for holidays but about how a company supports its team every day. That’s why we’ve made work-life balance a core part of our culture, something that’s often rare in the food industry.
From the start, founder Alissa Leinonen wanted Gourmondo to be a company where employees could build fulfilling careers without sacrificing their personal and family lives. She built operations to allow her team to finish work by 2 PM, in time to pick up their kids from school and ensure they had a work life balance.
Today, 80% of Gourmondo’s employees follow this family-friendly schedule. It’s a model that has not only helped retain top talent but also fostered a workplace where people feel valued every day – not just on Employee Appreciation Day.
By making work-life balance a priority, companies can show appreciation in a way that truly matters, by respecting their employees’ time, well-being, and commitments outside of work.
Closing Thought: Appreciation That Lasts Beyond the Day
At Gourmondo, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful appreciation fosters loyalty, fuels passion, and strengthens teams. When recognition and wellness are priorities, teams are more engaged, productive, and committed to their company’s mission. By integrating appreciation into the workplace year-round, you create an environment where employees don’t just work – they thrive.
Let Gourmondo Help You Elevate Employee Appreciation
When companies invest in their people, they build workplaces where employees feel empowered, valued, and excited to contribute.
At Gourmondo, we help companies show gratitude in the most meaningful way: by bringing people together over exceptional food and shared experiences. Whether you're planning a team lunch, a happy hour, or a large corporate event, let us handle the details so you can focus on celebrating the people who make your company great.
Because when you take care of your employees, they take care of your business.
