March 3rd marks the annual Employee Appreciation Day! And while it is great to use this day as a reminder of how much you value your employee’s hard work and dedication, it doesn’t have to stop here. Ideally, it would be best if you regularly express your gratitude. Because let’s face it, if not for them, you probably wouldn’t have had the success you find yourself in today, would you?

And you don’t have to break the bank either to show your employees how much you value all they do. There’s a wide scale of things you can do. Something as simple as a thank you note has little to no cost and can still be well received.

Regardless of where you fall on the scale, here are some fun and thoughtful ways to show appreciation.

-Host a lunch
Everyone loves free food! Have lunch catered for your employees. Allow this opportunity for your employees to unwind and socialize with one another.

-Bring in treats
Here’s another option that everyone will enjoy. From a spread of morning pastries to decadent afternoon sweets, most people can’t resist a tempting treat.

-Offer time off
As simple as this sounds, this can be an utterly gratifying gesture. From a day off to an extended weekend, this can do wonders for those who are overworked and feeling the stresses of their job. Employees can decompress and will return to work feeling a little more renewed.

-Host Happy Hour
After work, everyone can meet at a local bar or restaurant for a cocktail or two. You can even hire a private bartender to come into your establishment and serve drinks for an hour or two at the end of the workday.

-Hand out gift cards
Give your employees gift cards that match their interests and likes. To do this, you will have to know them deeper. But by doing so, they’re bound to feel more respected and valued as individuals, not just someone who comes in to work for you.

-Give away swag bags
You can get as expensive or inexpensive as you’d like with this. You might include;
company loot, coupons at local establishments, office supplies relevant to the job industry, and products to promote health and wellness. The list goes on with what you can include.

-Public recognition
Send a shot out on social media displaying what exceptional employees you have. Or post employee achievements on your company’s website. Having them stand out to the public will make them feel special and show you value their contributions.

There are countless ways to make the people who work for you feel special. Take a few ideas from above, or get creative on your own; nonetheless, expressing your appreciation to those is critical to maintaining a successful business.