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MY PROBLEM WITH EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

There are a lot of cynics when it comes to holidays. The lovers have Valentine’s Day, while single folks find it too commercial; Italian-American’s celebrate their heritage on Columbus Day, but it’s offensive to Native Americans; the eco-conscious have Earth Day, but even that has its critics…you get the picture.  Well today, March 5, is Employee Appreciation Day, and I would just like it to be known that I’m against it! That’s right – as an employee of a leading employee recognition solutions company I’m going to put it all out there – having a single, pre-determined day to appreciate your employees is just plain wrong!

You may be wondering how my boss is letting me get away with posting something like that given our business, so allow me to clarify.  Employee appreciation is not a bad thing.  In fact, the very best thing a manager can do for his or her employees is to appreciate them. In study after study it’s been shown that regular displays of gratitude and appreciation lead to a more engaged workforce, enhanced productivity and performance. That’s why employee appreciation needs to happen every day. It’s that regular, consistent demonstration of appreciation for employees who do a good job, or are celebrating particular milestones that help drive engagement.

Taking just one day to celebrate your employees would be like telling your mom you love her, but only on Mother’s Day (I really hope that’s not the case). If Employee Appreciation Day is just a reminder for you to applaud your staff, great!  Go ahead and show your employees how much they mean to you and your organization today.  But do it again tomorrow, or Monday, or whenever you have an employee that goes above and beyond to help your business.  While it may be ok to be cynical about a made-up holiday, there should be no denying that a little employee appreciation can go a long way.