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Employee recognition boosts morale and motivation and it consistently ranks as a driver of employee engagement. Top Workplaces excel at appreciation and they incorporate it into their cultures. They know more is always better, and consistency is key. Here we discuss the importance and benefits of employee recognition programs. Read on to learn practical ideas, what to watch for, and how to get started.

Meaningful appreciation differs from one individual to the next. The trick is to know what matters most to employees, understand how they want to be recognized, and be consistent with your efforts. Done right, you will build a culture of appreciation that makes people feel valued and connected. Here are nine employee recognition ideas and best practices from Top Workplaces.

Want to improve motivation, job satisfaction, morale, and employee retention? Research shows that giving and receiving appreciation helps employees feel good. They strive for better performance too. After all, “Thanks goes a long way.” One of the qualities of a great workplace, the nation’s Top Workplaces understand the value of employee recognition programs. They’re also intentional about building people-first cultures rich in appreciation.

Companies with the best employee recognition programs go beyond tangible benefits to make employees feel appreciated, valued, and motivated. They’re also more likely to stay with your company, significantly impacting employee retention. Here, we feature five award-winning Top Workplaces that rank highly for employee recognition and highlight employee rewards and recognition program examples.

Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 4. It celebrates the feel-good connection between workers and the workplace. Yet, workplace appreciation shouldn’t be a single date on a calendar. Award-winning workplaces practice it year-round. And while there isn’t a single best way to show appreciation, we see common themes in the feedback we’ve studied from dozens of highly-rated workplaces.

The human need for appreciation hasn’t changed since the start of the pandemic. Here’s a closer look at some best practices and seven ideas you can share with managers and leaders starting today.