Top Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

The first Friday in March marks National Employee Appreciation Day, but let’s be honest, a single day isn’t enough to recognize the folks who keep our businesses running strong.

Whether you lead a crew of cowboys, a sales team, ranch hands, or office staff, one thing is true across the board: your people are your greatest asset. They’re the first face or voice your customers encounter, and they carry the values of your business into every interaction. When your team feels valued and supported, that energy radiates outward—to customers, clients, and the rest of your organization.

The good news? Showing appreciation doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or big budgets. In fact, some of the most meaningful recognition happens in small, consistent ways.

We recently asked our Instagram community to share what made their most impactful leaders stand out and how employers have made them feel truly appreciated. Their responses were powerful reminders that leadership isn’t about perks or titles, it’s about people.

Here’s what they said:

Top Traits of an Influential Leader

• Direct & Transparent Communication
• Willing to Teach
• Quality Listener
• Team Player
• Avoids Micromanaging
• Trusting of their Team Members
• Patient
• Able to Give Constructive Feedback
• Pushing their Team to Highest Potential

How to Make Employees Feel Appreciated

• A simple ‘Thank You’ goes a long way.
• Providing a meal every once in a while. 
• Well earned raises.
• Allowing them to fuel up their vehicle at the ranch occasionally.
• A gift card to their favorite restaurant/coffee shop/store.
• Investing in their personal development.
• Giving them credit when credit is due. 
• Allowing them to have a few afternoons off in the slower seasons. 
• A new pair of work boots, gloves, or tack. 
• Remembering a birthday and acknowledging it, even if it is just a ‘Happy Birthday.’
• Letting them lead a project, task, or event they showed interest in.
• Acknowledging your appreciation when they go out of their way to complete a task.
• “Job well done.”
• Sharing a job well done with upper management/company leadership.

Want to Go a Step Further?

Consider having your team complete personality or workstyle assessments like the Myers-Briggs/16 Personalities, Enneagram, or 5 Love Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. These tools help you better understand how each team member communicates, receives feedback, and feels valued—leading to stronger teamwork, improved communication, and a more productive, happier workplace.

If you’re already doing some of these things—keep going! And if you’re new to leadership or simply looking for fresh ways to connect with your team, use this as a starting point. A little appreciation goes a long way in building loyalty, improving morale, and creating a workplace people want to be part of—on National Employee Appreciation Day and every day.