March 6 might hold a special place in the hearts of some workers—those whose bosses know that it's Employee Appreciation Day and mark the occasion with some form of recognition that actually has some meaning for their employees. Sadly (or so other employees may think), not all bosses feel that way, nor do they offer gestures that actually convey acknowledgment that their employees are valued and make the business's success possible. Or, perhaps worse, they offer hollow gestures that make it obvious that they're just afterthoughts or lip service to the concept of employees being valuable to a business. Related: Is effective employee recognition part of your business plan this year? Some businesses make it a priority to offer indications of appreciation all year, such as better benefits, higher starting pay, paid parental leave or donating to employees' pet causes. Others might single out Employee Appreciation Day to mark their gratitude, but depending on how they treat their workers the rest of the year, such gestures may only serve to highlight what a lousy workplace it is for the other 364 (or 365, in Leap Year) days of the year. Don't be like them. Thinking this is all so much hooey? Think again. According to a report from ExperiencetoLead.com, the Department of Labor says that the top reason people go searching for greener work pastures is that they don't feel appreciated. It also cites an O.C. Tanner study that found 37 percent of polled employees said the most important action their company takes to encourage them to do great work is "recognize me," while only 7 percent cited "pay me more" as employer-provided motivation. And if you're going to give gifts, you should consider any special needs, limitations or other factors that could make your gift seem like a cactus chair in the Arctic. Make sure you are prepared to offer accommodating alternatives to those who can't, won't or are actually insulted by your brilliant ideas of what to give. Thoughtful bosses might want to recognize their employees' contributions to a thriving concern, but might not have any idea which form that recognition ought to take. Check out the slideshow above for 8 suggestions that, while certainly no substitute for year-round, tangible recognition of workers' input into a successful company, could certainly make the day special and bring a smile to their faces. Just to be amusing, we threw in a few ideas that employees will probably not appreciate—or may not, depending on how happy they are otherwise at work. Put them in play at your peril. Read more: |

• The real reasons employees quit
• Compensation or validation: which matters more to employees?
• 2 trends that will transform employee rewards programs in 2019