21 July, 2022
Examples of Employee Recognition: 4 Ready-to-Use Appreciation Letters
Thanking your employees for their effort, dedication, or exemplary performance is no longer just a customary office etiquette, it is something that the senior management should embrace as a regular practice to consistently boost employee motivation, keep up morale, and raise the overall happiness quotient within the organization.
When it comes to employee recognition, the most common question that lingers in one’s mind is “What qualities should I recognize?” Agreeably, there is a broad spectrum of skills that deserve to be acknowledged; however, it is also important to note that often times, the real value of an employee’s contribution is acknowledged not through the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ of employee recognition. Key elements such as personalization, authenticity, and timeliness of the recognition play a pivotal role in maximizing the impact as well as creating a lasting impression on the recipient.
Examples of Employee Recognition
To get your appreciation strategy off the ground, we have curated a few significant moments that deserve to be recognized, along with ready-to-use appreciation letters. You can modify the ideas below to suit your requirement or just comb through the provided sample messages for inspiration before designing your own unique thank-you note.
1. Praise them for Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
When an employee puts in discretionary efforts, or in simpler terms, does something he/she didn’t really have to do- they undoubtedly deserve ample recognition. Examples involve taking on more responsibility, working late, doubling up on productivity to meet a deadline, or simply taking initiative. It is worth mentioning that a well-designed employee recognition program can help drive an 11.1% increase in average employee performance, so why not get the ball rolling by professing appreciation where it’s due?
Sample appreciation letter:
Dear <Employee Name>
I am extremely happy to see you take initiative and put in the extra effort to push this project to completion. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and bringing your innovative ideas to the table- your dedication is commendable!
I am sure your efforts will translate into tangible results for the project. Keep up the excellent work!
Regards,
<Senior’s Name>
2. Acknowledge their Years of Service
87% of employee recognition programs focus on tenure, and with good reason. Long-term employees form an integral part of your brand positioning as they represent unprecedented loyalty and commitment towards the organization. Consider sending a personalized, heartfelt appreciation letter to commemorate such an important milestone.
Sample appreciation letter:
Dear <Employee Name>
You have accomplished yet another milestone with us- I would like to personally congratulate you on your service anniversary! This achievement symbolizes your unwavering loyalty and dedication to your job. We are aware of the consistent efforts you put in on a regular basis, and we cannot thank you enough.
You are a valued asset to us, indeed! Looking forward to many more of your service milestones. Kudos!
Regards,
<Senior’s Name>
3. Recognize the Embodiment of Organizational Values
Recognizing value-driven behaviors is a great way to promote your organizational culture and emphasize its’ strong linkage to organizational goals. As of now, over 52% of employees feel that their recognition program is not aligned to their organization’s larger goals. Hence, if you notice exemplary behavior that sheds light on one’s ethics and business values, don’t forget to appreciate it!
Sample appreciation letter:
Dear <Employee Name>
The way you handled our customer’s queries today was a great example of “solution-orientation” and “customer satisfaction”, two of our fundamental company values. The essence of such behavior could not have been demonstrated better. Thank you for your perseverance and extended support on this project!
We hope this embodiment resonates with the rest of our team and encourages them to follow in your footsteps. Keep up the good work!
Regards,
<Senior’s Name>
4. Appreciate Things that Usually Go Unnoticed
Consider recognizing the tasks or efforts that tend to be seen as routine and hence, are taken for granted. When you appreciate something that is repeated on a daily basis, it can be an incredible motivator and can supercharge the mundane work schedule. Occasional acknowledgement of such small-scale contributions can work wonders in instilling gratitude and a sense of purpose within your people.
Sample appreciation letter:
Dear <Employee Name>
I would like to take this moment to appreciate the way you always set up the conference room with all the necessary requirements- lights, presentation, chairs, etc. This is an underrated yet highly helpful task that you take up without a second thought.
Thank you for your mindful actions- your efforts don’t go unnoticed!
Regards,
<Senior’s Name>
Get Started Today with a Digital R&R Platform!
We hope the above tips and samples serve as a reference guide for authentic employee appreciation at your workplace. Furthermore, with the advent of digital transformation, sending and receiving appreciation has become convenient and more accessible through digital R&R platforms. Features such as instant, 360-degree recognition using custom e-cards, social recognition, and personalized multi-media messages can be a phenomenal upgrade to the overall employee experience.
Connect with the Gratifi team for a personalized walkthrough of our digital R&R platform and indulge in the vast field of employee appreciation!