To realize the best results from your recognition and appreciation efforts, you need to change up your game frequently.

Are your employees no longer engaging in the established recognition or appreciation efforts? Do the same people receive recognition repeatedly?

It’s time to come up with a new RAP –Recognition, Appreciation Plan!

5 Fun, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas!

1. Everybody Loves Chocolate

I love these “appreciation wrapper” bars that Hershey introduced in March 2017. You can only find them in select stores but what a neat surprise for someone who loves chocolate, Reese’s, or KitKat’s!  Step up your game by adding a personal note to the bar. A “You are one of my 21 Reasons to Say Thank You” card works great or add your own note. Whatever you do, be specific, e.g. “Thank you for your help on the annual report.”Hershey Appreciation Wrappers 300x219

Note:  Monica, a Hershey Company rep, said they are typically located in the gift card, greeting card, or floral section. Her resources didn’t actually say where you could find them but her suggestion is to try Walmart, CVS, Walgreen, Target, or Hallmark stores. I found them in a Walmart superstore at a high-traffic location but did not find them in one located in a small town. Don’t bother going to Hersheystore.com or Hersheys.com unless you want to voice your thoughts.

2. Treat YoSimply Best Appreciationur Staff To Healthy Snacks.

If your organization has a wellness program this is the perfect fit. Pick up the large Simply Best drinks (or several small ones) and a fruit tray/bowl; add the notes pictured and you have a yummy expression of your appreciation such as, “We’re “grapeful” for your friendly helpful customer care!” Be sure to write their name at the top and sign it!

3. Appreciate Those Taken For Granted DOTS Appreciation Ways To Say Thank You 300x250

Don’t neglect accounting, proofreaders, and back-office staff. Let them know you appreciate their attention to the details —“DOTing the i’s and crossing the t’s –with a little humor. Take it up a notch and add a gift card to a book store, depart-ment store, coffee shop, or place you know they frequent.

4. Thank Your Support Staff

What would we do without janitors, maintenance, or other support personnel? These folks keep the lights on, the grounds looking nice and the toilet paper replenished. Remind them with Reese’s Pieces that they are an “important piece of the team”.

5. Appreciate & Recognize the Most Reliable EmployeesI Appreiciate U Berry Much

Can you think of someone whom you can count on? They always come to work on time, are helpful, and reliable. Surprise them with a bowl of fruit to let them know how “berry” much you appreciate them.

These ideas may seem cheesy or silly, but they work!  It’s nice to lighten up the workplace with a little humorous appreciation. Have fun recognizing the efforts of others with wit and creativity! For the tags featured here and more clever ideas on bringing appreciation into the workplace, send a request by clicking the “Coaching & Workshops” tab above and selecting “Contact Us”.

LaDonna Greiner is a motivational coach and speaker who thrives on stories of gratitude and exploring ways to help others live the grateful life! She is a life-long student of gratitude and author of the book series, 21 Reasons to Say Thank You. LaDonna offers businesses and individuals the tools and practical guidance to discover the power of gratitude in their lives and act on it through expressions gratefulness and appreciation.


LaDonna Greiner

LaDonna Greiner is a motivational speaker and author of the book, note card and Gratitude Toolkit series, 21 Reasons to Say Thank You. Whether it’s a conversation or speech, photography or writing, she hopes to inspire people to discover the power of gratitude and giving in their lives, their workplace, and the world and act on it.

6 Comments

Paula O'Donnell · July 17, 2017 at 9:29 am

Great ideas! I love adding the fun element to my thank you’s! 🙂 Paula O’Donnell

LaDonna · July 17, 2017 at 1:02 pm

Thank you Paula! Getting creative with appreciation is FUN! The reactions are the BEST!

Joyce McMurtrey · July 17, 2017 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for sharing your ideas! They’re fantastic and fun–just like you!

LaDonna · July 17, 2017 at 5:05 pm

Joyce, Thank you! I’d love to hear the reactions when you try some of these!

Marlene G · July 18, 2017 at 4:47 pm

Excellent and creative ideas. You are always Spot On! Thank you LaDonna!

    LaDonna Greiner · July 19, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    My pleasure Marlene! I’m sure you’ll have fun surprising your employees with “off-the-wall” appreciation! Come back and share their responses with us!

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error: Protected Content