80 Motivational Employee Appreciation Quotes to Send in 2024

“You make a difference every day,” is a powerful statement that acknowledges the individual impact each employee has on the company and its success. It’s something you might choose to say to one or more valued employees to motivate them on March 1, 2024, our next Employee Appreciation Day. 

But why do you need to share employee appreciation quotes and why do they matter? Above all else, it indicates not just employee appreciation, but also inspires the importance of employee recognition. 

In this post, we’re going to focus on motivational employee appreciation messages and share quotes that you can use to acknowledge Employee Appreciation Day in 2024. You can use these quotes to send a message, incorporate them in cards or gifts, or use them in some form of public praise to make your employees feel great and appreciated. You can also adapt these quotes to create your own inspired words of appreciation and gratitude that will also show employee recognition.

First, let’s explore the origins of Employee Appreciation Day and discuss why the idea of acknowledging employees verbally can make a huge difference to employee loyalty and performance. 

What is Employee Appreciation Day?

We’ve been celebrating Employee Appreciation Day for decades, commonly on the first Friday of March each year. It’s generally said to have been created by Dr. Bob Nelson to promote his book 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, first published in 1994. Some people suggest that it’s a counterpoint to Boss’s Day, which was registered as a holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce way back in 1958.

But who cares? Employee appreciation shouldn’t be a one-time annual event. Nor should employee recognition. Rather, it should be a continuous process that employers practice throughout the year. By showing appreciation to your employees regularly, you can create a culture of recognition and reward, where employees feel happy and fulfilled.

Research proves this to be true. For example, Achievers Workforce Institute’s 2023 State of Recognition: The Gratitude Gap states that 73% of employees report that feeling recognized would make them feel more productive. 

A study by SurveyMonkey and Bonusly, Bridging the Appreciation Gap: How Employees Prefer to Give and Receive Recognition at Work, gives some insight into the kinds of appreciation employees prefer. A third like to get gifts, while almost as many (32%) like “words of affirmation.” Since words of affirmation are free, 72% of employees choose to use this form of appreciation for their colleagues. 

Powerful Employee Appreciation Messages

Before we share our 80 motivational employee appreciation quotes, here are six contemporary quotes from people who identify with the power of employee recognition. 

1. You are the reason we are successful.”
2. “Your dedication makes a dent in the universe.” 
3. “Thank you for being the game-changer you are.”
4. “Your brilliance shines through in everything you do.”
5. Your positive energy is contagious, keep spreading it!”
6. “You are seen, heard, and appreciated.” 

Not only are these quotes inspirational, the people who uttered them are inspirational too. They were made by:

1. Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker
2. Brene Brown, researcher and author
3. Melinda Gates, philanthropist
4. Michelle Obama, former first lady
5. Arianna Huffington, entrepreneur and author
6. Brené Brown, researcher and author 

But, don’t copy them. Think how they relate to the person you want to relate to. Make the idea your own by rewording — or better still rethinking — it in a meaningful manner. 

Importance of Sending Employee Appreciation Quotes

Employee appreciation is the act of expressing gratitude and recognition to employees for their hard work and contributions to their organizations. It is an important aspect of creating a positive and healthy work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated.

According to the Achievers State of Recognition report, employees see recognition as “a protective factor.” 

“Employees recognized at least monthly are more engaged, more productive, and less likely to job hunt.”

Achievers Workforce Institute

They found that those who are recognized monthly are 36% more likely than those recognized quarterly to say they are engaged and productive. Furthermore, they are 22% more likely to have high job commitment. That’s encouraging and it shows that some of the benefits of employee appreciation are:

• It can improve employee morale and satisfaction, which can lead to higher levels of performance and productivity.
• It can increase employee loyalty and retention, which can reduce turnover and recruitment costs.
• It can enhance employee engagement and collaboration, which can foster innovation and creativity.
• It can strengthen employee trust and respect, which can improve communication and feedback.

Meisha-ann Martin, senior director of People Analytics and Research at Workhuman agrees. 

“When people feel recognized, they feel connected, they’re more engaged and less likely to leave – the organization starts to feel like a community”

Meisha-ann Martin

Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

The most impactful appreciation is genuine, specific, and ongoing. By fostering a culture of gratitude, you’ll create a happier, more engaged, and ultimately, more productive workforce.

• Express sincere thanks with a handwritten note or public acknowledgment. You can do this by giving employees a personalized thank you note or a small gift, which can show them that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.
• Give employees a day off or introduce a flexible schedule that can help them balance their work and personal life.
• Treat employees to a special lunch or a group activity, which can help them bond and have fun with their colleagues.
• Praise employees publicly or privately for their achievements. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem more than you might imagine.
• Ask employees for their feedback and suggestions to show them that their opinions matter and that they have a voice in the organization.
• Delegate tasks and encourage autonomy to show that you value their contribution in the organization.

Most Engaging Employee Appreciation Quotes

Recognizing the hard work and dedication of employees is crucial for fostering a positive work environment. Employee Appreciation Day provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and efforts of your team. It also reinforces employee recognition. 

We have assembled the following 80 quotes to help you convey your gratitude and inspire your valued employees to continue their exceptional work. They will also encourage employees to aspire to greater heights. 

Inspirational Employee Appreciation Quotes

1. You are a star performer who always delivers beyond expectations. Thank you for your dedication and excellence.
2. Your passion and enthusiasm for your work are contagious. You inspire us all to do our best every day.
3. You have a remarkable ability to overcome any challenge and achieve any goal. You are a role model for us all.
4. You are not only a great employee, but also a great leader. You have a vision and a mission that guides your actions and motivates others.
5. You have made a significant impact on our organization with your innovative ideas and solutions. You are a valuable asset to our team.
6. You are always willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. You are a lifelong learner who never stops growing.
7. You have shown great resilience and adaptability in the face of change and uncertainty. You are a source of strength and stability for our team.
8. You have a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition that brightens up our workplace. You are a joy to work with.
9. You have a strong work ethic and a high standard of quality. You always strive for excellence and deliver outstanding results. Thank you. 
10. You are a master of your craft who possesses exceptional skills and knowledge. You are an expert in your field and a trusted advisor to our clients. We admire you. 

Funny Employee Appreciation Quotes

11. You are the best thing that ever happened to our team. Well, maybe the second best after the coffee machine. 
12. You are so good at your job that you make the rest of us look bad. Please stop being so awesome. Just kidding, keep it up! 
13. You are the only person who can make me laugh even when I’m drowning in work. Thank you for your humor and support. 
14. You are a legend in our team. You have done things that no one else could do. Like working with that difficult client without losing your sanity. 
15. You are a genius who can solve any problem and create any miracle. How do you do it? Do you have a magic wand or something? 
16. You are a superhero who can do anything and everything. You are faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. 
17. You are a rock star who always steals the show. You have a fan club in our team who admires your talent and charisma. 
18. You are a wizard who can cast spells and charms with your words and actions. You have a way of enchanting everyone around you. 
19. You are a ninja who can sneak in and out of any situation with ease and grace. You have a knack for getting things done without anyone noticing. 
20. You are a master chef who can whip up a delicious meal out of any ingredients. You have a taste for success and a flair for creativity.

Personal Employee Appreciation Quotes

21. You are a wonderful person who has a kind heart and a generous spirit. You always care for others and help them in any way you can. 
22. You are a loyal friend who has a strong bond and a deep trust with your teammates. You always support them and stand by them.
23. You are a family member who has a warm relationship and a close connection with your colleagues. You always treat them with respect and affection.
24. You are a fun-loving person who has a great sense of humor and a lively personality. You always bring laughter and happiness to our team. 
25. You are a unique person who has a distinctive style and a special charm. You always stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. 
26. You are a talented person who has a gift for your work and a passion for your profession. You always excel in your field and enjoy your career. 
27. You are a courageous person who has a brave heart and a bold spirit. You always face your fears and overcome your obstacles. 
28. You are a humble person who has a modest attitude and a grateful mindset. You always acknowledge your mistakes and appreciate your achievements.
29. You are a curious person who has a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for learning. You always explore new possibilities and discover new opportunities. 
30. You are a confident person who has a positive outlook and a high self-esteem. You always believe in yourself and your potential.

Team-oriented Employee Appreciation Quotes

31. You are a team player who always cooperates and collaborates with your teammates. You always share your ideas and listen to their feedback. 
32. You are a team leader who always guides and motivates your teammates. You always set clear goals and provide constructive criticism. 
33. You are a team builder who always creates and maintains a healthy team culture. You always foster trust and respect among your teammates. 
34. You are a team contributor who always adds value and quality to your team’s work. You always deliver your tasks and meet your deadlines. 
35. You are a team supporter who always praises and recognizes your teammates. You always celebrate their successes and acknowledge their efforts. 
36. You are a team enhancer who always improves and optimizes your team’s performance. You always identify problems and propose solutions. 
37. You are a team innovator who always introduces and implements new ideas and methods. You always challenge the status quo and embrace change. 
38. You are a team communicator who always expresses and exchanges information and opinions. You always communicate clearly and effectively. 
39. You are a team learner who always seeks and provides feedback and advice. You always learn from your experiences and help others learn from theirs. 
40. You are a team achiever who always strives and works hard to reach your team’s goals. You always contribute to your team’s success and growth.

Creative Employee Appreciation Quotes 

41. You have a brilliant mind that sparks amazing ideas. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.
42. Your imagination and innovation are limitless. You always find new ways to solve problems and create value.
43. You are a visionary who sees beyond the ordinary and the obvious. You inspire us to think bigger and bolder.
44. You are an artist who paints with words, numbers, or code. You create beautiful and meaningful work that touches our hearts and minds.
45. You are a trailblazer who breaks new ground and sets new standards. You challenge us to explore new possibilities and discover new opportunities.
46. You are a magician who can turn any idea into reality. You have a knack for making things happen and making them awesome.
47. You are a master of your craft who possesses exceptional skills and knowledge. You are an expert in your field and a trusted advisor to our clients.
48. You are a storyteller who captivates and engages your audience. You have a way of conveying your message with clarity and impact.
49. You are a game-changer who transforms the way we work and the world we live in. You have a positive influence on our culture and our society.
50. You are a genius who can solve any problem and create any miracle. How do you do it? Do you have a magic wand or something?

Employee Appreciation Quotes for Reliability 

51. You are a dependable employee who always delivers on your promises. Thank you for your consistency and integrity.
52. You are a trustworthy employee who always follows through on your commitments. Thank you for your honesty and loyalty.
53. You are a responsible employee who always takes ownership of your work. Thank you for your accountability and professionalism.
54. You are a reliable employee who always meets or exceeds expectations. Thank you for your quality and excellence.
55. You are a steady employee who always maintains a high level of performance. Thank you for your stability and efficiency.
56. You are a solid employee who always supports and assists your colleagues. Thank you for your cooperation and collaboration.
57. You are a resilient employee who always bounces back from any setback. Thank you for your perseverance and adaptability.
58. You are a resourceful employee who always finds a way to get things done. Thank you for your initiative and creativity.
59. You are a remarkable employee who always adds value and impact to your work. Thank you for your contribution and achievement.
60. You are a rockstar employee who always shines and impresses with your work. Thank you for your talent and charisma.

Appreciation Quotes to Motivate Your Leadership

61. You are a great leader who always inspires and empowers your team. Thank you for your vision and your guidance.
62. You are a natural leader who always leads by example and with integrity. Thank you for your courage and your confidence.
63. You are a strategic leader who always plans and executes your goals with excellence. Thank you for your focus and your results.
64. You are a servant leader who always puts the needs and interests of your team first. Thank you for your humility and your generosity.
65. You are a transformational leader who always brings positive change and growth to your team. Thank you for your innovation and your influence.
66. You are a charismatic leader who always attracts and engages your team with your personality and style. Thank you for your enthusiasm and charisma.
67. You are a collaborative leader who always involves and respects your team in decision-making and problem-solving. Thank you for your communication and your collaboration.
68. You are a motivational leader who always encourages and supports your team to achieve their full potential. Thank you for your recognition and your appreciation.
69. You are a situational leader who always adapts and responds to the changing needs and demands of your team. Thank you for your flexibility and your agility.
70. You are a legendary leader who always leaves a lasting legacy and impact on your team. Thank you for your wisdom and your mentorship.

Appreciation Messages for Your Leaving Employees 

71. You have been a great employee and a great colleague. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and friendship. We will miss you dearly.
72. You have made a lasting impact on our organization with your skills, knowledge, and personality. Thank you for your valuable contributions and achievements. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
73. You have been a pleasure to work with and a joy to be around. Thank you for your humor, support, and kindness. We hope to stay in touch with you.
74. You have been an asset to our team and a role model for others. Thank you for your professionalism, leadership, and excellence. We are proud of you and your accomplishments.
75. You have been a part of our family and a part of our success. Thank you for your loyalty, trust, and cooperation. We are grateful for your presence and your service.
76. You have been a star performer and a shining example. Thank you for your passion, enthusiasm, and creativity. We admire you and your work.
77. You have been a wonderful person and a wonderful colleague. Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and friendship. We love you and we will miss you.
78. You have been an inspiration and a motivation to us all. Thank you for your vision, innovation, and influence. We respect you and we appreciate you.
79. You have been a blessing and a gift to our team. Thank you for your wisdom, mentorship, and guidance. We cherish you and we thank you.
80. You have been a legend and a legacy in our organization. Thank you for your courage, resilience, and transformation. We salute you and we congratulate you.

What’s Next?

Learn how to send effective appreciation messages with Cerkl Broadcast email Blasts to motivate your employees and inspire their ongoing commitment to the company. Check which channels resonate the best with your internal audience and personalize your messages for maximum effect.

Our Broadcast platform is enormously versatile and enables you to use merge tags based on user-based company data to hyper-personalize your messaging content. This information can be pulled from your HRIS system or whatever else you use to show employee recognition. 

By focusing on open communication, personalization, and employee well-being, you can leverage the Broadcast platform to create a much more positive and engaging work environment.  

Before you get started though, we suggest that you undertake our free, strategic internal communications audit. By completing the template, you will gain valuable insights into your current communications program and see where you are and where you need to improve.

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