Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day with Inclusive Recognition
Employee Appreciation Day, observed annually on the first Friday of March, is a dedicated time for organizations to express gratitude for their employees’ hard work and dedication. Originally established in 1995, this day reminds us that authentic, inclusive recognition is more than a gesture—it’s a workplace value.
Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge Employee Appreciation Day? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
Why This Holiday Matters
Here’s how it connects to inclusion at work:
✅ It challenges the notion that recognition should be reserved for top performers by celebrating contributions at all levels.
✅ It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich the workplace.
✅ It encourages organizations to reflect on their recognition practices and ensure they are equitable and inclusive.
✅ It fosters a culture where every employee feels seen, valued, and appreciated.
By embracing inclusive recognition, organizations can build stronger, more connected teams.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Host a “Gratitude Wall” Activity.
Here’s how:
Set up a physical or virtual space where employees can post notes of appreciation for their colleagues.
Provide prompts like:
- “I appreciate you for…”
- “Thank you for always…”
- “Your contribution to [project/task] made a difference because…”
Make sure it’s accessible for everyone, including remote or shift-based team members. Use platforms your team already uses—Slack, Google Jamboard, bulletin boards, or email threads.
At the end of the day, highlight the shared notes in a team meeting, newsletter, or message from leadership.
This activity turns gratitude into a shared, inclusive experience—and makes everyone feel seen.
👉 Ready to explore more workplace-ready tips? Keep reading.
Ready for More?
Would you like a more detailed celebration guide for this holiday? 👉 Join our Free Community Here In our community, you’ll find deeper DIY DEI guides, a full diversity calendar, and workplace-ready tools to help you sustain inclusive, impactful celebrations year‑round.
Pause & Reflect
How can your organization ensure appreciation is meaningful, inclusive, and consistent—not just once a year?
