30 Employee Appreciation Quotes That Will Have Employees Smiling At Their Desks

Work is an important part of our lives. And since we spend so much time working, it should come with a sense of gratitude that improves the quality of life. 

Many employees go through their work life without knowing how much they’ve impacted their teams and offices. And this affects almost everything - their workplace attitudes, work output, productivity, and general outlook on life. 

According to a recent report by ApolloTechnical on employee recognition stats, 92% of workers are motivated to do more great work after receiving recognition for it. This means that employee appreciation goes a long way to ensure that team members feel valued and recognized.

When people invest their time and energy in a company and continually stay engaged, it is important to show appreciation and respect. Basically, it's important to say - We see you. Thank you.

It's also not enough for appreciation to be the sole responsibility of the management. It is essential to create a culture that encourages peer-to-peer recognition culture. This gives the employees an avenue to appreciate each other and give feedback. 

Companies can use a Recognition Flow to incorporate gratitude and feedback into their work culture and improve the overall employee experience. This allows everyone to feel valued by their peers, managers, and the organization.

Why Is Employee Appreciation So Important?

Employee retention is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. It's critical to your company's success to retain employees than to get new talent because people are your most important resource.

Appreciating employees allows them to feel seen and valued, resulting in improved performance, productivity, and increased retention rates. It also boosts employee morale and helps foster a union of employees while building a sense of security in their value to the company.

So, what does effective employee appreciation look like? 

By using a Recognition Flow you can set a template for how appreciation can be shown within the company and encourage consistent good work and dedication. You can have an Employee Appreciation Day with fun activities and offer incentives and rewards. 

There are various ways to appreciate your employees. One of which, is through words of appreciation. Words of appreciation and recognition awards can go a long way, but they don't always come easy. So, here are 30 quotes in different categories to help you express your genuine appreciation to employees. 

Outstanding Performance

It takes a certain level of discipline to continuously strive for excellence or go over and beyond on tasks. When you have employees who do this so effortlessly, it's important to appreciate them. Here are some quotes to get you started: 

1. Slow down; you make the rest of us look bad. But seriously, kudos to you for being so outstanding!
2. You do more than show up; you show us how it should be done! Thank you.
3. You've set the example of how talent combined with excellent work pays off. Thank you for showing everyone that with dedication, nothing is impossible.
4. You accepted the challenge and overcame all the obstacles that came with it. Well done on your performance; it was truly inspiring seeing you put in the effort to get there.
5. To have an employee who works hard is great. To have an employee that works smart is better. To have an employee that does both is the best. So, to one of the best, thank you.
6. When we need something done with total commitment and dedication, yours is the first name we think of. We appreciate you for always going the extra mile and coming through.
7. Your creative and innovative thinking has put you in a class of your own. No one else can compare!
8. Despite the challenges, you persevered and maintained the tenacity to make the work go seamlessly. Congratulations on the job well done! 
9. Watching you strive to improve has been inspiring for the entire team. Well done on reaching this milestone.
10. Today, we honor outstanding employees. So, thank you for your exceptional work. It is admirable and appreciated.

Work Ethics

Some employees may not necessarily be the most hardworking and may not be bringing in the most funds. But, their enthusiasm, attitude to work, and values make them stand out. You can appreciate them with some of these quotes: 

11. Your work ethic blows us all away. Thank you for keeping our morales high through the late nights, the early mornings, and the hours in-between.
12. Your creative and innovative thinking has put you on a level of your own. Keep moving forward; we love your work.
13. You never do just an okay job when you can do a great one. Thank you for the time and effort you put into everything you do!
14. Thank you for being such a breath of fresh air and encouragement to the team. We wouldn't have successfully finished the project without you!
15. Each year brings new challenges to the company and the team. But the way you continue to meet these with grace and innovation is indeed extraordinary. Thank you for putting everything into making us great.
16. Although your work speaks for itself, there is something we need to say. Your incredible work ethic has not gone unnoticed. Your commitment to every task is outstanding.
17. We love seeing people take on new challenges, but no one takes them on the way you do. You're amazing!
18. I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your work. You put a lot of effort into what you do, which shows in your great results. Thank you so much for your dedicated performance!
19. Successful companies' biggest assets are their employees. You are one of them. Thank you for your dedication and positive attitude to work.
20. The enthusiasm you bring to the workplace is something that cannot be learned from any seminar room or meeting. Thank you for bringing life and color to our workplace.
21. In recognition of your continued professionalism in everything, we would like to thank you. You have proven yourself to be a dedicated and upstanding member of this team. You're a fantastic addition to the team.

Collaboration

Although it takes a team to make the dream work, individuals make up the team and often play different vital roles. These quotes encourage people to put in their best, even in tasks that require collaboration. Here are some of our favorites: 

22. There are no small parts, only small people. You always play your role graciously, even if it's in the background or backstage. Come center stage and take your well-deserved bow!
23. Teamwork makes the dream work, and having you on our team makes work a dream come true!
24. Your top-notch leadership and team spirit have propelled this company to move upward. You have motivated others within the team to put forward their best work, and you continue to inspire all who work with you.
25. This is for the employee who thinks outside the box and provides no end of innovative ideas to the team and company. We want to recognize your exceptional work and let you know how proud we are of your accomplishments.
26. You've earned the utmost trust, admiration, and respect of your colleagues. The team is genuinely motivated because of your honesty, sincerity, and commitment. Thank you!
27. We recognize the overtime work you are putting in to solve the problems in the department. We know it has been challenging, and we assure you that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being so dedicated to the team.
28. The perfect employee lifts others instead of pushing them down. Thank you for being a positive influence!
29. Thank you for going above and beyond to help us achieve our goal. We wouldn't have made it without you!
30. Your presence is the perfect motivation for your colleagues. You influence everyone to put passion into their work and achieve the target goals. Thank you!

Building A Culture of Appreciation

The best employees don't always want another paycheck; sometimes, they just need a pat on the back. There's no fast and hard rule on when and how to show appreciation or build an appreciation culture. 

However, there are various occasions where it's essential to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and the excellent ways they bring value to the business. And quotes make a perfect addition to those occasions, no matter how small or large. 

So, whether it is a simple thank you card or an elaborate party, the most important thing is to let the employees know they are appreciated.