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

Utilize these inspirational quotes to show your employees how much you appreciate them and cultivate a culture of gratitude.

April 22, 2025
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How would you describe your job to a five year old?
What season would you be?
What is a weird food you have tried? Would you eat it again?
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Would you go in the mother-ship with aliens if they landed on Earth tomorrow?
What is your favorite season?
Do prefer working from home or the office?
What is your earliest memory of this job?
What is the best thing you have bought so far this year?
What is the earliest book you remember?
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
You are the best criminal mastermind in the world. What crime would you commit if you knew you would get away with it?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
What was the last thing you ate?
What person from history would you add to Mount Rushmore?
What is a weird fact you know?
What is your favorite part of working from home?
Were the Spice Girls a good team?
Imagine you can instantly learn any language. Which would you choose?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Which fictional team is the best team of all time?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you usually eat for a quick lunch?
What simple food will you never eat?
Show us the weirdest thing you have in the room with you right now.
Would you rather stay at a hotel or an AirBNB?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
Are you more productive in the morning or at night?
Who is someone in your community that makes a difference?
Who was your most unique pet?
Choose one famous person from history you want on your team during a zombie apocalypse.
What is a good way to give back to the community?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
Is Hugh Grant funny?
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Would you want to have an imaginary friend today? Did you have one as a child?
What actor or actress would you want to play you in the movie about your life?
What is the best super power?
What is your New Years resolution?
You can only eat one food again for the rest of your life. What is it?
What is the best work holiday?
What is the first gift you remember receiving?
Would you rather join Metallica or Backstreet Boys?
What is the best example of a community you have seen?
What is an easy way to do something nice for someone?
Show us your phone background and tell the story behind why you picked this image.
What was your first job?
Pick any band to play at your funeral.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
Which superpower would you give to your arch enemy?
What is the most obscure superpower you would want?
What emoji best describes how you are feeling right now?
If you could live in any country, which country would you pick?
Would you rather live in a city or a town?
What is your favorite holiday?
What is something you accomplished as part of a team?
What is your standard office lunch?
What is your most used phone app?
What is your favorite season?
Have you ever won something as a team?
Imagine you are a professional baseball player. What is your introduction song?
Beach holiday or ski trip?
Have you ever been to a funny comedy show?
Would you rather live at the North Pole or the South Pole?
What is your favorite song to sing?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now?
What is the most unusual job you have heard of?
What was the last thing you ate?
You can visit any fictional time or place. Which would you pick?
What do your family and friends think you do all day?
What movie do you wish you could watch again for the first time?
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What movie defined your generation?
You are stranded on a remote desert island. Are you alone or with your worst enemy?
What is your favorite knock-knock joke?
Have you ever told someone Santa is not real?
Do you know how to speak more than one language?
On a scale of 1 – 10, how much of a team player are you?
What is your #1 recommendation in this city?
What is your favorite holiday?
What bucket list item do you most want to check off in the next six months?
What is your favorite mythical creature?
What was the first way you made money?
If you could be great at any Olympic sport, which would it be?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
When did you start liking/hating mushrooms?
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Do you take your PTO all at one time, or another way?
Which show do you remember most from your childhood?
Which beverage goes best with pizza?
Would you want to have a personal assistant follow you around everywhere and do what you asked of them?
Have you ever met your idol?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Would you rather live 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future?
What is your hobby?
When you are alone in the car, what volume is the music at?
Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
What is your favorite type of sandwich?

In today's competitive business landscape, recognizing and appreciating employees is not just a nicety—it's a strategic imperative. Employee appreciation has been linked to higher engagement, increased productivity, and lower turnover rates. According to Gallup, employees who don't feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to quit within a year. 

When words of appreciation come from leadership, they carry significant weight. A thoughtful message can transform an employee's day and reinforce their sense of purpose within the organization.

Why Employee Appreciation Matters

Employee appreciation is not just a nice-to-have; it's a crucial component of a thriving workplace. When employees feel valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity, better teamwork, and reduced turnover rates. By regularly expressing gratitude, you create an environment where employees feel respected and acknowledged for their contributions.

The Benefits of Employee Appreciation

The benefits of employee appreciation are numerous and well-documented. Some of the most significant advantages include:

  • Improved Morale: Recognizing and appreciating employees can boost their mood and overall job satisfaction.
  • Increased Productivity: When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged, leading to increased productivity and better work quality.
  • Reduced Turnover: Employees who feel recognized and appreciated are less likely to leave their jobs, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.
  • Enhanced Reputation: Companies that prioritize employee appreciation are more likely to attract top talent and build a positive reputation in their industry.

How to Use Employee Appreciation Quotes

Incorporating appreciation quotes into your daily interactions can be a simple yet effective way to show gratitude. Here are a few ways to use these quotes:

  • In Team Meetings: Start or end meetings with a quote to set a positive tone.
  • In Emails: Include a quote in your email signature or as a part of a thank you message.
  • On Social Media: Share quotes on your company's social media platforms to publicly recognize your team's efforts.
  • In Performance Reviews: Use quotes to highlight specific achievements and contributions.

30 Employee Appreciation Quotes to Inspire Your Team

  1. “Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. Thank you for being an essential part of our team.”
  2. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.”
  3. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. Thank you for loving what you do and doing it so well.”
  4. “Your commitment to excellence is unparalleled. We are grateful to have you on our team.”
  5. “Thank you for going above and beyond. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.”
  6. “Your positive attitude and hard work are what make our team successful. Thank you for being you.”
  7. “Great work is done by people who are not afraid to be great. Thank you for your greatness.”
  8. “Your creativity and innovation are the driving forces behind our success. Thank you for your contributions.”
  9. “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. Thank you for being a strong link in our chain.”
  10. “Your work ethic and dedication are truly admirable. Thank you for setting such a high standard.”
  11. “We value your unique perspective and the fresh ideas you bring to the table. Thank you!”
  12. “Your ability to tackle challenges with resilience and grace is remarkable. Thank you for your perseverance.”
  13. “Thank you for your consistent effort and reliability. Knowing we can count on you makes a huge difference.”
  14. “Your attention to detail ensures quality in everything we do. We deeply appreciate your meticulousness.”
  15. “The enthusiasm you bring to your work is contagious. Thank you for boosting team morale!”
  16. “Thank you for always being willing to lend a hand and support your colleagues. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
  17. “Your proactive approach and initiative help us stay ahead. Thank you for always thinking forward.”
  18. “We recognize the extra effort you put in, and we want you to know it’s highly valued.”
  19. “Your passion for your work shines through, inspiring everyone around you. Thank you!”
  20. “Thank you for your thoughtful contributions during meetings and projects. Your insights are invaluable.”
  21. “Your commitment to continuous improvement helps us all grow. Thank you for striving for better.”
  22. “We appreciate your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. You’re a true asset.”
  23. “Thank you for representing our company values so well in everything you do.”
  24. “Your problem-solving skills are top-notch. Thank you for finding solutions where others see obstacles.”
  25. “We are incredibly fortunate to have your expertise on our team. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.”
  26. “Thank you for making our workplace a more positive and collaborative environment.”
  27. “Your dedication to our clients/customers does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your exceptional service.”
  28. “The progress we’ve made is a direct result of your hard work. Thank you for driving us forward.”
  29. “Thank you for your honesty and integrity. It builds trust and strengthens our team.”
  30. “Simply put: Thank you for being an outstanding member of our team. We appreciate you!”

Building a Culture of Appreciation

Incorporating employee appreciation into your workplace culture is a simple yet powerful way to boost morale and productivity. By using these quotes, you can express gratitude and inspire your team to continue striving for excellence. Remember, a little appreciation goes a long way in creating a positive and productive work environment. 

FAQs

How does employee appreciation impact workplace culture?

Employee appreciation plays a significant role in shaping a positive workplace culture. When employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. A culture of appreciation fosters teamwork, enhances job satisfaction, and reduces turnover rates. It also encourages open communication, trust, and a sense of belonging within the organization.

What are creative ways to show employee appreciation?

Beyond traditional bonuses and awards, creative ways to show employee appreciation include personalized thank-you notes, peer recognition programs, surprise treats or lunches, flexible work options, wellness initiatives, and social shout-outs. Hosting appreciation events, offering skill development opportunities, and providing small, meaningful gifts can also make employees feel valued and appreciated.

How often should employees be recognized for their work?

Employee recognition should be frequent and timely to be effective. While annual awards and appreciation events are beneficial, real-time and ongoing recognition—such as weekly shout-outs, monthly awards, or spontaneous thank-you messages—can have a more immediate impact. Recognizing employees consistently helps reinforce positive behaviors and boosts morale.

Can peer-to-peer recognition be as effective as manager recognition?

Yes, peer-to-peer recognition can be just as effective—if not more—than manager recognition. When employees recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions, it fosters a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. Peer recognition can be more authentic and meaningful because colleagues often see the day-to-day efforts that managers may overlook. Encouraging a structured peer recognition program can enhance teamwork and overall engagement.

Browse our Free Employee Recognition Guide

Get the foundational knowledge on creating an employee recognition program that boosts employee engagement and helps them feel valued.

Explore Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assembly SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, at Assembly, security is a top priority. Each quarter, we have ongoing security work that is everyone’s responsibility. While we maintain a strong security posture, it was important for us to prove to our customers that we do everything we claim to do. This led us to pursue a SOC 2 Type II report that would provide evidence of our compliance with industry gold-standard security practice.

What's the ROI for employee recognition?

There is study after study showing that employee recognition leads to increased engagement. This in return creates an environment where employees are happier and more motivated which increase productivity and reduces voluntary turnover significantly. In order to filled critical roles, companies tend to spend nearly twice the value of an annual salary. Assembly is an investment in your employees that supports your bottom line.

Does Assembly offer longer-term contracts?

Yes, we will offer contracts for companies with longer-term agreements to help larger customers have more certainty around future costs.

The minimum agreement term is a 12-month subscription.

Does Assembly offer onboarding support?

We do and for FREE! Any new customer needing further support to get started with Assembly to ensure you're set up for success can request custom onboarding support. Improving your employee experience is about much more than just using our amazing software; it’s about transforming your business to create a workplace that people love. That’s much easier to do with the personal support and advice from our passionate people experts.

How much do rewards cost?

At the time of redemption (when your employees exchange their points for a paid reward) you'll pay face value. If a reward is a $10 Amazon gift card, your cost will be $10. All paid rewards are billed for on a monthly basis.

The good news is that you don't have to pay for rewards upfront because we only charge you when points are redeemed, not when they're earned.

Does Assembly offer discounts?

We offer discounts or educational or charitable organizations. In order to secure a discount, you'll first need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

For all other organizations, we are willing to consider longer-term agreements in exchange for discounts. To set up annual plans or longer, you will need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

How do I cancel my plan if needed?

If you're on a month to month plan, you can go here and cancel anytime. If you're having concerns or need help setting up your account for success, you can always book a demo with a customer support specialist.

If you're on a longer-term custom plan, you'll need to reach out to your customer support specialist to cancel your account or email us at support@joinassembly.com.

What customizations are available?

Great question! You can customize your core values to match your organization's to boost and track alignment. You can change your currency from the 🏆 emoji (our default) to any emoji of your choice. You can swap our logo for your own. You can also set up company culture rewards such as, "Lunch with the CEO," "Buy a book on us," and so much more!

Who can give or receive recognition?

While we recommend a peer to peer set up where anyone in your organization can give or receive recognition, you can set up Assembly however you want. If you need to limit the people who can give or receive recognition, that's perfectly fine and can be done from your Admin, here.

What integrations are available?

Assembly connects to the tools your employees use every day to offer an easy, seamless experience with minimal change management.  

Assembly has integrations with HCM/HRIS systems like ADP, Google, Office 365, and Slack. We also integrate with communication tools like Slack and Teams so you and your employees can access Assembly wherever they work now.

What's your average adoption rate?

That depends on the company's permissions set up. That said, over 90% of the employees on Assembly's platform are recognized on a monthly basis. That means nearly every employee across all of our customers are receiving regular recognition from their peers, managers, or leadership. We're extremely proud of this.

Must rewards be set up to use Assembly?

They are not required. You can use Assembly without having rewards set up. However, we don't recommend it if you intend to have a high adoption and usage rate. You can always keep the costs down by offering internal culture rewards that are fulfilled by you internally.

Are points required to use Assembly?

No, you can remove allowances from anyone or everyone. It's up to you but we do recommend using points whether they're worth a real dollar value or not. Companies that use points have a much higher engagement rate even if those points don't exchange for real dollars.

Could find the answer you are looking for?

Please schedule time with an expert and we will help you to get all your questions answered