How to Build a Culture of Appreciation in Your Workplace: A Guide for Managers and Teams

Workplaces can be tricky environments, right? No matter where you are—whether you’re an executive assistant, a manager just starting out, or a seasoned leader—everyone wants to feel like they matter. And let’s be honest, appreciation doesn’t need to only come from the top. Real recognition is something we can all share, no matter our title or position.

Think back to your own work experiences. Remember that time someone genuinely thanked you for helping out on a project, or when a colleague casually said they appreciated you covering for them during a crazy day? Those little moments—they mean everything. They’re what keep us going, keeping us connected and reminding us that what we do actually counts. That’s really what building a culture of appreciation is about—making sure every single one of us feels seen and valued.

With Mental Health Month here and the theme “Let’s Talk About It”, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our wellbeing and how we can support each other. One of the best ways to do that? Building a culture of appreciation that’s part of our everyday lives. So, how do we make sure everyone at work feels truly valued?

Building a Culture of Appreciation—From Every Role

Creating a culture of appreciation isn’t just up to upper management. Whether you’re brand new in your role, part of a broader team, or leading the way, recognising the efforts of those around you matters. Even a simple “thanks for stepping up today” or a shout-out at the end of a meeting can go a long way. The important thing is to keep it genuine and make it a habit.

When everyone pitches in to build appreciation—not just the leaders—teams thrive. A friend who works at a startup once told me how her team makes a point to thank each other during weekly standups. It wasn’t awkward or forced; it was natural, and it made everyone feel they truly belonged. This practice didn’t just boost morale; it also improved productivity. Knowing that your work is valued makes a huge difference in how connected and motivated people feel.

And honestly, appreciation isn’t just for Mental Health Month. It’s a simple way to reduce stress and build emotional resilience all year long. It doesn’t have to be about the big achievements either—those small wins count just as much.

Take NextJump, for example. They’ve made peer-to-peer appreciation a core part of their culture, encouraging employees to publicly recognise their colleagues. Since they started, NextJump has seen a big boost in employee retention and job satisfaction—over 90% of their team say they feel valued. One employee shared that even a simple acknowledgment from a colleague gave them the motivation to face a challenging project they were dreading. It’s more than just a program—it’s a mindset that shows appreciation is everyone’s job, not just the boss’s.

Another standout example is Golden Hippo, where they celebrate achievements with ‘Win of the Week’ and spot bonuses. These initiatives boost morale and create a sense of community. People are proud to share their wins, and that pride is contagious. Imagine your boss sending out an email to everyone about how you went above and beyond for a client—it turns a rough week into something that actually feels worthwhile.

Mars also puts appreciation front and centre, recognising those who go above and beyond with their ‘Mars Make the Difference Awards’. This approach has led to better engagement and higher retention rates, with employees feeling more connected to the company’s mission. One recipient even mentioned that receiving the award not only made them proud but also inspired the whole team to work harder, knowing their efforts might be noticed too.

Merck has a recognition program called INSPIRE that’s all about celebrating each other with messages, points, and cash rewards. Since it started, employees have shared over 3 million recognitions, making appreciation a normal part of their work life. One employee shared how even a small note of thanks made their day and reminded them that their work made a difference, especially during those tough, overwhelming days.

Toast has a fun way of recognising employees with their Bonusly program—where you give a ‘toast’ to someone for actions that reflect the company’s values. As one employee put it, “Getting a ‘toast’ really makes my day. It reminds me my work is seen and appreciated, and that keeps me going.” Peer recognition like this adds a genuine touch and keeps appreciation flowing from every corner of the team.

Different Types of Appreciation

Appreciation doesn’t need to be a grand gesture—it comes in all forms, big and small. Here are some ways you can start recognising the people around you:

• Verbal Recognition: A quick word of thanks can do wonders—“You were awesome on that project” or “Thanks for stepping in during that meeting.” Sometimes, those quick words can mean the most.
• Written Appreciation: A heartfelt email, a handwritten note, or even a shout-out in a group chat can make a big difference. I remember a sticky note that said, “You were amazing in that meeting today.” It was small, but I kept it for months.
• Tangible Rewards: Small gifts, vouchers, a bit of extra time off, or a personalised reward can go a long way—especially if it matches the person’s effort.
• Growth Opportunities: Appreciation can also mean offering someone a chance to grow—like extra training or letting them lead a project. It shows you trust their abilities and believe in their potential.

Even structured activities can be a great way to help people unwind and feel appreciated. Take The Mindfulness Game, for example—it’s designed to help employees de-stress and reminds everyone that their mental wellbeing is a priority.

Tips for Managers to Build a Culture of Appreciation

Managers have a unique role to play when it comes to fostering appreciation, but it doesn’t need to wait for big milestones. It’s about making recognition a regular habit that’s consistent and feels real. Here are some ways to do it:

• Be Consistent: Don’t wait for the big moments. Recognise small contributions regularly—it’s those little recognitions that make the difference over time.
• Make It Personal: Everyone likes appreciation in their own way. Some people love public praise, others prefer a quiet thank-you. Knowing what your team members prefer makes your appreciation feel even more meaningful.
• Recognise in Real-Time: Don’t put it off. When you see good work, recognise it right away. It shows that you notice and value the effort.
• Lead by Example: Managers set the tone. When you show gratitude every day, it sets an example for others to do the same. 

The Hustle is a fantastic way to build team appreciation. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about having fun, recognising each other’s strengths, and boosting team spirit. Activities like this are powerful for building camaraderie and bringing a team closer.

The Role of Peer-to-Peer Recognition

While managers play an important role, appreciation shouldn’t just come from the top. Peer-to-peer recognition is one of the best ways to build a sense of belonging. Programs like Paychex’s recognition platform or Huntress’s #kudos Slack channel make it easy for colleagues to thank each other. This kind of recognition is quick, visible, and helps foster a culture where gratitude is the norm.

At FullContact, employees reward each other with points that can be redeemed for gift cards. It encourages frequent praise and adds a bit of fun. Simple actions like these build a positive environment where appreciation is part of everyday life.

Try setting up something like an “appreciation jar” or dedicate a few minutes at the end of weekly or monthly meetings for shout-outs to team members. These small, regular actions can go a long way toward creating a culture where everyone is part of the appreciation.

Making Appreciation Part of Everyday Life

When you think about it, creating a culture of appreciation is about more than just boosting productivity. It’s about making work a place where people genuinely want to be. During Mental Health Month, with the theme “Let’s Talk About It”, there’s no better time to start making appreciation a part of everyday life at work.

Want to take it up a notch? Try The Hustle, a dynamic team-building game that boosts collaboration and creativity, or introduce The Mindfulness Game to help your team de-stress and stay connected. A happy, appreciated team is a productive one—and it all starts with a bit of recognition.