Look at you. You’re committed to culture-building on your team. You’ve been working hard all year to do little, everyday things that make a big difference in how your team feels about the work they do and where they do it. You know that happy employees are 12% more productive than those who are unhappy and that 86 percent of employees recognized in the last month say they trust their boss. Sure, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but hey, you’re human and you understand that perfection is the enemy of progress. You’ve kept the staff appreciation train on the tracks since August, and that’s not nothin’.
And now, it’s Spring. If your district is anything like most that we work with, that means the brutal combination of 1) budgets running low, and 2) staff burnout running high. One look around your staff meeting tells you that your people could use a little boost. What’s a terrific-but-cash-strapped admin to do when grand displays of staff appreciation aren’t an option?
12 Budget-Friendly Staff Appreciation Ideas
We’ve assembled 12 free and low-cost ideas to help you celebrate your staff’s fantastic work and encourage them during the final push to the end of the year. Check out our tips below:
1. Just say thank you
Recognize hard work with a written thank you note. Contribute personal thanks and include a message of encouragement and recognition. With so much of our communication going online, a handwritten note will stand out and leave a lasting impression of gratitude!
2. Provide a theme like “Superheroes” for the next staff meeting
Give each person a special title that highlights a positive attribute. “Captain Organization,” “Bold & Awesome Assistant,” or “Mister Dynamic”.
3. Tiny trophies
Hit the dollar store for items that represent the individual; a can of Crush for someone who “crushes problems” or a magnet for someone with a “magnetic personality”.
4. Host a popcorn party
Add-in ingredients like candy, nutritional yeast, Cajun seasoning, etc. Remember: Food draws the people in! The take-home item could be microwave popcorn with a sticker saying “just popping by to say thank you!”
5. Host a breakfast social
With waffles, toppings, and include sweet and savory. Make a sign or stickers that say, “You are appreciated a ‘waffle’ lot!”
6. Buy bamboo, rocks, and containers
Don’t forget water! Allow staff to plant their “Lucky” bamboo plants. Include a note for each staff saying “we’re lucky to have you.”
7. Make a Post-it wall
Use a wall that is clear of other items (or clear it in advance) and fill the wall with staff shout-outs and compliments. The post-its should be all together to have a dynamic display. Also, have post-it notes handy for any staff member to write a little something about a coworker. The notes can be signed or anonymous.
8. Organize group volunteer time
Volunteer at a local food bank or food pantry. Having time together as a team helping others will help create relationships and ultimately bring your staff closer.
9. With the weather changing, anyone would appreciate a new lip balm
Spruce yours up with messages of “You’re the balm!” and give these out freely and often!
10. Fill your staff fridge with Simply single-serving juice bottles
With a printed card stating “you’re simply the best!”
11. Use the information you have on hand to highlight the work your staff is doing
Hand copies out with a highlighter and a cute note like: I wanted to highlight the excellent work you’re doing! It doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m proud of you.
12. Host an interactive party with a Minute to Win It-style game
Give teams 60 seconds to complete a task. With teams competing against one another you can pick a winner through the process of elimination. One game could be to transfer M&M candies from one plate to another using only a straw. Another game is to see who can make the highest tower of red Solo cups. You can find more games online!
We see you and the work you’re doing to make your district a place that staff wants to stay. You got this, and we’ve got you!
