Workplace Organization

Over the past decade, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a cornerstone of corporate culture in the United States. From executive suites to recruiting pipelines, DEI principles have shaped everything from hiring practices to employee engagement strategies. But recently, a wave of political, legal, and cultural pushback has raised a provocative question: Is this the end of DEI?

The Supreme Court's 2023 decision to roll back affirmative action in college admissions sparked a ripple effect throughout the corporate world. Combined with growing political scrutiny and economic pressures, some organizations have scaled back or rebranded their DEI initiatives. Headlines have emerged about companies dissolving DEI departments, shifting budgets, or avoiding public commitments to diversity altogether.
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The Changing DEI Landscape

For HR leaders, the current environment is complex. On one hand, there's increasing pressure from stakeholders who view DEI as politically polarizing. On the other, the business case for diversity remains strong. Research continues to show that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones, particularly in innovation, problem-solving, and employee satisfaction.

The challenge is no longer just implementing DEI programs—it's evolving them to reflect the realities of today's workplace and legal climate. Many HR teams are asking: how do we continue to build inclusive workplaces while navigating shifting expectations?
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Adaptation Over Abandonment

Despite the headwinds, many organizations are not walking away from DEI. Instead, they're adapting. Some have shifted from high-visibility DEI statements to more integrated, systemic approaches. They're embedding equity into talent development, building inclusive leadership capabilities, and redesigning hiring practices to mitigate unconscious bias without relying on quotas.

For example, Salesforce has invested in inclusive leadership training and regularly publishes a comprehensive Equality Report, while embedding equality principles into performance reviews and leadership KPIs.

Microsoft, responding to evolving public discourse, has focused on building a data-driven approach to inclusion, using employee feedback tools to measure sentiment across different demographics and adapt internal programs accordingly.

Accenture has embedded DEI into its talent strategy by investing in sponsorship and career development for underrepresented groups, while maintaining transparency with publicly available workforce demographics and clear progress goals.

Others are investing in broader cultural initiatives—such as employee resource groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, and inclusive benefits—that create belonging without politicizing diversity. PepsiCo, for example, has expanded its ERG model globally and tied ERG participation to leadership development and business objectives.

Even companies under public scrutiny have found ways to reframe their DEI efforts in terms of workforce resilience, adaptability, and talent retention. By anchoring DEI in business outcomes and employee experience, they're navigating the legal and political landscape without abandoning their commitments.
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What HR Professionals Can Do Now

1. Audit and Align: Reassess current DEI strategies. Are they legally sound? Do they align with your organization’s core values and business goals?
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2. Focus on Inclusion: Even if "diversity" language becomes sensitive, building inclusive cultures is universally beneficial. Psychological safety, equitable access to opportunity, and employee voice should remain top priorities.
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3. Measure What Matters: Move beyond surface metrics like representation percentages. Track employee engagement, promotion rates, and feedback across demographic lines to get a clearer picture of inclusion.
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4. Equip Leaders: Invest in training that helps managers lead diverse teams effectively, recognize bias, and foster inclusion in daily operations.
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5. Communicate Thoughtfully: Frame DEI initiatives around shared values like fairness, growth, and opportunity. Avoid jargon and polarization. Emphasize how inclusion supports business performance and employee well-being.
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6. Leverage Employee Recognition Programs: Recognition is a powerful tool for reinforcing inclusive behaviors. By celebrating contributions from across the organization—especially from underrepresented voices—HR can promote a culture of belonging and appreciation. Programs that allow peer-to-peer recognition, highlight inclusive leadership, and reward collaboration across diverse teams help to normalize and sustain inclusive behaviors. Companies like Cisco and Adobe have integrated recognition platforms that spotlight employees for living company values, contributing to DEI goals, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
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The Road Ahead

DEI is not dead, but it is evolving. The next chapter won't be defined by checkboxes or headline-worthy pledges, but by thoughtful, data-driven, and human-centered practices. HR professionals sit at the helm of this transformation.

Rather than seeing this moment as the end of DEI, we might recognize it as a necessary inflection point—one that invites a deeper, more sustainable commitment to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

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Employee recognition is one of the most powerful tools in a company’s arsenal, and its importance cannot be overstated. Research shows that companies that consistently recognize and reward their employees experience a range of positive outcomes, including increased engagement, productivity, and employee retention. On the other hand, businesses that neglect recognition risk facing a drop in morale, higher turnover rates, and lower overall performance.

In 2025, HR professionals and business leaders must move beyond outdated practices and embrace data-driven employee recognition programs that foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

In this article, we’ll explore the 37 most impactful employee recognition statistics, covering everything from productivity and motivation to leadership and work-life balance. Whether you’re just starting to implement a recognition program or looking to refine an existing one, this article provides valuable insights that will help you make the most of your investment in employee recognition.

Why Employee Recognition Matters

The workplace is evolving, and employees expect more than just a paycheck. Recognition programs can significantly enhance morale, productivity, and retention. Companies that prioritize recognition cultivate an engaged workforce, leading to better financial outcomes and improved employee well-being.

A Gallup survey found that employees who receive frequent recognition are 4.6 times more likely to feel engaged at work. Yet, despite its importance, many organizations still struggle to implement effective recognition strategies. According to a Deloitte report, only 23% of employees feel their organization’s recognition program aligns with company values.

Let’s dive into the most important employee recognition statistics that can shape your HR strategies in 2025.

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The 37 Essential Employee Recognition Statistics You Need to Know in 2025

The following statistics are categorized into seven key areas to make them easier to digest and help you focus on what matters most to your company:

1. Productivity & Performance
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2. Motivation
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3. Employee Engagement
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4. Business Results
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5. Employee Turnover & Retention
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6. Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing
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7. Management & Leadership

Productivity & Performance

Employee productivity is the lifeblood of any company, and recognition plays a major role in boosting both individual and collective performance. Here are some key statistics that show how recognition directly impacts productivity:

• 77.9% of employees would be more productive if they received recognition more frequently. This statistic alone highlights the importance of recognizing your team on a regular basis. Frequent recognition fosters a sense of value and motivation, leading to higher productivity levels across the board.

• Peer-to-peer recognition is a crucial part of fostering a positive work culture. Research shows that 41% of industry-leading companies have a formal peer-to-peer recognition program. This statistic demonstrates that companies who prioritize employee recognition, especially among peers, perform better than their competitors.
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• Recognition has a direct impact on productivity, performance, and engagement. Studies show that companies that consistently recognize employees see a 14% improvement in all three metrics. This statistic shows that recognition is a multiplier: it not only enhances performance but also strengthens the overall work culture, which further boosts results.
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• However, for recognition to be truly effective, it needs to be aligned with the company’s values. A Deloitte study found that more than half of employees believe their recognition programs don’t align with the company’s goals or values. This reveals that recognition is not just about offering rewards, but about ensuring those rewards reflect the company’s mission and culture.

Motivation

Motivated employees are the cornerstone of any successful company. The following statistics illustrate how recognition serves as a powerful motivator in the workplace:

• According to a study by Workvivo, 83.6% of employees would be more motivated to succeed at work if they received recognition. When employees feel appreciated, they are naturally driven to maintain or even improve their performance. Recognition acts as a form of positive reinforcement, encouraging employees to continue performing at their best.
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• The frequency of recognition matters a great deal. Employees who receive recognition on a daily basis report feeling significantly more valued. In fact, 98% of employees who receive daily praise feel respected and appreciated, compared to just 37% of employees who receive recognition once a year. This sharp contrast demonstrates how daily recognition can transform an employee’s experience at work.
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• Recognition is not only a form of extrinsic motivation but also intrinsic motivation. Research shows that 65% of employees prefer non-cash rewards, indicating that recognition is often more about feeling seen and valued than about monetary incentives. Non-cash rewards can include personalized gifts, public acknowledgments, and career development opportunities—tools that can be just as effective in boosting morale as cash bonuses.
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• According to SHRM, organizations with structured recognition programs report 28.6% lower frustration levels among employees. This statistic highlights how recognition not only boosts motivation but also reduces workplace stress. When employees feel appreciated, they’re less likely to experience the burnout or frustration that can lead to disengagement.
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• Despite the significant benefits of recognition, 45% of employees would prefer frequent recognition over a pay raise, even a 10% increase. This statistic speaks volumes about the value employees place on feeling appreciated. While compensation is important, regular recognition and feedback can often have a more profound impact on employee satisfaction and motivation.
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• Peer-to-peer recognition plays a critical role in enhancing motivation. According to the same research, 77% of employees love having the ability to reward their peers for a job well done. This not only increases motivation but fosters a culture of collaboration and support, where employees are encouraged to lift each other up.

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is a strong predictor of company performance. Engaged employees are more productive, more loyal, and more likely to contribute to the organization’s success. Below are the statistics that demonstrate the relationship between recognition and engagement:

• Employees want to have a good relationship with their managers. So it’s no wonder that employees who regularly engage with their managers about their goals, progress, and achievements are 2.8 times more likely to be engaged at work. This highlights the importance of regular, constructive feedback in creating a strong connection between employees and the organization.
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• A Gallup study reveals that employees who only receive recognition a few times a year are 5 times more likely to be disengaged. They are also 74% more likely to leave their company within a year and 27% more likely to struggle to meet their goals. This underscores how important regular recognition is in keeping employees motivated and focused on company objectives.
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• Regular small rewards and recognition have a profound effect on engagement. Employees who receive small rewards, points, or cash incentives on a regular basis are 8 times more likely to be engaged than those who only receive recognition annually. This statistic emphasizes the power of consistency in recognition programs.
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• Despite the clear benefits of recognition, 65% of employees report not receiving any recognition over the past year. This indicates that many companies are failing to harness the power of recognition, missing out on the opportunity to boost engagement and improve employee satisfaction.
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• Engaged employees are not only more productive but also happier. Happy employees are 13% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. This highlights the direct link between employee engagement and company productivity. When employees feel recognized and engaged, they are more motivated to contribute to the company’s success.

Business Results

Recognition doesn’t just benefit individual employees; it also has a profound impact on business outcomes. Here are some key statistics that demonstrate how recognition affects business results:

• According to IBM research, every $1 invested in recognizing employees generates a $5–$7 return. This 5x return on investment demonstrates how recognition directly contributes to business growth by increasing engagement, reducing turnover, and boosting productivity.
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• 64% of employees believe that recognizing remote employees is even more important than recognizing in-office employees. This highlights the need for companies to ensure that all employees, regardless of location, feel valued and appreciated.
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• When employees are recognized, they are more likely to contribute to the company’s bottom line. 40% of American workers say they would put in more effort if they were recognized more often. This statistic reinforces the idea that recognition is a powerful driver of performance.

• Happy employees drive better business results, and this is especially true for sales teams. Research shows that happy salespeople generate 37% more sales than their less satisfied counterparts. When employees feel valued and recognized, their motivation and performance improve, positively impacting all areas of your business.

• 71% of highly engaged organizations regularly recognize their employees, compared to just 41% of less engaged organizations. This correlation suggests that recognition is one of the key drivers of employee engagement, which in turn drives business success.
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• According to Gartner, organizations with well-designed recognition programs see an 11.1% improvement in employee performance on average. This shows that the more structured and intentional your recognition program, the greater the impact it will have on overall business performance.
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• Interestingly, 55% of employee engagement improvements come from non-financial recognition. This statistic emphasizes the importance of non-monetary recognition, such as praise, public acknowledgment, and development opportunities, in driving employee engagement and business success.
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• 57% of employees say they would not entertain job offers from recruiters if they felt recognized at their current job. This shows how recognition can increase retention and reduce turnover, which is crucial for reducing recruitment costs and maintaining a stable workforce.

Employee Turnover & Retention

Turnover is a significant challenge for many companies, but recognition can play a major role in reducing it. Here are the statistics that highlight the connection between recognition and retention:

• New hires are particularly vulnerable to leaving their jobs early. However, employees who receive recognition are 5 times less likely to leave their job within the first year. This shows how important it is to engage and recognize new employees from the start to improve retention.
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• Almost 50% of employees say they would leave a company that doesn’t recognize or praise them for a job well done. This underscores how essential it is to create a culture of recognition if you want to retain top talent.
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• Recognition programs often focus solely on employee tenure (how long the employee stays in the company), but research shows that 87% of recognition programs focus on tenure rather than achievements. Expanding recognition to include achievements, milestones, and contributions can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
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• Peer-to-peer recognition has been shown to improve customer satisfaction. 41% of companies that implement peer-to-peer recognition programs report an increase in customer satisfaction, further emphasizing the value of fostering a culture of recognition at all levels.
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• 50% of employees believe that turnover could be reduced if managers provided more recognition. This suggests that managers have a significant role to play in improving employee retention through consistent, meaningful recognition.

Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing

Employee recognition isn’t just about work-related accomplishments—it’s also about recognizing life events and milestones. Below are the key statistics that show how recognition can improve employees' work-life balance and overall wellbeing:

• Employees who are recognized for personal milestones and life events are 3 times more likely to believe their company cares about their wellbeing. This statistic highlights the importance of recognizing employees not only for their work but also for the significant events in their personal lives.
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• In teams that have a strong recognition culture, 66% of employees agree that they trust their team members and managers. Trust is essential in building strong, collaborative teams, and recognition plays a key role in fostering that trust.
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• Despite the importance of recognition, 66% of HR managers believe their employees don’t have the tools or infrastructure necessary for effective recognition according to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends. This points to the need for companies to invest in recognition tools and programs that make it easier for managers and peers to recognize and reward employees.
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• 44% of employees prefer gift cards as a form of reward for their achievements. Offering personalized gift cards as part of your recognition program can be a great way to make employees feel valued and give them the flexibility to choose their own rewards.

Management & Leadership

Effective leadership is key to driving employee recognition, and the statistics below highlight the role that management plays in creating a culture of recognition:

• Nearly 75% of senior leaders report that their organizations don’t provide training or best practices for employee recognition. This lack of support for leadership training in recognition is a significant gap that many organizations need to address.
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• 85% of employees believe that management should recognize good work no matter when it happens. Recognition should not be reserved for special occasions or annual reviews—it should be a consistent part of the management process.
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• Only 14% of organizations provide the necessary tools and infrastructure for managers to recognize their employees effectively. Providing managers with the right tools, such as employee recognition platforms, can help them better support their teams and foster a culture of appreciation.
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• Recognition from a manager is particularly valued by employees. A Gallup study revealed that 28% of employees prefer to receive recognition from their manager over peers or the CEO.
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• Lastly, recognition needs to be authentic, it’s not just about a checkmark. 49% of employees report being dissatisfied with the recognition they receive, suggesting that recognition needs to be genuine, timely, and meaningful to have the desired impact.

Conclusion

The statistics presented above clearly demonstrate that employee recognition is not just a nice-to-have, but a necessity for any organization that wants to thrive in the competitive marketplace. When employees are recognized for their contributions, whether big or small, they are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with the company long term.

The benefits of recognition are far-reaching, impacting everything from business results and employee morale to retention rates and workplace wellbeing. Investing in a well-structured recognition program can yield significant returns, both for your employees and for your organization.

The good news is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Our team can help you design and implement a customized recognition program that meets the unique needs of your business. Simply book a demo call with one of our experts, and we’ll walk you through the next steps in creating a recognition culture that will elevate your business to new heights.

It can be easy to overlook factors like employee engagement. Fortunately, the addition of online spaces like social media has made it easier for businesses to keep employees engaged and motivated.

A 2024 Forbes piece highlights the rise of employee-generated content (EGC) as one of the latest content trends sweeping the Internet. Beyond platforms traditionally associated with professionals like LinkedIn, employees from various businesses are also making their presence known on conventional social sites like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

The article highlighted that 81% of consumers consider trust essential when making purchasing decisions, and EGC helps facilitate this by providing a transparent view of the people behind the brands they support. Today, 86% of brands use user-generated content (UGC) in their marketing strategy, so it makes as much sense that businesses are also relying on EGC strategies to provide a new perspective.

Having your employees engage actively with online activities and content can also be cost-effective as it helps streamline the content creation process. Employees already know a business' brand voice and values, so less time and resources are required for content briefing and revisions than working with content creators or influencers.

However, employees' online engagement should be properly cultivated to prevent miscommunications or misunderstandings. In this post, we'll be sharing five content strategies that can help you boost your employees' online engagement rate:
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Creating a communications plan

Aside from boosting online engagement, keeping employees active online is also essential for communicating a business' message and vision. To do this effectively, it's important to establish a comprehensive communications plan for important events like product launches, company activities, and other development processes.

You can also reach out to third-party services to bolster your employees' and marketing teams' communications planning process. Digital agency LinkNova stress that it is important to develop a consistent brand voice, so that you can more effectively reach your target audiences, from consumers and shareholders to employees. Digital PR campaigns can help create a communications plan, helping to ensure that employees remain engaged by contributing to developing the business' voice and online presence.
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Establishing employee protocols for your online brand

A well-made communications plan should act as the blueprint for a business' online content strategy and how employees can engage with it. Additionally, establishing employee protocols aligned with the business' online brand is essential to empower and motivate employees to make good online decisions. This includes developing a social media strategy and policy that employees can easily comprehend and follow.

Online brand protocols for your employees should also extend beyond the confines of conventional social media platforms like X and Instagram. The professional networking platform LinkedIn has come a long way since its early days, and can help businesses and personalities build a consistent presence and branding using its data archive feature. This includes the ability to easily audit previously posted content so that employees and businesses can focus on high-engagement and evergreen content that adds value to their branding. By setting clear protocols for online behavior, you can ensure that employees reflect your company culture and represent the business professionally and consistently, regardless of the platform.
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Holding social media training sessions

Of course, it's extremely challenging and shouldn't be necessary to monitor online employee activities to ensure they adhere to your business and brand protocols. With how fast the Internet moves, there's no way to manually keep up with your employees' online activities.

To help employees better understand the importance of their online voice and activities, it can help to invest in social media training. These can come in the form of programs or workshops that help develop skills related to using social media platforms for marketing. Through social media training, employees can learn valuable insights on creating and sharing relevant content in line with your business' values. Employees will also be able to learn from social media experts and consultants or through online courses for more effective ways to engage with the online audience and better represent the business online.
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Encouraging collaboration

While providing employees with the necessary tools and skills can go a long way toward boosting online engagement, it may still not be enough to motivate them to be more active online. Even though social media and Internet use are widespread today, some employees may not be as enthusiastic about being active or vocal online.

In these situations, incentivizing employees to engage with your business or brand's online activities can be highly beneficial. Utilizing gamification through services like Qarrot's incentive campaign can foster a spirit of healthy competition within your team. By establishing objective-driven campaigns with measurable tasks, you not only encourage collaboration but also enhance overall engagement among employees. For instance, businesses can motivate their teams to interact meaningfully with the company’s online posts and content. By rewarding employees who demonstrate initiative over specific periods, you can create a dynamic environment that values contribution and promotes active participation through gamification.
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Celebrating employee wins and milestones

Finally, the best way to motivate employees beyond gamified incentives is to show them that you care and are attentive to their efforts and activities. In a previous post, we highlighted findings from a Gallup research indicating employees who receive great recognition are 20 times more likely to be engaged than employees who receive poor recognition. At the same time, a Manufacturing Institute report showed that workers who feel valued are less likely to feel stressed out on a typical workday (16% vs. 66%). Additionally, these valued employees are less likely to plan on leaving the company within the next year (2% vs. 12%).
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Related article: 6 Proven Employee Engagement Ideas for Manufacturing Employees
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If you find that your employees aren't as engaging or active on your business' social media posts and content as you'd like, one of the best ways to get them to start is by sharing and promoting their stories and successes. This can be done on various social content, including blog posts, social media posts, and even video content if your business or brand has a video channel. This provides a more organic approach for employees to start engaging with business posts and content, even if it starts with a like or two. Over time, you can also foster a positive and interactive culture where employees can also celebrate each other's successes online to provide a positive and inviting representation of your business and company culture.

New customers often ask: Are employee awards taxable? If so, what are employer’s obligations when running an employee recognition program?

Let’s face it—everyone loves getting recognized at work. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift card, a cool gadget, or just a heartfelt “thank you,” employee awards can make a big difference in morale. But before you start handing out prizes like it’s a game show, it’s important to understand how these rewards are taxed. Different tax authorities have different rules, and the IRS in the U.S. and the CRA in Canada each have their own take on what’s considered a taxable benefit and what qualifies for a tax break.

Employee recognition programs are a fantastic way to boost engagement and show appreciation, but the tax treatment of those well-intended rewards varies depending on what’s given. Are gift cards always taxable? What about merchandise or cash bonuses? And can small perks like free coffee or event tickets fly under the radar? This guide breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand, helping employers stay compliant while making sure employees get the most out of their rewards.

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🇺🇸 United States: IRS Treatment of Employee Awards

In the U.S., the IRS generally treats most employee awards as taxable income—unless they fall under specific exemptions.

1. Gift Cards and Cash Equivalents

Gift cards and cash-like rewards (such as prepaid debit cards) are always taxable, no matter the occasion. The IRS sees them as cash compensation, so their value gets added to the employee’s gross wages and is subject to taxes, just like a paycheck.

2. Tangible Personal Property Awards

Some non-cash awards can qualify for tax breaks if they meet the IRS’s "employee achievement awards" criteria. To be eligible, the award must:

• Recognize length of service or a safety achievement.
• Be given in a meaningful way (not just slipped into a paycheck).
• Not be a disguised form of compensation.
• Be part of a written qualified plan (for higher tax-exempt thresholds).

The tax-free limit is $1,600 per employee per year under a qualified plan and $400 per employee per year under a nonqualified plan. Anything above that is taxable.

3. De Minimis Benefits

Small, occasional perks—like holiday turkeys, flowers, or the occasional event ticket—may be tax-free as de minimis benefits. But don’t get too generous: Gift cards, no matter how small, don’t qualify and must be taxed.

4. Reporting and Withholding

Any taxable awards must be reported on an employee’s W-2 form, and employers must withhold applicable taxes.

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🇨🇦 Canada: CRA Treatment of Employee Awards

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also considers most employee awards to be taxable benefits, but with a few exceptions.

1. Gift Cards and Cash Equivalents

Gift cards and cash bonuses are generally taxable, but there’s a silver lining: brand-specific gift cards that can only be used at a single retailer (or affiliated stores) may be considered non-cash gifts and could be tax-free—if they meet the CRA’s criteria.

2. Non-Cash Awards (Tangible Personal Property)

Under CRA rules, non-cash gifts and awards may be tax-free if:

• They are for work anniversaries, outstanding service, or similar achievements.
• The total value of all non-cash gifts in a year doesn’t exceed $500 CAD (including taxes). Any excess amount is taxable.
• They are not performance-based awards, which are always taxable.

3. De Minimis Gifts

The CRA allows for small non-cash gifts—such as coffee mugs, plaques, or flowers—to be tax-free if their value is considered trivial.

4. Long-Service Awards

Employees can receive a non-cash long-service award tax-free once every five years, as long as its value is $500 CAD or less and meets the non-cash gift criteria. Anything over that is taxable.

5. Reporting and Withholding

Any taxable awards must be reported on the employee’s T4 slip, and employers must withhold the appropriate taxes.

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Key Differences Between the U.S. and Canada

Gift Cards

United States (IRS): Always taxable

Canada (CRA): Tax-free if retailer-specific and meets CRA conditions

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Cash Awards

United States (IRS): Always taxable

Canada (CRA): Always taxable

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Tangible Awards

United States (IRS): Tax-exempt if under $1,600 (qualified plan) or $400 (nonqualified)

Canada (CRA): Tax-free if under $500 CAD (non-cash)

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De Minimis Gifts

United States (IRS): Small non-cash gifts are tax-free

Canada (CRA): Trivial gifts are tax-free

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Long-Service Awards

United States (IRS): Tax-exempt under specific conditions

Canada (CRA): Tax-free every 5 years if ≤ $500 CAD

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How Qarrot Can Help with Tax Reporting

As an employee recognition platform, Qarrot provides employers with a ready ability to pull reports and get the data needed for employee tax reporting. For example, employers can view and download employee redemption data, which includes the value of all rewards received by employees during your company’s fiscal year. This data is available in .csv and .xls format so that it can be readily handed over to your finance, accounting, and payroll functions for the required reporting.

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Conclusion

Nobody likes unexpected taxes, especially when they thought they were just getting a nice reward. Both the IRS and CRA have strict rules on what counts as a taxable benefit, particularly when it comes to gift cards and cash-like awards. So, don’t be caught off-guard. As an employee, you should carefully review how tax rules may apply to your employee recognition program to maximize benefits while staying tax-compliant. When in doubt, we always advise our customers to check with a tax professional before launching their program with employees. And using an employee recognition platform like Qarrot can simplify tax reporting with downloadable data about your employees’ redemptions.

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Employee morale is a central part of ‘employee engagement’ which reflects the satisfaction, outlook, and feelings of well-being an employee has about their job. 

Over the years, attitudes towards employee morale have shifted significantly. In previous generations, people were more likely to remain in their job regardless of how they felt, they were just happy to be employed. Moreover,  In the mid-20th century, large organizations often viewed their employees as cogs in a wheel - a hangover of mass production in factories - and less as critical contributors to their businesses’ success. But times have changed.

Today, so much of our economy relies on “knowledge work” where creativity, shifting priorities, input to higher-ups, collaboration and multitasking are essential. So employees need to be sharp, focused, and engaged in order to provide the highest quality work and to avoid overlooking important tasks that may come up on any given day.

If you want your employees to deliver their best work, you must invest in them and ensure that they’re engaged during the 9-5. This is where employee morale plays a massive role— there are no engaged employees without strong workplace morale. So it’s imperative to improve and increase workplace morale to foster a productive, energized workforce. 

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In this article, we’ll explore 13 easy-to-implement tactics that will help you increase workplace morale. But first, let’s look at why increasing workplace morale matters so much in today’s work environment. 

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Why Increasing Workplace Morale Matters in Today’s Workplace

When looking at employee morale, we should look at the data on employee engagement. Without good morale, engagement suffers.

According to a recent Gallup report, a lot of employees are quitting their jobs without handing in their resignations. The data shows that 23% of employees are engaged, 62% are not engaged, and 15% are actively disengaged. 

Think of it like a football team: 

• 3 players on your team are giving their all to win the game for your team (engaged employees)

• 6 players on your team don’t care if your team wins or loses and that’s how they operate on the field— indifferently (unengaged employees)

• 2 players on your team are goofing around and disrupting the ability of your more engaged team members to do their best (actively disengaged employees)

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It’s no wonder that the same report stated that organizations lose $8.8 trillion (yes, trillion) in global GDP because of engagement/disengagement numbers. On top of that, disengaged employees have a lower productivity rate (18%) and are more likely to be absent from work (37%). 

Disengaged behavior can manifest as a negative attitude toward their work and colleagues, a lack of attendance, and reduced productivity. 

On the flip side, strong employee morale is characterized by a positive attitude, productivity, enthusiasm, collaboration, a sense of well-being, low absenteeism, and a lower voluntary turnover rate.

The solution to the problem isn’t investing more effort in the “two players” who are goofing around; they’re most likely long gone. The solution is investing that time and effort into those “six players” who are on the fence. The 13 morale-boosting tactics below can help  bring them over to your side.

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13 Easy-to-Implement Tactics to Increase Workplace Morale

Pick and choose the tactics that make the most sense for your workplace. You don’t have to implement all 13 of them, but try to pinpoint those that will move the needle the most. 

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1. No-meeting day

You have probably heard of statements like, “This entire meeting could have been an email,” or “Meetings are the death of productivity.” While it will be almost impossible to determine which meetings could only be an email, an easier option would be to have a day where no meetings are held in your company. 

That way, your employees will have a day with no interruption where they can be on their own maker’s schedule, be creative, and do productive work. Pick a day that makes sense for your business, communicate that to your employees, and enjoy your No Meeting Wednesday! (Oops)

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2. Lead by example

Leading by example is a simple statement to understand, but it’s not easy to implement. It means that you and the entire leadership team need to embody the behavior that you want to see in your workplace and lead so that people look up to you and emulate that behavior. 

People will follow what the leadership team does, not what the leadership team tells them they will do. For instance, if your company values respect, you must enforce it—sometimes even at the cost of short-term gains, like letting go of a high-performing employee who disrespects others. Business results might suffer short-term, but in the longer term, you’ll have a way more engaged workplace that will know you “walk the talk.” 

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3. Provide amazing benefits

There’s no substitute for providing amazing benefits. The better your benefits plan, the more your employees will feel appreciated. Benefits can come in all shapes and forms and it’s important to personalize them for your industry and company. 

A person in healthcare who works long shifts and endless days would benefit greatly from more PTO days or a wellness package that would help them relax. A corporate worker fresh out of college might benefit more from a professional development opportunity while a retail worker could really use that end-of-year bonus. 

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4. Nudge employees towards a work/life balance

Burnout is a massive problem in the modern workplace. This isn’t just limited to a few industries as most have the potential to produce burnout in their employees. And with the increase in working from home, the problem has gotten worse as people no longer have a separation between their personal and their work lives. As a result, many workers feel like they’re constantly “on,” and that their work day never ends, creating a sense that they work 24/7. Who wouldn’t feel burnt out if they thought that they worked 24/7?

To solve this problem and increase workplace morale, you should invest in programs that deal with the work/life balance problems and nudge your employees.

A couple of small things you can immediately do is encourage more breaks, review (unnecessary) workloads, and nudge your employees to take some time.

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5. Create a safe space for sharing

Employees want to work in an environment where they feel free to share their thoughts and ideas. If you create an environment where they feel free to share those ideas, they’ll start contributing more at work, especially if any of their ideas get implemented. 

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6. Show the purpose/impact behind employee’s work

One of the things that caused the Great Resignation a couple of years ago was the sudden realization from many people that their work is simply meaningless. If you find a way to show your employees how their actual work makes a difference in someone’s life and how their input affects other people, they’ll look at their job with much more meaning and purpose, increasing their workplace morale. 

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7. Recognize publicly

Praise publicly, criticize privately. When you recognize your employees publicly, you show them that you care about what they do at work and that the effort they made didn’t go unnoticed. Not only do your employees get public recognition, but they see that you care about what they actually do at work and that their actions make a difference. 

However when it comes to difficult conversations and providing critical feedback, closed-door discussions are best. Both the manager and the employee can speak candidly without others witnessing the discussion and the potential for public embarrassment is removed entirely.

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8. Provide professional development opportunities

Millennials and Gen-Z employees represent a growing majority in the workplace. One of the more meaningful opportunities for younger employees is the ability to develop their skills and experience. For larger organizations, this may involve internal training and mentoring programs designed to help newer employees develop and work towards the next steps in their careers at the company.

However, even smaller and mid-sized organizations can offer their employees the opportunity to take training programs and to gain experience in areas of interest. Managers can help their direct reports develop career paths by not only identifying future roles within the organization, but reviewing the skills and experience that will be required to eventually rise to those positions.

Employees who feel supported and who can envision a longer-term future with their company not only have better morale but demonstrate greater ambition because they’re working towards their own goals.

Related article: 10 Reasons a Skills Assessment Tool Supports Employee Growth

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9. Provide flexible working conditions

The genie is out of the bottle— most employees can do their work from home. Companies are starting to demand return-to-office (RTO) mandates and, in some cases, this is hurting workplace morale.

If this could be the case for your organization, consider providing flexible working conditions even if you can’t provide work-from-home conditions— there are other programs that can make a difference such as 9/80 or 10/4 work schedules. 

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10. Have 1-on-1 meetings

Employees don’t leave companies; they leave managers. The more the managers care for the employees, the better their engagement will be— enter 1-on-1 meetings. With 1-on-1 meetings, team leaders and managers can have a scheduled touchpoint with their employees and learn about their progress. 

It is also great to learn about the employees’ future plans and for managers to provide an appropriate level of support to help team members work towards those goals and plans. 

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11. Enable community involvement options

Many people find volunteering their time meaningful; especially if it’s done in their local community. Providing these types of programs not only demonstrates your company’s commitment to giving back and helping in your local communities, but they can have a tremendous impact on employee morale. Volunteering also helps bring people together, working towards a common goal that can translate to stronger teamwork back in the workplace. Plus, volunteering projects may offer your employees the opportunity to learn new things, improve skills, and demonstrate leadership qualities. It’s a win-win scenario that increases workplace morale. 

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12. Pay your employees a fair wage

If your employees feel their compensation is unfair or insufficient, no other amount of improvement in their working conditions is likely to help. It’s like multiplying with zero. Regardless of how hard you try and what else you do when it comes to benefits, professional development opportunities, or flexible working conditions, your efforts aren’t likely to get beyond the core issue of their compensation. 

Compensation benchmarking should be done regularly amongst larger organizations, but even smaller organizations can review online job boards and other information sources to gauge competitive compensation levels for the various roles in their organization. Outside of these steps, it’s often a good idea to do a pulse survey to ask employees for anonymous feedback about their work conditions, including compensation.

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13. Ask, listen, and implement feedback

Most of your employees want to contribute to the success of your company. And many have ideas that can benefit your organization in different ways - from how to run team meetings more efficiently, to new software and tools that could enable them to be more productive, to ideas for new products and services. Many employees, especially those on the frontline, can be a source of new ideas and inspiration.

Managers should be encouraged to ask for employee input, but companies can only encourage anonymous suggestions through “suggestion boxes”. Thanking employees for their suggestions, if made publicly, or circulating updates about suggestions submitted anonymously conveys to those employees who have contributed that their ideas have been well-received, which of course helps to boost morale.

Related article: How to incentivize creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking

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Conclusion

Employee morale matters a lot in today’s work environment. You need employees who will be sharp, focused, and engaged in their jobs. Not only to deliver great work, but also to help improve current processes, contribute innovative ideas, and to spot opportunities that can lead to greater success for your company. 

In this article, we have provided an overview of 13 easy-to-implement tactics that you can use in your workplace, from ensuring a productive day with no meetings to having regular 1-on-1 meetings. Gauge the areas in which your team or company would benefit and implement the tactics accordingly.

It’s not just about implementing new things to increase workplace morale; it’s also about avoiding things that actively lower employee morale. To learn more about this topic, you might also enjoy reading How to spot toxic work culture on the Qarrot blog.

Did you know that disengaged employees cost the U.S. economy a staggering $1.9 trillion every year? And the problem isn't limited to a small subset of workers. According to a recent Gallup study, 67% of employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged at work. This has a profound impact on companies, leading to reduced productivity, higher turnover rates, and ultimately, a weaker bottom line. Imagine one employee who’s fully committed, another who’s indifferent, and a third actively working against your company’s goals—it's no wonder businesses are feeling the pinch.

So, how can you change this in your organization?

The key lies in the principle: “What you measure, you improve.” That’s where an employee incentive program comes in. The right incentive program can transform your employees into motivated, engaged contributors. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective employee incentive program ideas, their benefits, and how to implement them successfully. But first, let’s break down what exactly an employee incentive program is.

What is an Employee Incentive Program?

Incentives are designed to motivate individuals to take certain actions—or avoid others. Think of it as the classic “carrot and stick” approach. Incentives can be intrinsic, driven by internal satisfaction like a sense of achievement, personal growth, or excellence, or extrinsic, driven by tangible rewards like promotions, bonuses, or public recognition.

An employee incentive program is a structured approach that leverages both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to encourage desired behaviors, drive engagement, and foster loyalty. These programs can include anything from financial rewards to career development opportunities, creating a win-win for both the company and its employees.

Why Employee Incentive Programs Matter

With a competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to attract, engage, and retain top talent. An effective incentive program can make your company stand out. By rewarding employees for their hard work and dedication, you not only boost morale but also create a culture of appreciation and recognition.

Benefits of an Employee Incentive Program

There are numerous advantages to having an incentive program, but here are four of the most impactful:

1. Boosted Morale: Employees appreciate working in a place that invests in them. An incentive program helps you clearly communicate the behaviors you value and reward them accordingly. It also helps employees understand which behaviors to avoid, creating a positive workplace culture.‍
2. Healthy Competition: A bit of competition among employees can be beneficial. When they compete for rewards, everyone wins because the workplace becomes more dynamic and engaged, which ultimately benefits your bottom line.‍
3. Increased Loyalty: By investing in your employees through incentive programs, you show them that they’re valued. Not all companies do this, so your employees are likely to stay longer, appreciating the extra effort you put into their development.‍
4. Enhanced Productivity: Engaged employees are 22% more productive than their disengaged counterparts. This makes investing in incentive programs a smart move for any business.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Creating an Incentive Program

While implementing an incentive program can be highly beneficial, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Lack of Inclusivity: Ensure that your incentive program is inclusive and accessible to all employees. The last thing you want is to create a program that leaves certain groups out. For example, if your rewards are solely focused on sales targets, employees in non-sales roles may feel left out. Instead, consider a diverse range of incentives that cater to different departments and job functions. Inclusivity also extends to different generations within the workforce. For instance, Millennials and Gen Z may value professional development opportunities, while Baby Boomers might prefer traditional monetary bonuses. Tailoring your incentive program to accommodate various preferences can enhance its effectiveness.

• Poor Communication and Awareness: It’s not enough to simply have an incentive program in place; your employees need to know about it. If employees aren’t aware of the rewards available to them, they won’t be motivated to work towards them. Ensure that you market the program effectively—use email newsletters, posters in communal areas, and even dedicated meetings to highlight what’s on offer. Transparency is key. Employees should clearly understand the criteria for earning rewards and how the program aligns with company goals.

• Lead by Example: An incentive program is only as strong as the support it receives from the top. If leadership doesn’t actively participate and endorse the program, employees are less likely to take it seriously. Leaders should model the behaviors they wish to see and openly acknowledge the program’s benefits. For example, if a wellness initiative is part of your incentive program, encourage leaders to participate in wellness challenges or activities to set a positive example.

• Mismatch Between Effort and Reward: Ensure the rewards you offer are meaningful to your employees and align with the effort required to achieve them. Employees should feel that the rewards are worth the effort. If they perceive the rewards as trivial or unattainable, the program can backfire, leading to frustration rather than motivation. Consider conducting a survey to gauge what types of rewards your employees value most. This ensures your program resonates with your team and drives the desired behaviors.

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Employee Incentive Program Ideas

Ready to design your own incentive program? Here’s a comprehensive list of ideas you can use to create a program that suits your company’s needs:

1. Referral Programs:

One of the most effective ways to attract top talent is through employee referrals. A referral program not only rewards the referring employee but also brings in candidates who are 30% more likely to be a cultural fit, 58% more likely to remain at a company for at least three years, and has a 20% higher job performance rating after two years. You can offer tiered rewards, where employees earn bonuses or extra perks based on the longevity and performance of the referred hire.

2. Professional Development:

Investing in your employees’ growth is a win-win. Offering access to coaching and mentoring, courses, workshops, certifications, and conferences can not only enhance skills but also increase job satisfaction. Professional development incentives show your team that you’re invested in their long-term success.

3. Personal Development:

While professional growth is important, don’t overlook personal development. Programs focusing on wellness, emotional intelligence, or leadership skills can make a huge difference in employee satisfaction. For example, offering mindfulness classes, yoga sessions, or resilience training can improve overall well-being and reduce stress.

Additionally, consider perks like flexible work arrangements, which have been shown to significantly improve work-life balance and employee retention. It also serves great as a talent attraction method, showing candidates that you invest in their overall well-being.

4. Profit Sharing:

When employees have a stake in the company, they’re more likely to be motivated to contribute to its success. Profit-sharing programs allow employees to earn a share of the company’s profits, fostering a sense of ownership and loyalty. This is especially effective for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to build a committed team.

Stock options can also be a powerful long-term incentive, aligning employee goals with the company’s growth.

5. Commission Sharing:

Commissions are bonuses that employees get according to their performance on the job. Traditionally reserved for sales teams (which have a direct connection to selling products and services), commission-based incentives can be extended to other departments to drive performance across the board.

For example, you could implement commission-based incentives for customer support teams based on client satisfaction scores or for marketing teams based on lead generation metrics.

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6. Health and Wellness Benefits:

Given the high levels of burnout in today’s workforce, health and wellness perks are more important than ever. Offer wellness programs that go beyond the standard gym membership. Consider wellness days, mental health resources, on-site fitness classes, or even spa vouchers.

Additionally, creating an employee assistance program (EAP) can provide support for mental health, financial planning, and other life challenges, demonstrating a holistic approach to employee well-being.

7. Student Loan Reimbursement:

‍Around 30% of employees in the U.S. have a student loan so having an incentive program where you’ll help your employees pay it off is a good idea. Offering a student loan reimbursement program can be a highly attractive benefit and significant motivator. Not only does it alleviate financial stress, but it also helps you stand out as an employer of choice for younger talent.

8. Bonuses:

With the rising costs of living and the economic uncertainty, cash incentives are always appreciated in an employee incentive program. Whether it’s a year-end bonus, quarterly performance bonus, or spot bonuses for exceptional work, financial rewards can drive significant engagement

Make sure to personalize these rewards by acknowledging the recipient’s specific contributions.

9. Gifts:

Gifts aren’t just reserved for Christmas time; you can have gifts as awards in your employee incentive program. While monetary rewards are impactful, thoughtful gifts can have a personal touch that makes employees feel genuinely appreciated. With gifts, you’re free to create a tier system and give gifts that range from small tokens of gratitude to more significant rewards for major accomplishments and milestones.

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10. Travel Miles/Coupons:

A really good employee incentive program idea is to provide travel miles and coupons for your employees. Employees, especially younger ones, love to travel and appreciate opportunities to explore new places. Travel-related incentives are especially popular If your company has a remote or hybrid work policy where employees might be traveling for leisure or combining work with travel. You could also consider a program where you fly your employees to different offices that you have around the state, country or even globally, for a change of scenery. 

11. Additional PTO (Personal Time Off):

Extra personal time off can be a highly valued reward to have in your employee incentive program, especially for employees with busy personal lives. People have different travel plans, weddings, and vacations planned, and having an additional day or two off might make a world difference for them. Offering additional PTO can improve morale, reduce burnout, and help employees return to work feeling refreshed.

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12. Volunteering Opportunities:

Create your own projects in the community and have your employees volunteer in them, or support a set of voluntary community projects that your employees can apply to. Voluntary projects can be an amazing benefit that provides your employees with opportunities to develop new skills and expand their knowledge while at the same time contributing positively to society (local or global). This type of incentive appeals to employees who value purpose-driven work and want to make a positive impact.

‍13. Team Building Activities:

When creating employee incentive program ideas, don’t just focus on individual awards; also think about incentives that focus on team collaboration to foster camaraderie, trust, and a sense of belonging. Team building experiences can be some of the activities that you can have in your incentive program to encourage healthy competition between teams and strengthen working relationships while providing a fun and engaging reward. From laser tag to bowling to rafting; these are just some of the group activities that can be planned as team-building experiences. 

14. Food Stipend:

Considering the rising cost of food in the past two years, providing a food stipend to your employees might be a much-appreciated employee incentive program idea. Providing a food stipend is a simple yet effective way to show appreciation and ensure employees feel cared for, especially in workplaces where employees spend long hours or work through meals. On top of that, you can even compile a list of foods that your employees bought and create interesting “Guess who’s the biggest X food lover in the office?” games. 

15. Childcare Benefits:

Providing any kind of childcare benefit to your employees can really be a great motivator to employees, especially young parents. Think about all different kinds of families when implementing this benefit to your incentive program, from those who just became parents, to those who are in the process of adopting (or have recently adopted), to those who are working parents for ages, and even pet care perks for “fur parents.” Providing childcare benefits not only eases financial stress but also supports employees in balancing their professional and personal lives.

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Conclusion

We hope these ideas inspire you to create an effective employee incentive program. Each of these incentives not only motivates employees but also strengthens their connection to the company, fostering a more engaged and productive workforce. Remember, the key is to tailor the benefits to your team’s needs and preferences to maximize engagement and satisfaction.

Need help setting up your incentive program? Contact us for a demo, and let’s collaborate to build a program that fosters a positive, competitive, and rewarding workplace culture.

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Related Articles: ‍

• Achieve goals with incentive driven campaigns

• Create engaging incentive campaigns with Qarrot

• 6 Proven Employee Engagement Ideas for Manufacturing Employees

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The holiday season is coming and with it, the party season opens up. Whether you're gearing up for a festive Christmas gathering or ringing in the New Year, a well-planned holiday party can leave a lasting impression and be a highlight that employees talk about for months

So, how do you ensure your holiday party is one to remember?

This guide will walk you through key steps and offer 27 creative ideas to help you choose the perfect holiday party that fits your company culture.

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3 Key Steps To Prepare For Your Holiday Party

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Holiday parties aren’t a cookie-cutter thing; you'll need to consider your company's unique culture when planning an employee holiday party. A quirky, themed event might be perfect for a young, innovative tech startup in San Francisco but it may not resonate with a traditional company in the Midwest whose employees may prefer a more traditional, cozy gathering. It’s important to tailor your party to your organization’s vibe.

Culture matters heavily, so make sure that your holiday party idea aligns with that. If you’re stuck figuring out which idea works best for your company culture, look at your brand. With it, you can see how your company presents itself to the world and what kind of people it attracts. This will tell you how to proceed. 

For example, the clothing company Patagonia is all about environmentalism and saving the planet Earth. So a party idea that would go against that or create unnecessary trash isn’t the best one. 

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To ensure your party idea is a hit, here are three critical steps to get you started:

• Plan early. Don’t wait until the last minute! Starting early ensures that all details are well thought out and executed smoothly. A hastily thrown-together event is noticeable, and it’s much easier to avoid last-minute stress by giving yourself plenty of time to plan.

• Get the budget. Once the plan for the holiday party is ready, you need to get budget approval. It doesn’t matter how cost-effective your holiday party idea is, you still need some funds. Get this squared away early so you can plan within your means, knowing what kind of party is feasible.

• Prepare logistics. The plan’s set. The budget’s there. Now, it’s time to prepare all the logistics so that the party really shines. If you’re having a wine-tasting night, book a sommelier well in advance. If it’s a game night, make sure all games and supplies are ready to go. Proper logistics are essential for a smooth, enjoyable event.

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Now that the prep work is done, it’s time to dive into some fun and festive ideas!

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The Ultimate Employee Holiday Party Ideas

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Remember that the most important thing is for all the employees at the party to have a good time. To ensure that they look forward to this enjoyable time, we drafted the following 27 ideas for you to pick from. Whether your team loves games, food, or a more laid-back atmosphere, you’re sure to find something that fits your team.

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1. Christmas Karaoke

A karaoke night can be such a crowd-pleaser. Rent a machine earlier or set up a do-it-yourself karaoke using office technology, load up a mix of holiday hits and classic songs, and encourage employees to belt out their favorite tunes. To keep things fair, just make sure that you limit people to only one song at a time to avoid anyone hogging the mic.

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2. Cookie Decoration Night

Bring out everyone’s creative side with a cookie decorating event. The best thing about cookie decoration is that no matter what mistakes you make decorating, you can still “eat your mistakes.” Set up stations with cookies, icing, sprinkles, and other fun toppings. Make sure that you prepare enough open space in advance so that everyone can participate in the activity. In the end, you can have people present their cookies and even give an award!

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3. Movie night

Prepare a projector, set up chairs, get plenty of popcorn, put an awesome movie in, and enjoy your time with a holiday party movie night. The one thing you can do beforehand is set a poll with a couple of movies and let employees vote in advance. This will ensure you play a crowd pleaser of a movie.

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4. Virtual Holiday Party

Remote companies require remote solutions. With a virtual holiday party, you’re connecting everyone to a single video chat and having a blast. Keep the energy high with activities like virtual Christmas tree decorating, sharing festive recipes, or a quick game of holiday-themed trivia so that people can stay engaged while they’re on the call. 

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5. Virtual Party Trivia Quiz

A virtual party can really benefit from a trivia quiz. Prepare the questions, topics (like holiday traditions, company history, or fun facts about employees), and themes ahead of time, explain the rules to the employees, and let them know what the reward for winning the quiz is. This will create a healthy competitive atmosphere and will lead to a great night. 

6. Casino Night

Having a casino night party can be something small, like having one table for card games such as Blackjack or Texas Holdem. Or you can create a casino feel, with roulette games, card games, and even find machine slots so that people can truly feel immersed in the casino feel. If you’re going for the second option, make sure that you plan the logistics correctly. If you don’t have one large space where you can put everything, you can have one game per room and get a similar feeling. For a true casino atmosphere, you can get card dealers that would dress up like it’s a real casino and add to the excitement with prizes for those with the most “winnings.”

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7. Christmas Around The World

Explore holiday traditions from different cultures by hosting a “Christmas Around the World” theme. Some cultures have bonfires, others swim in cold water, and some write real letters to Santa. You could decorate rooms to represent various countries, like a German Christmas market or a Swedish Saint Lucia’s Day. Consider incorporating traditional foods, music, and even games from each culture.

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8. Themed Game Show

There are so many different game shows that you can use to create a really great holiday party. Try recreating a popular game show like Family Feud, Jeopardy, or The Price is Right with holiday twists. You can even create your own variation if you’re not satisfied with how regular game shows function. The most important thing is to pick the right themes and topics for your people. Craft questions or themes around the season, your industry, or your employees for an extra personal touch. Make sure that the themes match the interests of the employees and you’ll have a great night.

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9. Santa Claus And Krampus Party

You can use the Santa Claus and Krampus Party in multiple variations. You can have someone play Santa, handing out small gifts or holiday “tasks", and another person plays Krampus and gives humorous “punishments” to the naughty. This is a fun way to bring some holiday spirit while getting everyone laughing.

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10. Costume Party

A costume party can be a great way for people to unite around a common theme, let loose and show their creativity. You can spin a costume party any way you like, going from decade parties (20s, 80s, 00s), characters from a popular TV show or a movie (Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, The Office, etc.), or let everyone choose their favorite holiday-inspired look.

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11. Murder Mystery

There’s been a murder and your employees need to solve it! You don’t need to have the game Cluedo to do a murder mystery, you can find plenty of free or inexpensive murder mystery scenarios online. People love murder mysteries because they’re engaging, last for enough time, and really push people to become true detectives. 

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12. Ugly Sweater 

Everyone has an ugly Christmas sweater hanging at the back of the closet. And that’s the point. Encourage employees to wear their tackiest, most outrageous holiday sweaters and let them compete for titles like “Most Creative” or “Ugliest Sweater.” The best thing about the Ugly Sweater party is that the clothes usually have a story behind them so it really gets interesting when people start sharing the story behind the sweater. 

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13. Bingo Night

Bingo is all about playing games and winning rewards. A bingo night can really be a fun activity for your office holiday party. Have someone charismatic host the event and include fun prizes for the winners. Customize the bingo cards with holiday images or office-related themes for an extra festive touch.

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14. Photo Booth

Photo booths are, in general, really fun by themselves. When you set one up as an employee holiday party, make sure that the booth is in a visible place so that people can take pictures. Also, you can put fun requisites next to the booth so that people use them while taking pictures. Oversized glasses, a monocle, reindeer antlers, or a Santa hat are all fun stuff to have on photo booth pictures. Employees can take pictures with coworkers to create memories they can keep and share on social media.

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15. Secret Santa

Secret Santa as a party requires a bit more logistical preparation. You need to ensure that everyone has their Secret Santa (both giving and receiving gifts), that you limit the budget to something reasonable, and that everyone follows through by coming to the party. Encourage creative or humorous gifts to keep the energy light-hearted.

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16. Tree Decorating Party

A tree decorating party can be an amazing employee holiday office idea. If you have a bigger office, you can even have multiple trees and have different teams compete against each other for the best-dressed tree in the office. Just make sure that you provide ornaments, lights, and other decorations.

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17. Gingerbread House Competition

People love making gingerbread houses. Some make them for eating, but the biggest fun lies in decorating your gingerbread house and then showing it off. You can announce a competition early on, divide employees into teams, provide supplies, and let the creativity flow as they build and decorate gingerbread houses. Offer prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Theme.”

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18. Escape Room

An escape room functions similarly to a murder mystery. You have a bunch of people who have a highly engaging task in front of them that they need to solve. This can be done at an actual escape room venue, or you can create a DIY version in the office. You can create different types of rooms that require employees work together to solve puzzles and “escape” from a locked room. Depending on your employees, you’ll see if it makes sense to have escape rooms that last for 20 minutes or those that last two hours. Whatever you choose, just remember that it’s not about “escaping the room” but about having fun. 

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19. Christmas Potluck

A Christmas Potluck requires a bit more logistical coordination from your side. Assign dishes or categories (appetizers, main dishes, desserts) and let everyone bring their favorite holiday recipes. Christmas potlucks are a great way to share cultural traditions and try new dishes, and employees can showcase their cooking skills to their colleagues.

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20. Interactive Cooking Class

You don’t just have to cook the stuff you know for Christmas; you can learn how to cook a new dish! Host a virtual or in-person cooking class where a professional chef guides employees through a holiday recipe. With an interactive cooking class, you can follow along with a professional and create your dish with their instructions and guidance. This can be a fun way for everyone to learn something new and end up with a delicious meal or treat, especially if you’re a remote company.

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21. Wine and Cheese tasting

One more employee holiday party idea that can work both onsite and online and that adds a touch of sophistication to the celebration. When doing the activity in person, hire a sommelier to guide employees through different pairings. When doing it remotely, you have a bit more logistics to take care of if you send a tasting package to each participant, but it’s still a fun night for cheese-and-wine lovers. 

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22. Cocktail party

A cocktail party can be a festive way to unwind and mingle, especially if you have the budget to get a bartender to mix drinks for you and your colleagues. A cocktail party can really be great because you can do it with almost no budget and set up a DIY cocktail station where employees can make holiday-themed drinks.

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23. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt can really be a great employee holiday party idea because it’s so engaging. Organize a scavenger hunt with holiday-themed items hidden around the office or virtually for remote teams. Divide employees into teams and give them clues to find the items. Add some prizes for the winning team to make it competitive and engaging.

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24. Ice skating/Hockey

Embrace winter by organizing an ice-skating outing or a friendly hockey match. Employees can bond over shared laughs (and falls!), and it’s a great way to get everyone out of the office. Depending on your organization’s size and demographics, you can even create a tournament and give a reward to the team that wins it all.

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25. Bowling

If ice sports aren’t available in your local area, you can still have a great team-building activity by booking a few lanes and bringing people together to the bowling center. It’s a fun activity where employees can unwind and socialize in a casual setting, and the risk of injury is far lower than on ice!

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26. Paint night

A paint night can be combined with wine for a paint-and-sip event, where employees can enjoy a relaxing evening creating art. Get out the canvases and have people paint their pictures. You can use different ideas for a paint night: guide people through a holiday-themed painting, let them create something from their imagination or from a real model that they should paint as close to reality as possible.

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27. Masquerade Ball 

Last but not least is the masquerade ball. You can have different styles of masquerade ball, going from full costumes to black tie suits with only a face mask for people. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you inform people in advance so that they can prepare their clothes in time and dress appropriately for the party. This is a great way to end the year in style.

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In conclusion

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We have presented you with 27 employee holiday party ideas that will help you pinpoint the right one for your team and host an unforgettable holiday celebration that brings everyone together for a great time. Whichever you choose, make sure that you prepare the plan, the budget, and the logistics ahead of time so that there are no surprises on that night. By picking the right theme and creating an inclusive, festive atmosphere, your party can be the highlight of the year!

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And if you’re preparing Christmas gifts for your employees, make sure that you read our 15 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Employees: From Unique to Practical to get some really cool ideas. 

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Investing in employee wellness can significantly boost workforce productivity and efficiency. According to data from Growth Market Reports, the global workplace wellness market was valued at $50.2 billion in 2022, with projections to reach $80.1 billion by 2031. More businesses are prioritizing workforce health to help improve business operations and output. Workplace wellness benefits take various forms, from fitness classes and digital workplace offerings to health coverage that ensures healthcare remains accessible to employees.

One often overlooked yet highly impactful element of workplace wellness is employee recognition programs. By acknowledging employee contributions, organizations can foster a sense of appreciation that directly impacts health, well-being, and job satisfaction, all while boosting performance.

As workplaces become increasingly digital and remote, organizations are adopting wellness programs to meet different employee needs. These programs often include employee recognition initiatives that promote a supportive, collaborative culture, which is key to reducing stress and improving both mental and physical well-being. In this post, we’ll discuss how employers can equip their workforce with the right wellness tools for health and well-being in the areas of vision, stress, and movement, while integrating the benefits of employee recognition programs.

Vision

While 88% of employers offer vision benefits, only a little over a quarter of employees fully utilize them. The key is to encourage employees to take advantage of these resources, especially since about half of employees report experiencing vision problems. Research indicates that untreated vision issues can negatively affect performance, but when employers offer comprehensive vision care, they help reduce overall healthcare costs by addressing problems early on.

Digital work environments often lead to extended screen time, increasing the risk of eye strain and other related issues. Employers can provide access to blue light glasses or cover their cost, helping employees reduce exposure to harmful blue light. Researchers suggest that eyeglasses with amber lenses can help filter out blue light and protect the retinas, limiting blue light exposure. Blue light glasses do not fully eliminate blue light since the sun naturally produces that, and you still need its benefits. Instead, the lenses block out the high energy short wave between 415 and 455 nm, which is what causes the most damage to the eyes. At the same time, companies can promote mindful working habits, such as encouraging regular breaks to rest the eyes.

Recognition programs can play a key role in reinforcing the importance of utilizing these vision benefits. By incorporating vision care into employee wellness incentives, companies can increase engagement with these programs. For example, using a platform like Qarrot, employers can track and reward employee participation in vision programs, which not only boosts morale but also helps ensure long-term eye health and productivity.

Stress

Mental health is increasingly recognized as essential to workforce productivity. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, positive mental health is linked to higher levels of innovation and work engagement. Employee recognition programs are powerful tools in mitigating stress, particularly by addressing feelings of underappreciation, which are often tied to job dissatisfaction and burnout.

By celebrating milestones and acknowledging contributions through tools like Qarrot’s Peer Recognition feature, employees feel more valued and supported, creating a positive work environment that helps reduce stress. This recognition fosters emotional support among peers, strengthening relationships and reinforcing the importance of well-being.

In addition to recognition, employers can adopt wellness initiatives that prevent burnout, such as sending break reminders and using time-tracking apps to ensure employees aren’t overworked. Recognizing employees for maintaining work-life balance, or even offering rewards for participation in mental wellness activities, is an effective way to promote stress management and well-being.

Movement

Maintaining physical activity in a largely sedentary work environment is crucial for employee health. Long hours spent sitting can lead to various health issues, including muscle aches, fatigue, and more serious conditions like heart disease. Top-performing companies understand this, often offering benefits like on-site fitness facilities or discounted gym memberships to promote physical activity.

Gamifying physical wellness through employee recognition programs can help encourage participation. Using Qarrot’s Incentive Campaigns feature, employers can reward employees for engaging in fitness challenges, which not only boosts morale but also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. Friendly competition through leaderboards or badges can inspire more employees to stay active, improving both their physical and mental health.

Incorporating movement into daily routines, even through short breaks for stretching or walking, can significantly enhance creativity and productivity. Recognizing and rewarding employees for integrating physical activity into their workday ensures that wellness goals are consistently met.

Provide the Right Wellness Tools Today

Integrating employee recognition programs with workplace wellness initiatives offers a powerful combination for improving workforce well-being. Recognition fosters a supportive environment that enhances employee engagement, reduces stress, and boosts participation in wellness activities. Whether it’s through vision care, stress management, or encouraging physical activity, the right tools and recognition strategies help employees thrive.

With Qarrot, organizations like Cornerstone Insurance and SMTP2GO have successfully launched employee recognition programs that not only improved engagement but also supported overall wellness. By investing in both wellness and recognition, you can create a healthier, more motivated workforce. Contact Qarrot today to learn how we can help your organization succeed.

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Organizing office events that resonate with employees can be challenging for leaders and HR professionals. Whether your company is a startup with a handful of employees or a large corporation with hundreds, finding the right activities everyone enjoys—and ensuring high attendance—can feel like an uphill battle. 

As we all know, traditional office parties and standard team-building exercises sometimes fall flat, leading to low participation and reduced engagement. Employees may feel that these events are just another obligation rather than an opportunity to relax and connect with their colleagues.

To help solve these challenges, let’s have a look at a few fun and budget-friendly office event ideas. These suggestions are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of company size or budget. From interactive workshops and themed parties to wellness activities and outdoor adventures, these events will spark creativity, boost morale, and encourage participation.

Incorporating these corporate event ideas into your calendar can create a more dynamic and inclusive workplace culture. So, let's dive in and discover how you can transform your office events from mundane to memorable, making them an anticipated highlight for all employees.

12 Office Event Ideas To Put in Your Calendar (for Every Sized Business)

1. Innovation Labs

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Budget: None

How it works: An "Innovation Lab" is an exciting initiative where companies allocate dedicated time for employees to come together and brainstorm innovative ideas. Open to participants from all departments, this initiative encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, free from the typical constraints of the workday. A moderator should host sessions and can have some parameters around them, like each session can cover a certain topic or area of improvement. The sessions can be hosted more frequently, like on a monthly basis or even just a few times a year. Ultimately, it's up to you! One of the greatest benefits of these events is that they are free to roll out and host.

2. Volunteer day

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Budget: May require a small budget

How it works: Volunteer Day allows your company or certain teams to dedicate their time and effort to a cause they care about. During a volunteer day, employees are offered time away from the office to volunteer for a particular organization in the community. Some organizations require a donation for corporate volunteer days – hence the possible small budget required, but some don’t. If your company is trying to get more involved in social causes, this might be a fun and meaningful way for your team to get together and spend an afternoon. 

‍3. Lunch and learn

Ideal for: Any sized business

Budget: None

How it works: "Lunch and Learn" sessions are informal training events held during lunchtime, where employees can gather to learn about a variety of topics while enjoying their lunch. These sessions can be a great way for internal talent to show off their knowledge and expertise in certain areas, as these sessions are usually hosted by employees themselves and cover a wide range of subjects. Lunch and learns are also ideal for fully remote teams, as they allow employees to get together, learn from each other, and chat in a more informal setting. 

‍4. Fitness challenges

Ideal for: Small businesses

Budget: Small budget for prizes for winner

How it works: Launching a fitness challenge can be a great idea for small businesses looking to develop a wellness program for employees who are already active or eager to be more active! Each fitness challenge can have a theme like “monthly step goal challenge” or “monthly running challenge.” Set up a reasonable goal that employees have to reach for this particular challenge and ask employees to keep track of their activity. At the end of the month, those who reach the goal can receive a prize. This can also be a great activity idea for remote teams, as they can keep each other in the loop of their progress towards their fitness goals via creating a channel in your chat tool for this monthly challenge or if you’re using an employee engagement tool like Qarrot employees can post updates on the company’s newsfeed.

‍5. Photo contest

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses 

Budget: Small budget for prizes

How it works: Photo contests are ideal for remote teams, but they also work for hybrid teams or teams that are fully in the office. These types of creative contests are great for employees to show off their artistic skills and serve as a jump-off point for discussing non-work topics like pets and vacations. In short, they are a great icebreaker! The event is simple; it asks employees to present their best photographs, and usually, there is a theme. For example, pets, nature, travel, etc. For remote teams, photograph submissions can be made in a chat channel created for this challenge, and a panel of judges can rate the quality of the photographs based on certain criteria. The winners, of course, receive a small prize. 

6. Job shadow day

Ideal for: Any sized business

Budget: None

How it works: When you work for an organization, it's normal to be curious about what other people in your company do daily. Moreover, it can actually be a great way to boost a company's performance and collaboration when people appreciate what another's job entails. In addition, some people may be curious about moving positions but unsure if it's right for them. Job shadowing is a great opportunity for employees to learn about each other's work and test the waters of a new role or responsibility. Setting up a special day where any employee can shadow another for an afternoon is a great way to hit all these goals all the while being budget friendly.

‍7. Outdoor picnic

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Budget: Modest to moderate

How it works: A classic company outing is a great way to give your employees a way to relax and unwind during the warmer months of the year. This is an ideal opportunity to offer employees half an afternoon off; consider making the picnic during lunch hour and allowing employees to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with their colleagues. They may not be traditionally ‘productive’ during this time. However, taking the time to bond with teammates is an important part of morale and team building and indirectly impacts productivity and engagement.

9. Talent show

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Budget: Modest

How it works: Hosting a company talent show can be a playful, creative, and, not to mention an often hilarious, way for employees to express themselves, get to know each other, and break free from the daily grind. These talent shows should be open to any and every employee who wants to show off a special skill, and they can also be scaled up or down depending on the size of your company and budget. There is a lot of flexibility here, depending on how big or small you want this event to be! In addition, you can make it into a really friendly competition, and a panel of judges can score participants so that your winners receive a prize. 

‍8. Friday happy hour

Ideal for: Any sized business 

Budget: Modest

How it works: A classic happy hour or a “beer Friday” event is always a tried and true idea for employees to unwind and reward themselves after a long work week. These events should never be mandatory but more casual, allowing employees to pop in for a drink and refreshment before heading home. To spice up your happy hour, consider incorporating some ice breaker exercises or games to help people ease into interacting. A few icebreakers can be highly appreciated by socially introverted individuals and a great motivator to get them involved in these events.

‍9. Employee recognition events or “office awards”

Ideal for: Any sized business

Budget: Modest

How it works: An office award ceremony is a lighthearted and informal event celebrating team members' unique qualities and contributions. This event can be a standalone, or part of a greater recognition and rewards program and initiatives. Categories could include "Best Attitude," "Best Outfits," and "Most Helpful," highlighting both professional achievements and personal flair. Preparation includes picking fun award categories, gathering nominations, and making simple yet personalized awards, like certificates and trophies. The event can also have refreshments, music, and an MC to present the awards. The goal is to boost morale, foster camaraderie, and recognize the diverse talents and personalities within the team. With a little bit of creativity, resourcefulness, and the right communication tools like Qarrot, these types of office awards can be hosted virtually for remote teams as well.

‍10. Family days

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized business

Budget: Modest to moderate

How it works: Organizing a "Family Day" for office workers involves planning a fun and inclusive event that welcomes employees' families to the workplace, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community. When employees get to know each other's family, it can foster a sense of closeness that can actually be beneficial to employee happiness, engagement, and even productivity. Not to mention, having an afternoon where employees are encouraged to have fun and relax can show employees you care about their well-being. The event can involve games, refreshments, workshops, and other activities that are family-friendly. This can all be achieved on a small to moderate budget with some resourcefulness and creativity.

‍11. Cultural festivals

Ideal for: Any sized business

Budget: Modest to moderate

How it works: Workplaces are richer when diversity is celebrated and educated. By hosting a cultural festival, your office can honor many nationalities. You may want to set up various stations on the same day to emulate a trade show or hold a series of festivities throughout the year.

Here are a few global holidays and festivals you may consider:

• Holi: An Indian spring festival often celebrated by throwing brightly-colored powder, occurring at the end of March
• Cinco de Mayo: A Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5th and has evolved into a significant cultural celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, marked by festivals, music, dancing, and traditional Mexican foods.
• Lunar New Year: Following a lunar calendar, many Asian countries celebrate new Year over two weeks in January or February. Families celebrate together by eating large meals, cleaning, and honoring ancestors.
• Oktoberfest: A German beer-centric festival that takes place the last week of September and the first week of August.
• Carnivale: A mid-winter celebration popular in Brazil and the Caribbean with parades and elaborate costumes.

12. Company tailgate

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized 

Budget: Modest 

How it works: Organizing a company tailgate involves planning a casual and enjoyable event that allows employees to unwind and socialize in a relaxed outdoor setting, often in conjunction with a sporting event. To ensure it's fun and relaxing, select a suitable location, such as a stadium parking lot or park, and set up tents, seating, and tables for comfort. Arrange for classic tailgating activities like grilling, games (e.g., cornhole, ladder toss), and possibly a live stream of the game if not attending in person. Various food and beverages, including non-alcoholic options, ensure everyone is catered to. Organize carpooling or provide transportation to facilitate attendance, and consider creating a sign-up sheet for potluck contributions to diversify the food offerings.

Final Thoughts

When employees take the time to socialize at work and get to know each other, it fosters a deeper sense of engagement and happiness in the workplace. This can have a huge, positive impact on a company's productivity and even overall performance.

The problem is that socialization cannot be forced. But sometimes, people need a little push to get out of their comfort zone. In other words, they need a bit of motivation to get to know each other. These office event ideas allow employees to meet each other and socialize in a relaxed, casual setting while being budget-friendly. Hopefully, these social events will be the jump off point you require to create some buzz and engagement in your workplace.