March the 3rd (today) is Employee Appreciation Day. This annual event gives employers from around the globe the chance to show appreciation to their employees. But how do you go about showing it? While employees aren't each expecting an individual monument, there are various things an employer can do to engage their employees on this day.

1. Food 

“I won’t be impressed with technology until I can download food”

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. And there’s no reason that phrase cannot be applied to a group of employees. Why not go the extra mile for lunch and maybe order a stack of pizzas from the nearest Domino’s, or even treat the gang to a meal down at a local restaurant. You don’t have to 'go all Gordon Ramsay' on the team, but having a special lunch or dinner will make the day even more special, as will as give everyone a chance to bond outside the office.

2. Mock awards - celebrate them 

"The winner is La La Land, oh no, sorry, it's Moonlinght"...

Employees like to feel appreciated, not just in terms of the quality of their work, but who they are as individuals. Have fun with the idea and maybe celebrate some of the employee quirks that make your workplace unique. A mock awards could include, “Best Tea Maker”, “Always Smiling" or the infamous "Always Late" award - there's always one :) 

3.Social event

"We just like to get together and have a laugh" - Lori Mittereder

Of course, it doesn’t even have to be a ‘work day’. Employers could treat their staff to a social event where a group can engage in a series of activities. It could be bowling or paintballing. Anything that gets the team out from behind a desk is usally a winner.

However you choose to celebrate the day (and you can see some more ideas here), make sure it’s something special, something that brings the whole team together and is as much about celebrating the individual people as it is about the team, and making Employee Appreciation Day a memorable one.