95+ Employee Appreciation and Recognition Message Examples

How great does it feel to be on the receiving end of genuine acknowledgement and recognition?

Saying "thank you" builds trust and forms bonds between people. It's vital to show appreciation and gratitude for the people in your life.

That said, traditionally, the workplace was not an environment to give and receive gratitude and praise.

But now, times have changed. The nature of work has changed. The customs and conventions that applied to factory workers in the 1900s no longer apply in modern work environments. Saying "thank you" to employees should be an ongoing practice—and not just on Employee Appreciation Day.

That said, you may be unsure of the exact reasons to give employees recognition or what to say to employees when giving recognition and praise. Here are some examples of short words of praise for various scenarios that come up at work.

Whether your company already has a recognition program in place or simply a "recognition" channel in Slack (or your chat app of choice), these positive words will motivate employees.

Feel free to tweak and tailor the message to resonate better with the employee you have in mind. Thee most powerful and genuine words of recognition are always personalized.

Happy recognizing!

1 - Top performance messages

Creating a high-performance culture starts with acknowledging excellent performance. An OfficeTeam survey revealed that 2 in 3 employees would likely quit their position if they didn't feel appreciated by their manager. So, when an exemplary employee delivers great work, celebrate them with one of the messages below.

• "We are consistently amazed by your performance. Keep up the great work!"
• "Companies dream of hiring employees like you. Thank you for all your hard work."
• "It’s incredible to see you consistently pushing the bar."
• "You’re an inspiration to us all! Your outstanding performance helped push up our company revenues to greater heights. Thank you!"
• "We’d like to congratulate and acknowledge the tremendous success you’ve achieved!"
• "The results you have achieved are impressive. We are so grateful to have someone like you on our team who is willing to go above and beyond to achieve such great success for our team."
• "Thank you for being an A-player and helping us reach our Q4 targets. We are grateful for your drive, hard work and talent!"
• "Thank you for your excellent performance. Our organization is lucky to have you and we appreciate all your hard work and dedication."
• "You played a key role in [project/result] and we are thankful to have someone like you on our team."

2 - Project and goal attainment

Specificity helps make employee recognition messages even more impactful, so when a person or a team attains a goal, make sure to give them a shout-out. The following employee appreciation quotes are great starting points for recognizing the attainment of a specific goal.

• "As a result of your hard work, our entire team moved forward with our long-term mission faster than anticipated. Thank you!"
• "I'd like to recognize the entire team for surpassing their goals for the quarter! Their hard work is turning into tangible profits for our team and company!"
• "You've been working so hard towards this, and we've noticed! Congrats on your outstanding work."
• "It's been a long time working towards accomplishing this, and you've exceeded our expectations at every step. Thank you for doing your best every day!"
• "Congratulations on reaching [goal]. Your efforts have paid off and we are so proud to call you a colleague. Thank you for your outstanding work!"
• "As a result of your strategic thinking and savvy project management [or insert other traits], we were able to exceed our targets. Thank you for your amazing work!"

3 - Positive attitudes and soft skills acknowledgement

According to Great Place to Work, people who feel recognized at work are 2.6x more likely to think that promotions are fair, 2.2x more likely to drive innovation and bring new ideas forward, and 2.0x more likely to say people at their organization are willing to go above and beyond.

• "Thank you for bringing a smile to everyone on the team; it always boosts our spirits when we need it most."
• "Your consistent positive attitude has made a huge difference in our team. Thank you for being you."
• "Thank you for always being the first to volunteer a helping hand. We couldn't do it without you."
• "We wanted to let you know that having you on our team makes all the difference. Your commitment to fostering a supportive and positive work environment does not go unnoticed. Thanks for all you do."
• "Employees like you make the organization what it is today. Thank you for bringing your best to work every single day."
• "Thank you for your positivity. No matter what the day brings, you deal with it with a smile and an eagerness to find solutions. We are grateful for you!"
• "Your emotional intelligence and cool-headedness are such an asset to our team. Thanks for being you!"
• "Thank you for being the very definition of a team player. You inspire everyone around you."

4 - Work anniversaries and milestones

Tenure is a big deal these days, and acknowledging work anniversaries and milestones sends the message that you appreciate an employee's loyalty. Consider including a generous gift or hosting a special team event for work anniversaries over five years, and add a card with one of the thoughtful messages below. 

• "I can't believe how fast time flies by! We appreciate your loyalty to us. We couldn't ask for anyone better."
• "It's been an incredible ride these [X] few years. One thing we know for sure: we couldn't have made it this far without you!"
• "We are so grateful for having you these past [X] years. Looking forward to celebrating more years to come!"
• "It feels like yesterday you came onto our team. We appreciate all the hard work and talent you've brought to the team."
• "Time flies when you're having a good time! Thank you for being such a strong team player and for everything you've brought to the table over these past [X] years. Cheers to many more."
• "Congratulations on your [X] work anniversary! We are grateful for all your hard work and dedication and feel thankful that you're part of our team."
• "Congrats on reaching such an incredible milestone! We appreciate your loyalty and feel so lucky to work with you every day."

5 - Dedication and work ethic

When someone works hard on a consistent basis, they want to feel that their efforts are recognized. A thank you message to acknowledge their dedication and work ethic can motivate people to give their best.

• "Reliability is hard to come by. Thank you for being someone we can always count on! I'm so grateful for all of your hard work. The entire team thanks you for everything you do."
• "It's rare to come across people who are so dedicated and trustworthy. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed."
• "Thank you for your help and support. You are really an asset to the team and the organization."
• "Your work ethic and involvement are admirable, and we are fortunate to have someone as dedicated as you onboard!"
• "Your work ethic is unmatched. Thank you for your commitment and contributions—your efforts are noticed and deeply appreciated."
• "Your commitment to doing your job well and helping our organization win is truly inspiring. Thank you for all your hard work!"

6 - Unique skills and insights

Recognizing team members' unique skills and insights shows that you value different perspectives. Try one of the appreciation messages below to recognize different perspectives and skills or celebrate creative problem-solving. 

• "Thank you for bringing your [X] skills to the table. This has helped us advance the goals of the entire team."
• "Your expertise about [X] has provided us with valuable insight, which helped grow and push our team's objective forward. Thank you!"
• "You always think of new and different ways of approaching a problem; your unique perspective is a tremendous asset to our team."
• "You are such an asset to our team. Thank you for your unique insights and approach, which continues to fuel our growth."
• "We are grateful for your valuable expertise and the unique perspective you bring to the table. We couldn't have reached [goal] without you!"
• "It's a privilege to work with you and learn from you every day. You consistently bring valuable insights to every project and I especially appreciate the way you [insert skill]. Thank you for everything you do!"
   

7 - Initiative-taking and industriousness

Taking initiative means a lot. It creates an upward spiral of positive emotions that encourages other team members to take more initiative too.

• "Thank you for always bringing new ideas to the table. You're willing to speak up and share our ideas to help bring out the best in our team and our work to the next level!"
• "I want to thank you for always being willing to go the extra mile to deliver impeccable work. You are always proactive, accountable for your work, and willing to support those around you when needed."
• "Your work ethic is unsurpassed. Your passion and ambition are infectious, and your willingness to go the extra mile rubs off on the entire team and has a tangible impact on our results. Thank you!"
• "Thank you for consistently going above and beyond to deliver outstanding work and bring new ideas to the table—and doing it with such a positive attitude!"
• "Thank you for your hard work, passion and initiative, from [insert example of contribution] to [insert examples of valuable contributions]. Our team is lucky to have you."
• "Your willingness to take the lead and come up with new ideas adds so much richness to the work we do as a team. Thank you for being so proactive!"

8 - Embodiment of company values

When an employee embodies an important organizational value, express gratitude — it helps reinforce the things that you care about the most. 

• "Our company stands behind its value of [insert value]; we couldn't think of someone who embodies this part of our company culture more than you. Thank you!"
• "The way you represent our company value of [insert value] is apparent to everyone. Thank you for being such a great example of what it means to work for [company name]."
• "We have held the company value of [insert value] since the beginning. We see you living that value every day and through your work, and we wanted to acknowledge that we see your effort and are so thankful."
• "Thank you for leading by example and contributing to our team's success on a regular basis. We are so thankful to have you on board."
• "You truly embody [company value] in the way you show up at work and treat others. Thank you for being such a great example of what it means to work for [company name]."

9 - Little things that stand out

If you want to make an employee feel truly seen, point out the little things that they do to make work better. Consider these heartfelt message examples:   

• "I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your thoughtfulness. You always offer to help organize things, and you're attentive and meticulous while doing so. Thanks for the extra care you show, it doesn't go unnoticed!"
• "Thank you for being such a precious gift to our entire team. Your hard work, positivity, and commitment to our success make a world of difference every day. We’re grateful to have you with us, and we truly appreciate everything you do!"
• "Your dedication to the little things that make our office run smoothly is admirable. From refilling the coffee pot to ensuring the meeting rooms are tidy, thank you for making our shared spaces more enjoyable for everyone. It's deeply appreciated."
• "I wanted to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work that you do, even with the simplest tasks. Your attentiveness shines through in everything you do, whether it's double-checking details in reports or offering a helping hand. We're thankful to have you on our team."
• "I just wanted to express my genuine appreciation for the small but impactful things that you do to contribute to our team's success. You respond promptly, you're always up for lending a helping hand, and your positive attitude is contagious. Thank you for making our workplace a better place."

10. Mentorship and guidance

The value of mentorship extends far beyond expanding your network—it has the potential to be life-changing.

• "I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your mentorship. Beyond the professional guidance and the positive influence, your willingness to share personal anecdotes and experiences has made the journey all the more enriching. Thank you for being not just a mentor, but a friend and a hero."
• "Just wanted to drop a line to say a big thanks for being the Yoda to my Luke Skywalker in this crazy galaxy of [company name]. Your mentorship isn't just guiding me through the Jedi mind tricks of the workplace; it's also keeping me from turning to the dark side of office politics. Here's to more lightsaber battles of wit and wisdom!"
• "Mentorship is about making a positive impact in others' lives. Thank you for changing mine."
• "You arrived in my life exactly when I needed guidance the most. Thank you for demonstrating what true work ethic and work-life balance look like, and for being a remarkable role model. Your example has been invaluable for my personal growth."
• "Thanks for your continued support. Just so you know, I always do a little dance after our sessions."
• "Thank you for being the perfect mentor for me! Even when we don't agree on some things, you always support me in learning life lessons my way. I have found a role model for life."

What's amazing about these thank you messages for mentorship is that they remind us that mentorship isn't just confined to the echelons of leadership. It's for everyone — from the newest intern to the seasoned pro.

11. Continuous Learning & Development

Self-starting learning can add immense value to your company, as employees who develop new skills can then implement those abilities into their day-to-day work and offer a new specialization. Send those team members positive thank you messages and appreciate their thirst for learning and ongoing development!

• "I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for your relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth through learning and development. Your commitment to expanding your skills and knowledge not only benefits you but also enriches our team and organization as a whole. Your willingness to embrace new challenges and seek out learning opportunities sets a shining example for your colleagues. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and positive attitude—you make us better!"
• "Just wanted to take a minute to appreciate your dedication to continuous learning. Your commitment doesn't go unnoticed and truly makes a significant difference!"
• "Your thirst for knowledge is what makes you such a standout member of our team. Keep up the fantastic work and never stop exploring new horizons."
• "I've been hearing whispers that you're clocking more hours in workshops than in coffee queues! Your dedication to learning is like a wildfire—it's catching on! Keep blazing the trail, you learning dynamo."
• "Just wanted to give a virtual high-five for being our resident learning enthusiast! Your passion for continuous growth is contagious, and it's refreshing to see someone dive into new challenges with such gusto. Keep on soaking up knowledge like a sponge—you're making waves in all the right ways!"

12. Community involvement and outreach

Sure, charity is about giving without expecting anything in return, but a simple thank-you can mean a lot. It's a little nod that says, "Hey, I see what you did there, and I appreciate it." Gratitude quotes or messages represent a powerful gesture to employees that you're worthy of their trust and respect.

• "I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible dedication to community involvement and outreach. Whether you're organizing charity events, joining fundraisers, or volunteering for local causes, your actions truly reflect your values and character. Thank you for being such a gift to our community and for making a meaningful impact in the lives of so many."
• "I just wanted to give a shoutout to our very own community champion! Your commitment to community involvement and outreach is a breath of fresh air, spreading positivity wherever you go. Keep being awesome—you're making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time."
• "Thank you for generously volunteering your time at [Volunteer Activity]. Your willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and serve [number] people in our community each year. Thank you!"
• "I hope you're ready for a big round of applause because you're officially our organization's MVP (Most Valuable Philanthropist)! Your commitment to [name of community organization] work is truly remarkable and deserves all the high-fives in the world. Always making those winning plays for the greater good! Your tireless efforts matter because they demonstrate the heart and soul of our organization. Cheers."

13 - Leaving the company 

Does expressing gratitude matter when someone is leaving the company? Absolutely – even though the person won't be part of the team anymore, it helps build a positive workplace culture for everyone else and shows that you value your people.

• "Thank you for your dedication and contributions to our team as a [role] and colleague. Your hard work, passion and positive energy will be missed, but we're excited to see the great things you'll accomplish in the future. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!"
• "We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the time you've spent working with us. Your commitment, professionalism, and sense of humor have enriched our culture in countless ways. While we're sad to see you leave, we're grateful for the privilege of working with you over the past [number of years] and wish you all the best."
• "As you close a chapter and open a new one, we want to express gratitude for your contributions and hard work during your time with us. Your creativity, leadership, and positive attitude have left a lasting impression on our team. While we're sad to see you go, we're also excited for you. Thank you for playing a huge role in our success, and we wish you nothing but success and happiness on your journey!"
• "Thank you for being an invaluable part of our journey, and we wish you nothing but the best in your next professional chapter!"

14- Difficult times 

If your team or organization is currently going through challenging times, such as facing an uncertain future or potential layoffs, words of appreciation matter.

• "Your ability to overcome obstacles with grace and perseverance sets a remarkable example for us all. Thank you for your perseverance and positivity amidst uncertainty!"
• "Your ability to remain steadfast in the face of challenges is remarkable and appreciated while our team navigates tough times. Thank you for your determination!"
• "Things haven't been easy around here, but you continue to demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness. Your perseverance does not go unnoticed. Thank you for helping our team rise above challenges!"
• "Things have been rocky, but you've maintained a positive, calm attitude through it all. Your perseverance does not go unnoticed. Thank you for uplifting us all!" 

15 - Appreciating managers

• "Your exceptional leadership has been a guiding light for our team. We wouldn't be where we are today without your ability to inspire, motivate, and guide us towards the completion of ambitious goals. Thank you for your dedication to our success!"
• "Under your leadership, our team has achieved remarkable milestones. Your strategic vision, effective communication, and emotional intelligence have been instrumental in our success. Thank you for being an inspiring leader and a boss that people want to work for!"
• "Your leadership style has fostered a positive and productive work environment. Your ability to lead by example and cultivate a culture of collaboration and excellence is truly commendable. Thank you for your integrity, empathy, and decisiveness – and for leading the team towards success."
• "Your leadership goes beyond just managing tasks; it involves nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for success. Your unwavering dedication to our team's well-being and success is evident in every decision you make. Thank you for your outstanding work and support!"

16 - Messages to simply say "Thank You"

Everyone deserves a bit of recognition and love, even if there's no clear reason. Here are some sweet and easy ways to say thank you and give them a heartfelt shout-out.

• "I wanted to thank you, but I don't know where to begin. So thank you for everything. The journey wouldn't be the same without you."
• "Thank you for always being my number-one supporter! You make me feel like I can do anything."
• "I'm thankful to always have you in my corner. You lift me up!"
• "I cannot express my full thanks, but hopefully these words are a start."
• "We’re so lucky to have you on our team. Even when things get challenging, you always find a way to make it through and keep us all going. Thanks for being such a supportive and helpful team member, and, more importantly, such a great friend. We appreciate you more than words can say!"
• "Thank you for putting up with my shenanigans and still choosing to be my friend. You're a rare gem!"
• "Thank you for making work a place of laughter and banter. You're a breath of fresh air!"

Messages of Appreciation When Receiving Recognition 

Receiving compliments can sometimes feel more awkward than giving them.

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a thank-you message, responding with grace and gratitude reflects well on you while fostering a positive workplace culture. The following examples will help you respond thoughtfully. 

• To a Boss: "Thank you so much for recognizing my efforts. Your support and guidance have been invaluable to me. I'm truly motivated to continue contributing my best to the team and the projects we're passionate about. It's an honor to work under your leadership."
• To a Peer: "I really appreciate your kind words and recognition. It means a lot coming from you, given the respect I have for your work and dedication. Let's continue to achieve great things together!"
• For a Specific Achievement: "Thank you for acknowledging my work. I've loved working on this project. Your recognition not only inspires me, but also reinforces my commitment to our collective goals. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and excited for what we can accomplish next."

Proven Quick Tips for Giving Impactful Recognition

We hope these employee appreciation messages serve as a strong starting point for praising your employees or peers.

But an important thing to remember is the best recognition should always be personalized – never generic.

In that spirit, here are some proven quick tips to give better recognition at work:

• Recognize frequently
• Be specific
• Add some variety
• Personalize your delivery
• Make it timely
• Encourage peer recognition
• Link recognition to core values and goals
• Offer opportunities for professional growth

Other Factors to Consider When Giving Employee Appreciation 

From legal considerations to cultural sensitivities, there are a few other factors to consider when giving employee recognition. They shouldn’t scare you away from sharing messages of recognition, but empower you with the knowledge you need to avoid a faux-pas and keep your messages impactful.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Thank you messages should be free from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, while also safeguarding confidentiality by not disclosing sensitive information about the employee or company.

When recognizing specific contributions or innovations, avoid infringing on intellectual property rights or revealing proprietary information. Be mindful of an employee's comfort level with public recognition; respect their preference for private feedback to prevent any embarrassment or unwanted attention.

Fairness and Consistency

Working with International Teams

Leverage Applauz for Employee Appreciation Messages

Building a culture of recognition and appreciation in the workplace can be difficult, and many obstacles stand in the way. However, it's worth it–as it has a direct impact on employee engagement, morale, and productivity.

Applauz can help you solidify the habit of sharing appreciation and recognition on a regular basis. It allows you to build a personalized employee recognition program with different touchpoints, taking the guesswork out of how often and where to share appreciation. It also includes handy features like custom rewards and service awards.

Our best suggestion to get started: don't get too bogged down in the details. Just start somewhere. In the end, saying something is better than nothing. We promise that, over time, giving impactful recognition will be second nature.