National Employee Appreciation Day is officially celebrated on the first Friday of March every year in the United States and Canada, but since March can often be cold or have unpredictable weather, many companies choose to postpone their celebrations and host an outdoor event in the summer.

Whenever you decide to host an employee appreciation celebration, and whether you choose to celebrate in March or throughout the year, these steps will help guide your plans!

How to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day in Four Simple Steps

STEP 1: PLAN A DATE FOR THE EVENT

Choosing a date for Employee Appreciation Day should be done carefully, taking into consideration the availability of all employees, their preferences, and any other factors that might affect the success of the event. Additionally, it should be set far enough in advance so that everyone has time to plan and prepare for the celebration. Most returning companies book their respective events around the same date every year.

STEP 2: ESTIMATE YOUR BUDGET AND CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE VENUE AND COORDINATING THEME

At Forest Lodge, we have both indoor and outdoor facilities on our 40 acres, so we’re well-equipped to host corporate events of any kind! From an outdoor carnival picnic, our most popular NJ boardwalk theme to webcast and seminar events, we’ve got you covered!

Your budget will depend on the date, event space, and theme that you choose.

As you’re determining your budget, searching for a venue, and planning your theme, make sure you consider these factors:

• Type of Menu & Menu Enhancements
• Anticipated Guest Count
• Facilitating Logistics
• Décor
• Entertainment Options
• Family Day Offerings
• Recreational Amenities

STEP 3: PLAN ACTIVITIES, CREATE AN AGENDA, AND INVITE EMPLOYEES

To show your employees how much you appreciate them, it's important to plan fun activities for them to enjoy. Whether it's a team building activity for staff appreciation day or a special event for an employee thank-you party, planning fun activities is the perfect way to show your employees that you care about them and their work.

Creating an agenda filled with fun activities that keep your employees entertained will ensure that your team feels appreciated, connected, and motivated.

Consider organizing a friendly competition among departments or teams. This could be anything from a quiz challenge to a relay race, egg/balloon toss, or a cornhole tournament. Not only will it be entertaining, but it will also encourage teamwork and collaboration within the workplace.

Another major component to consider is the menu theme. It's a simple yet effective way to bring people together over food, which is always a great bonding experience. Consider an Epcot themed menu to cover all nationalities and food favorites; this is one of our most popular themes at Forest Lodge!

STEP 4: OFFER REWARDS AND PRIZES

Rewards and prizes are an important part of any employee appreciation celebration or recognition event. They’re a great way to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Not only does this encourage employees to continue working hard, but it also helps create a positive work environment for everyone involved.

Rewards can be anything from a bonus, gift cards, or even a day off. Prizes can also be given out to those who have gone above and beyond in their work. By offering rewards and prizes on employee appreciation days or recognition events, you can ensure that your team is motivated and engaged with their work.

Forest Lodge can also provide prize package ideas to take this piece of planning off your plate!

How do you say thank you to your team on Employee Appreciation Day?

Rewards, prizes, and a fantastic day are all great ways to thank your team and show your employees how much you appreciate their dedication.

Planning an employee appreciation day is the ultimate way to spoil your employees. Contact us at Forest Lodge for help creating a fun, engaging day to reward your employees this year.