Valentine’s Day is often associated with chocolate, flowers, and giant stuffed teddy bears, but February 14th is also a great time to show appreciation in the workplace! The following 8 ideas highlight inclusive ways you can celebrate the holiday at work this year.
1. Begin the Day With a Breakfast Treat
Start Valentine’s Day off on the sweetest note by bringing in breakfast treats like bagels, fruit, yogurt parfaits, muffins, or pastries. If your team is remote, send an e-gift card for a coffee or breakfast delivery service so they can order their favorite morning pick-me-up. A breakfast treat is a tasty way to energize your employees and remind them they are appreciated.
2. Offer an Early Summer Friday
Summer Fridays may be months away, but you can give your team a taste of the warmer months by offering a half-day on February 14th. Encourage employees to clock out at lunch or a few hours early to celebrate Valentine’s Day with loved ones or take some much-needed personal time.
3. Host a Candy Guess Competition
Add some competitive fun by setting up a candy guessing jar – fill a large glass container with chocolates, red hots, or other candy and have employees submit guesses for how many pieces are inside. Award the winner with the candy-filled jar as their prize! It’s a simple way to engage your team.
4. Set Up an Appreciation Wall
Designate a wall or bulletin board in your office as the appreciation station. Supply paper hearts, sticky notes, Push Pins, and markers so employees can post thank-you notes and appreciation messages to each other. The heartfelt sentiments will remind everyone they are valued.
5. Give Shout-Outs for Recent Wins
Make Valentine’s Day a time to recognize your team’s hard work by calling out recent wins and achievements. Highlight employees who aced a presentation, landed a new client, or went above and beyond on a project. Public recognition reinforces skills and motivates your workforce.
6. Host a Potluck Lunch or Dessert Exchange
Skip the usual lunch routine in favor of a potluck where employees can show off their cooking skills and favorite recipes. Make it dessert-themed so you can indulge in all the chocolatey, sugary V-Day treats. Not only is it delicious – sharing food is a universal way to bond!
7. Give Small Token Gifts
Sometimes, simple gestures mean the most. Give your employees small gifts like gift cards, candles, desk plants, tech accessories, or self-care items. Personalize each gift bag with a handwritten note if you can. Thoughtful gifts demonstrate genuine appreciation.
8. Mail Heartfelt Thank You Cards
In today’s digital world, receiving a paper card in the mail feels extra special. Take the time to write genuine thank-you notes highlighting each employee’s contributions and strengths. The personalized mail will remind them their work matters.
Final Thoughts
However you choose to celebrate, the most essential element is making sure your staff feels genuinely valued and appreciated – not just on February 14th but every day of the year!