Employee Appreciation Ideas – You have to admit, happy employees are productive employees.

In fact, Harvard Business Review found that employees describing themselves as happy were three times more likely to be a company’s top performers.

Quite literally, employers who invest time and effort into improving morale may see a profound effect on a their company’s bottom-line.

There are several ways to improve employee morale. Creating opportunities to recognize employee achievements — hitting sales targets, for example — can go a long way to boost employee satisfaction.

In fact, research points to a direct connection between employee satisfaction and such opportunities for recognition.

Likewise, giving employees input into performance reviews helps foster a positive, happy work environment.

Finally, and most often overlooked, are events designed to show employees that their work matters. Below are three ideas for employers to thank employees for their daily contributions.

Appreciation Dinner

An appreciation dinner is a formal way to thank employees. Such dinners often include gourmet fare, awards, and distinguished speakers.

The focus should be on creating a night to remember and thanking employees for all that they do.

Spontaneous Appreciation

Forgoing the formality of a Casino Night or Appreciation Dinner, spontaneous appreciation events are another popular option.

These can take the form of closing the office early for a movie, or treating everyone to pizza at lunch.

Some offices bring in televisions to watch the opening rounds of NCAA basketball’s March Madness.

In any case, the point is to surprise everyone with some time away from work.

Casino Night

The previous examples of a corporate events are fairly common demonstrations of employee appreciation.

A less common, but far more exciting option is a company Casino Night Party.

When employees arrive, they are greeted with the sights and sounds of a casino.

Participants receive play money to play casino games such as blackjack, poker, or craps.

Amiable dealers provide additional play money if a gamer runs out; food and drink are plenty.

At the end of the night, winnings can be exchanged for prizes. Raffles and giveaways create added excitement.

One of the great advantages of Casino Night is that it is appropriate any time of the year.

It’s also less formal than a planned dinner, but more structured than a spontaneous appreciation event.

More importantly, it will almost assuredly create an evening employees are sure to remember.

Those who plan on hosting an employee appreciation event should keep a Casino NightParty in mind.