What’s the secret to keeping employees engaged? It’s not just a paycheck, a fancy title, or even free snacks in the breakroom. And it’s definitely not a generic gift card handed out once a year. It’s true employee appreciation—the kind that feels real.

Employees who feel valued don’t just stick around—they engage, contribute, and perform at their best. But here’s the catch: appreciation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Based on Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages framework, developed alongside Dr. Paul White, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace proves it and breaks appreciation into five broad categories.

In this blog, our experts explain the five languages and how to apply them. Plus, the difference between appreciation and recognition and how they impact strategies.

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

When you speak an employee’s preferred appreciation language, you make gratitude feel more meaningful and build a workplace culture that people want to be part of.

1) Words of Affirmation: The Power of Recognition

Not everyone wants a trophy. Sometimes, the best way to make an employee feel valued is simply to say it. Words of affirmation involve verbal or written expressions of praise, recognition, and encouragement—and they matter more than you might think. There are some simple ways to make every word count:

🌟 Be specific. Swap “Great job!” for “Your presentation was clear, engaging, and helped land that new client.”

👥 Know your audience. Some employees love a public shoutout, while others prefer a private note.

✍️ Put it in writing. A handwritten card has staying power. An email? Easy to archive and forget.

During your next team meeting, make it a point to recognize employees. Highlight individual contributions in a company newsletter. Send a personalized Slack message thanking someone for going the extra mile.

2) Acts of Service: Show, Don’t Just Tell

For some, appreciation is about actions, not words. Employees who value acts of service appreciate when leaders roll up their sleeves and help out. It’s about showing you’re in the trenches with them. It’s time to show up.

⌛ Offer help with a tedious task during a crunch period.

📚 Provide extra support to someone managing a big project.

🚧 Remove obstacles like fixing an inefficient process or approving resources they need.

How can you implement these strategies? For example, when a team is working late to meet a deadline, order dinner. If an assistant is overwhelmed with scheduling, offer to take a few meetings off their plate. Small gestures add up.

3) Gifts: Thoughtful, Never Generic

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about handing out random swag. Meaningful gifting—especially when paired with choice—can be a powerful way to show appreciation. The key? Making sure the gift reflects the recipient, not just the giver. So, what are some of the smartest gifting moves you can make?

✨ Go for personalized corporate gifts that align with an employee’s interests.

🎉 Celebrate milestones like work anniversaries and promotions with thoughtful gifts.

🎁 Use our Online Gifting platform that lets employees select what they actually want.

Here’s an interesting approach to corporate gifting: A high-performing employee just wrapped up a big project. This time, skip the generic company-branded mug or hat. Instead, use a proven gifting platform to let them choose between premium tech accessories, wellness items, or a great bottle of wine. It’s a gift they’ll remember—real appreciation in action. 

4) Quality Time: Give Undivided Attention

For some, time is the best gift. Employees who value quality time appreciate meaningful interactions with leadership and colleagues. It’s about feeling heard, seen, and valued. 

For instance, noticing a new hire is feeling lost? Set up a weekly check-in to provide guidance. A top performer is eyeing leadership roles? Arrange a lunch with an executive to discuss growth opportunities. Make it meaningful—invest in your team:

🗓️ Schedule one-on-one check-ins to discuss career goals and feedback.

🥪 Organize small team meetings to foster deeper connections.

5) Physical Touch: The Workplace-Appropriate Version

Corporate environments aren’t exactly hug-friendly. However, workplace-appropriate gestures can foster connection for employees who value physical touch. Luckily, there are ways to keep it professional yet friendly.

✋ High fives to celebrate small achievements 

🤝 Handshakes to meet, greet, and professionally introduce yourself

🤗 Pats on the back when words just don’t cut it

🤜 Fist bumps after a big win

Just don’t forget to create a sense of inclusivity—thoughtful, non-contact gestures, like a standing ovation at a team meeting, are ways to get everyone on your team involved and set the tone for appreciation—no awkward hugs required.

Whether their language is tangible gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, appropriate physical touches, or acts of service, recognition and appreciation transform B2B relationships from transactional to transformational.

The Difference Between Appreciation and Recognition

Appreciation isn't just a buzzword—it's the secret sauce of building real connections at work! The book explains that while recognition celebrates what an employee does, appreciation celebrates who they are. 

The authors share four key reasons why appreciation  beats recognition in the long run:

1. Appreciation celebrates the person, not just their work = Feels valued
2. Appreciation fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships = Builds loyalty
3. Appreciation is more inclusive, reaching all team members = Sense of belonging
4. Appreciation creates a ripple effect, boosting workplace culture = Win-win for everyone

True appreciation is not about ticking performance boxes but valuing the unique human behind the work. By embracing both, you can create a company culture where employees feel celebrated for who they are AND what they do. Topping it off with amazing gifts doesn't hurt, either.

Meaningful Employee Appreciation: The Perfect Gift Says It All

Appreciation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about getting it right. When you know how your employees prefer to be appreciated, engagement skyrockets. Thoughtful recognition strengthens workplace culture and increases loyalty, ultimately leading to a more motivated, productive team.

March 7th is Employee Appreciation Day—an excellent opportunity to put these strategies to work for you! Whether through words, gifts, time, or service, make sure your team knows they’re valued and appreciated.

Not sure where to start? Discover effective ways to appreciate employees before Employee Appreciation Day with Cultivate’s expert-curated gifting solutions!