Ensuring your employees feel appreciated at work

Melanie Hammond • May 16, 2022

The Oxford Dictionary's definition of the word appreciation is ‘the pleasure that you have when you recognise and enjoy the good qualities of somebody/something’.

Feeling engaged and valued at work is vital both for an employee and an employer. A person who feels appreciated will always do more than expected.

So, the question is, how do you ensure your employees feel appreciated at work? It has to be demonstrated and articulated not simply by receiving a payslip at the end of the week or month, but by exploring options and these can be the smallest of gestures.

Here are a few techniques people2people have implemented, to recognise the hard work and efforts of our teams.

Recognition
We have developed a recognition platform whereby teams vote for their monthly ‘best and fairest’ winners. These are team members who are nominated each month by their peers for their hard work and contribution. We have great perks, including discounted gym memberships, flexible work hours, team events and company events, but it is not just the material recognition. Our input is valued, effort is encouraged, motivation is provided and assist growth, and we celebrate success, the big wins, small wins and the contributions of many who help us get there.

Life Leave
I am sure the first thing that came to mind was; what is life leave? Well life happens and often what happens is beyond our control. For example, the water pipe burst, your garage door needs to be serviced etc, but instead of having to dip into annual leave, at people2people we have access to 5 days of life leave each year and it doesn’t impact our annual leave balance.

So, whether the employee's engagement is temporary, contract or on a permanent basis, make them feel appreciated and valued and without doubt they will go that extra mile. If you are unsure of what your employees need or require; ask them and they will give you plenty of ideas for you to consider and potentially implement.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Leanne Lazarus April 23, 2025
A strong safety culture is critical to reducing risk and promoting wellbeing in Australian workplaces. With 40% of workers exposed to moderate to high psychosocial risks, organisations must move beyond basic compliance to foster environments where employees feel genuinely safe and supported. In this blog, people2people’s Leanne Lazarus speaks with legal and safety experts Jonathan Mamaril and Nettie Herselman on how businesses can embed safety-first thinking into their culture. Discover practical tips for leadership, internal compliance, and strategic planning to build a resilient, engaged workforce. Is your organisation doing enough to protect both the physical and psychological safety of its people?
By Mark Green April 9, 2025
With 68% of Australian workers worried about potential redundancies, job security is now a top priority—especially in tech sectors across NSW and WA. In this blog, people2people’s Mark Green explores how employee preferences have shifted from salary-driven goals to long-term stability. As uncertainty grows, businesses must adapt by fostering transparent communication and building trust. We also share essential tips for leaders navigating redundancy conversations with empathy and strategy. Want to know how to retain top talent and protect your employer brand during uncertain times? Discover how to support your workforce and strengthen loyalty in today’s cautious job market.
By Mark Green April 7, 2025
As return-to-office mandates rise across Australia, many leaders face the challenge of balancing productivity with employee preferences. In this blog, Mark Green from people2people and Maja Paleka from MPC unpack the drivers behind these mandates, their impact on engagement and retention, and why forcing full-time office returns may backfire. With hybrid work models proving effective for many, forward-thinking businesses are seizing this moment to attract top talent and build trust-based cultures. We also share practical tips for leaders navigating this shift in 2025. Wondering how to future-proof your workplace without losing your best people? Read on to find out more.
By Suhini Wijayasinghe March 31, 2025
Millennials are now leading teams made up of both older and younger generations—but how do they bridge the gap between Baby Boomer values and Gen Z expectations? In this blog, we explore leadership in a multigenerational workforce with insights from Ramp Fitness co-founder Matthew Papalo. From building scalable systems to fostering community and wellbeing, discover how modern leaders are adapting to new workplace demands. If you're a millennial manager (or aspire to be one), this is your guide to leading with resilience, empathy, and innovation. Want to know the key to staying ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond?
By Aiden Boast March 26, 2025
Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone—60% of workers are staying in roles longer than they’d like due to financial concerns and fear of instability. Yet, 66% believe a career change could make them happier. In this blog, people2people’s Aiden Boast unpacks recent data revealing why so many professionals are hesitant to move on, despite growing demand for skills-based hiring and flexible work options. Learn practical tips for overcoming career stagnation, leveraging your transferable skills, and taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling role. Could now be the perfect time to rethink your career path? Read more to find out.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us