Low Effort, High Impact: Effective Recognition Ideas to Foster Team Appreciation

Sometimes, we get pushback that folks are too busy, and that recognition is a hassle. Even the most well-intended among us break an incredible recognition streak, and appreciation habits can disappear (when did that happen?!)?

We similarly hear that it’s tricky to develop recognition ideas quickly and easily when planning an appreciation event, meeting, or milestone celebration, often off the corner of the desk. Sometimes, it’s a function of time and practicalities. Other times, it’s worrying that efforts will fall flat or have unintended consequences.

Here is a juicy list created by Ashley Barfoot of Grey County, our first graduate of the FROG Certification program , and Sarah. Organized by time requirements, it has something to fit everyone’s schedule.?

How To Fit In Time to Recognize?

Recognition in One Minute or Less

Even in the busiest moments, there’s still time for recognition. A simple smile, a quick thank you, or a genuine compliment can make someone’s day without adding anything to your schedule. These small, spontaneous acts of appreciation can have a big impact.

• Say thank you, sincerely and often.
• Give a compliment, and make it genuine.
• Smile—it’s contagious and brightens the day.
• Crack a joke to lighten the mood.
• Notice something specific to acknowledge—it shows you’re paying attention.
• Acknowledge professional development.
• Give a high-five.
• Acknowledge a special date, like a work anniversary or a personal milestone.
• Hang our “Free Compliment ” poster and let the compliments flow!

Recognition in Five Minutes or Less

If you have just a few moments to spare, these quick gestures of recognition can go a long way. Whether you leave a note, send a message, or acknowledge someone’s effort, these small actions show that you’re paying attention and that you care.

• Inquire about something that matters to them outside of work.
• Share a success that they contributed to and acknowledge their impact.
• Send well wishes before a big event like an exam or presentation.
• Leave a post-it note on their desk with a quick, positive message.
• Share a funny meme to brighten someone’s day.
• Ask if they are okay when you notice something might be off.

Recognition in 10 Minutes or Less

When you have more time, you can deepen your recognition efforts with more personal touches. These actions, like a thoughtful check-in or sharing something meaningful, help build stronger connections and reinforce your appreciation.

• Check in with a simple “How are you doing?” and truly listen to the response.
• Write a thank you card with a message of gratitude inside.
• Invite them to a 10-minute Zoom check-in to catch up.
• Share a picture that captures a meaningful moment and include a specific acknowledgement.
• Have a brief no-agenda check-in – “It’s been a while.”
• Share something fun that reminds you of them, like a playlist if they like music or a recipe if they enjoy baking.

When Time Is on Your Side

For more significant moments, like celebratory events, investing time in planning can make your recognition efforts truly memorable. These ideas involve creating meaningful experiences that can uplift your team, foster a positive environment, and celebrate achievements in a significant way.

• Set up post-it notes on tables so attendees of your meeting or training session can write compliments for each other.
• Invite everyone to share good news or moments of pride during the event.
• Highlight a team’s “best practice” or something they tried and succeeded at.
• Invite attendees to brag about members of their team.?
• Create jars or paper bags where attendees can drop in their compliment notes for each other throughout the event.
• Ask everyone to draw a thank you card and exchange it with others.
• Have a gratitude poster hanging for everyone to record something they are grateful for.
• Provide Tribute Cards or printed compliment cards and invite folks to them out over the next week.
• Collect statements of great compliments & turn them into your own compliment deck.?

Forming a Recognition Habit

Incorporating recognition into your daily routine, whether it takes a few seconds or hours, will make a significant difference in the workplace. It’s not about grand gestures but consistent, thoughtful actions that show you value and appreciate those around you. No matter how busy your day gets, remember that the time you invest in recognition is always time well spent.

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If you’re looking for more ways to recognize, check out our 100+ Ways to Retain & Recognize Your Staff tool and 70+ Ways to Retain & Delight Your Customers tool here .??

And for even more delicious recognition recipes, check out the previous posts that will help you create a smorgasbord of appreciation:

• FROG Fridays – Bringing Recognition Home to Families
• Navigating the Difference Between Recognition vs. Rewards and Why Recognition Wins Every Time!
• Want to Create a Shareable Recognition Experience that Boomerangs Compliments for Your Team?

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Disclaimer/Humble Brag Moment: 100% of this content was human-generated (by us folks here at Greatness Magnified). We are committed to authorship integrity and will inform you what percent, if any, is AI-generated.