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19 Employee Appreciation Quotes For Performance & Engagement

Sam
September 3, 2021
3 Min Read
Photo by
Olek Dudko

‍Table of Contents:

What are employee appreciation quotes

Employee appreciation is an important part of acknowledging the hard work and achievements of employees. Whether you run a small business or large corporation, one way to recognize people is through short phrases called "employee appreciation quotes." Employee appreciation quotes are intended for use in situations where you want to thank someone quickly without taking too much time. They are an important tool in your employee recognition toolbox and let your employees know that their work is valued by you, their employer. The following tips will show you how to use employee appreciation quotes effectively, whether they're on greeting cards, on banners, or in employee appreciation messages.

How to use employee appreciation quotes

Use an employee appreciation quote to tell your employees you’ve noticed that they’re something out of the ordinary. Use another to recognize great work, superb performance, or simply going the extra mile. Employee appreciation quotes can also be used to increase employee engagement and encourage your team members to do better and be better. They can be a key part of an employee recognition program and can be used with employee appreciation software. You might want to try using the employee recognition app Matter to send your employees inspirational and motivational quotes on a regular basis, creating a company culture where employee happiness is valued and peer recognition is part of everyday life.

When using employee appreciation quotes for motivating employees, the most important thing to do is to be sincere. For example, if you've been unhappy with a certain worker's performance and don't believe they deserve recognition for their efforts, it will show in your words as insincerity. If you're having a hard time thanking an employee, spend some time thinking about the good things they've done and how they've contributed to your successful company and workplace culture. Make sure that before you give out any employee appreciation quotes to an employee, that you truly feel those words. If there are specific reasons why an individual deserves recognition or praise, feel free to start with those premises and build on them with some kind words about what you perceive as valuable work.

For instance, take this quote from Michael Jordan, a basketball player:

“My father said: 'Son, you're either part of the problem or part of the solution.' I have found that it's easier to be part of the solution.”

Do you have an employee who always manages to be part of the solution? Send them this quote and let them know you noticed. Your note can be short and informal, the quote will do the talking. "Hey, I wanted to thank you for always being part of the solution around here. Your hard work is not unnoticed!” That's it!

Employees will appreciate the praise and recognition, especially if they have been hard at work recently. Showing gratitude is a wonderful thing for boosting morale, and employee recognition quotes can help everyone feel their best and work hard. Keep in mind that when you do use employee appreciation quotes or inspirational quotes from famous people, you make sure to check your grammar/spelling before sending them out. Typos are a quick way to earn a bad reputation in the workplace!

Employee appreciation quotes for hard work

"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

Your employee has been hitting it out of the park with your recent projects, but one is dragging on longer than expected. Let this person know that their hard work is not going unnoticed by sending them this motivational quote along with a note expressing the highest appreciation for what they've done in the past.

"When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won't come up with a handful of mud either." - Leo Burnett

You want to make your ambitious staff member feel like they are at least climbing toward greatness. This quote will let them know you admire their swagger and dedication.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

You don't want your employee to feel defeated after a tough project or two, so remind them that succeeding in business is less about the end result and more about how they got to that point.

"Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Les Brown

Your employee has been racking up the extra hours lately. Let them know you notice their hard work, and that, in your book, they’re out beyond the stars by sending this quote along with an appreciation message

"I'm not telling my secrets; they're capturing themselves." - David Ogilvy

Your employee has been coming up with great ideas in the moment. Remind them how valuable their inspiration is by sending this quote when you see them next.

"If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it." - Maya Angelou

Let the writer in your life know you appreciate their love for words and understanding of the company by sending them this quote with a thank-you note next time they do an awesome job on a project.

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." - Steve Jobs 

This great quote from the late Apple founder will show your employee that you're impressed with their creativity. Consider giving them an extra day off as a reward for their work.

Employee appreciation quotes for great performance

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." - Oprah Winfrey

Let your great employee know that they are doing their best by sending them this quote along with a big congratulations when they complete a big project.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin

We all know investing in doing something can pay off in the long run, but many people overlook that education is also an important part of success in life. Benjamin Franklin reminds us that knowledge is power when it comes to getting ahead and succeeding at your job! This is a great quote to send to a staff member who decided to enroll in employment enrichment programs or continuing education. 

"The real secret of success is enthusiasm." - Dale Carnegie

Let your passionate team worker know you appreciate their enthusiasm and positive attitude and send along this quote when you thank them for their efforts.

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.” - Steve Jobs

Send this along to your exemplary employee or coworker with a thanks, for being your yardstick at the workplace.

Employee appreciation quotes to spur engagement

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon 

Give your reliable employee or colleague an extra boost by sending them this quote by the late hairdresser.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Remind your worker that they are making a difference even in small ways by sending this quote along with a few appreciation words the next time their great work doesn’t meet with the success that was hoped for.

"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss 

These words can provide your office staff with that perfect motivational boost just when it’s needed. Let them know they are your greatest asset, and you'll be able to accomplish great things with their super attitude.

"You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky 

You and your employee both know that they have the skills to get the job done. Let them know this by sending along this quote.

"Work hard, stay positive, and get up early. It's the best part of the day." - George Allen

Your almost perfect employee has been going into the office early every morning. Let them know that their hard work is appreciated by sending this quote with a thank-you note.

"You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

Let this NFL coach's words motivate your employee who keeps hitting roadblocks in their quest for success. Send them along with a thank-you.

“The best revenge in life is massive success.” - Frank Sinatra

We all have people who have done us wrong, but getting even with them isn't always the answer. This quote can remind your employee that if we work hard enough on our goals, one day they'll look at what we've become and feel regret!

"Do what you can, where you are, with what you have." - Theodore Roosevelt

Keep your valued employee energized by sending this quote along with a note thanking them for their efforts.

Final employee appreciation ideas

Employee quotes are generally something that managers use to encourage their employees to keep up the good work. These employee appreciation sayings help strengthen relationships, create opportunities for further discussion, and inspire people to do better. 

They can be used on a work anniversary, a day when you are celebrating your company's success, or on employee appreciation day. If you're looking for ideas on how to recognize your hard-working team or motivate them further, then these employee appreciation quotes should do the trick!

But don't limit your employee appreciation efforts to throwing quotes at your staff! Spend time listening to their concerns, giving them constructive feedback, and recognizing their great work and achievements. Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with awards, appreciation gifts, or something good to eat, even if it's as simple as a box of donuts in the break room. Let your employees know that they are heroes in your book, and you'll find them acting the part of heroes every day as they help make your company a success.

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