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In this blog post, we will explore everything there is to know about writing employee appreciation letters: what makes a good letter, why they’re important, and how to communicate your appreciation in the best possible way.
We will also provide you with a few examples of great, tried-and-tested methods of writing employee appreciation letters in the form of sample templates.
So don’t worry if you’re not sure how to write a professional, yet sincere, letter of appreciation. By the end of this post, you’ll become an expert!
What makes a good employee appreciation letter?
There are three things that really matter when it comes to writing a good employee appreciation letter: personalization, recognition🥇, and encouragement.
1. Personalization
Using the same template over and over again won’t go unnoticed by your employees. Rather, personalize your letter to the best of your ability.
Simply calling the person by name won’t cut it. Try to include specifics about the work you are thanking them for. If an entire team is responsible for a great outcome, take the time out to thank each person for their individual contribution.
Remember that your employee(s) have gone the extra mile for you, and putting extra effort into your appreciation letter is a great way to reciprocate!
2. Recognition
You want to recognize exactly what it is that your employee has done right. Recognizing how and why this has had a great outcome in the workplace will make your employees feel both validated and motivated.
Try to include what you appreciate the most to let the employee know that you have been noticing their hard work and contributions.
3. Encouragement
Encouragement is a huge factor when it comes to making sure that an appreciation letter has the desirable effect. If you word your appreciation letter right, you can cover all your bases!
Include something as simple as “Keep up the good work!” and “We look forward to seeing what more you have to offer.” This shows your employees that you believe they are capable of doing amazing things, and motivates them to prove themselves further.
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Download NowHow to best communicate your appreciation?
The best way to communicate your appreciation is to be as engaging as possible. You don’t want to come across as detached.
Rather, take this as a chance to improve your employer-employee relationship and really make them feel special and valued as a member of your team.
Keep the three aspects (personalization, recognition, and encouragement) in mind when writing your letter. You should also be aware of the tone of your letter.
Remember that a workplace environment is a direct result of how you treat your employees and how you make them feel. A well-worded appreciation letter can enhance the employee experience.
Employee appreciation letter templates & examples
For inspiration, we have drafted some employee appreciation letter samples that you could refer to. Personalization is key, so you can use these as a guide and edit them as you see fit.
1. Sample appreciation letter to employee for hard work
2. Sample appreciation letter to employee for outstanding performance and a job well done
3. Sample employee appreciation letter recognizing leadership skills
4. Quick employee appreciation letter from the manager
5. Employee appreciation letter for a successful project completion
Final thoughts
There is no one perfect way to style and draft an employee appreciation letter. This is because each employee and employer relationship differs, and every company chooses different ways to show thanks.
Keep our tips, tricks, and employee appreciation letter samples in mind next time you feel that an employee needs some appreciation and recognition. We can assure you that a simple thank you will go a long way!
