How To Write An Employee Appreciation Email

Employee appreciation emails play a big party in the overall success of any organization. Why? Because they show the recipients that they are valued and that their efforts are acknowledged.

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Recognizing an employee’s efforts in the workplace both motivates and encourages employees to continue going the extra mile.

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Why Employee Appreciation Emails Are So Important

There are several benefits to investing time in writing short emails of appreciation for your employees:

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Boosts Employee Engagement

Think about it … When you feel motivated, the energy and effort you put into something is amplified, as is the feeling of satisfaction that you derive from the task.

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The same applies to employees and the projects they’re working on. Knowing that the effort they put into their work is valued makes employees feel like what they are doing is more than just a job. It reinforces that they’re making important contributions to the operations and growth of the business as a whole.

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By recognizing your employees’ hard work with an appreciation email, you prove to them just how much they’re actually valued. As a result, your employees will feel prouder of the work they do and will be more engaged.

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In one study, 79% of the employees surveyed said they work harder when they feel recognized and appreciated. Therefore, sending a well-timed appreciation email can really boost your employees’ engagement, motivation, and productivity. 

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Drives Employee Retention

When an employee is motivated, inspired, and happy, they’re far less likely to want to leave. As such, employers should comfortably invest in their people as the investment will have an immediate return.

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Improves Employee Satisfaction

When an employee is unhappy, you’ll find that they don’t engage as much with their colleagues, and are often off sick.

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A simple thank-you email can make your employees feel appreciated, which can, in turn, boost their happiness and satisfaction. Not only does this keep them engaged, but it also positively affects their mental wellbeing.

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How To Write An Employee Appreciation Email

Here’s a great formula to follow when writing your employee appreciation email.

Subject line: Thank you for [specific occasion]

Dear [employee name],

[State the reason you’re writing to them. Keep it brief].

[Explain your sincere appreciation and how it benefited the team/company.]

[End with a final sentence of gratitude and appreciation].

Warm regards,

[Signature]

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Seven Employee Appreciation Email Templates

There are various occasions where an employee appreciation email goes a long way in keeping your employees’ morale high. Here are seven awesome employee appreciation email templates you can use.

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1. A Job Well Done

If an employee has gone above and beyond to meet a deadline or has exceeded expectations in executing a task, an employee appreciation email is in order. Here’s a template that you can use: 

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Subject line: Thank you for the amazing job you did!

Dear [employee name],

Thank you for the incredible job you did with the [XYZ Proposal]. I noticed that you stayed late to add the final touches and ensure the document was error-free for our presentation and submission.

I appreciate you going the extra mile, and it sets such an excellent example for the rest of the team - supporting each other is what we believe in here!

It is great to work with such a talented and dedicated person and we’re so lucky have you as part of our team. Thank you once again.

Warm regards,

[your name]

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2. Hard Work And Dedication

When an employee feels unappreciated at work, they lack enthusiasm. They clock-watch their hours, and they live for Friday afternoons. 

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Thanking employees for their hard work and dedication can help them feel appreciated and make their workdays more enjoyable.

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Subject line: Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Dear [employee name],

I’m just dropping you a quick note to say thank you for your hard work and dedication, not just in your role but in the company as a whole. What you do is so valuable to our success, and we are grateful to have you as part of our team.

I’d like to particularly comment on when you jumped in to [mention something specific that the employee did] - you saved the day! Thanks to your dedication, we closed the deal.

Thank you once again.

Warm regards,

[your name] 

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Related: How To Give The Best Employee Appreciation Speech (incl. speech examples)

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3. Years Of Service

Years of service milestones are a big deal. Be sure to give your people a shoutout on their big day!

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Subject line: Thank you for all the years you’ve given to [Company Name]!

Dear [employee name],

I wanted to drop you a personal note of thanks and gratitude for the [X] years of service you have spent with our team.

You have gone above and beyond to do an exceptional job over the years, and your dedication is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your commitment, outstanding work ethic, and for helping us achieve our goals. You are an exemplary part of our team and role model for new employees. 

Warm regards,

[your name]

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4. Being A Good Leader

Subject line: Thank you for taking the lead!

Dear [employee name],

I wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you for the incredible job you did in leading the team through [XYZ activity]. 

We appreciate that you took initiative when needed, and you did a great job. We see you going so far in this company, and know you would make a great leader if that is something you are working towards. 

Thank you once again, and we are so thrilled that you are a part of our team.

Warm regards,

[your name]

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5. Congratulations On An Achievement

Subject line: A toast to you!

Dear [employee name],

I just wanted to send you a quick email to congratulate you on [insert achievement]. It was a long and complicated process, but you handled it with professionalism, patience, and integrity.

You are an incredible asset to this company, and our management team is very grateful to have you on board.

Thank you again for your hard work and dedication to [Company name].

Warm regards,

[your name]

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6. Covering A Colleague’s Leave

Subject line: Thank you for stepping in!

Dear [employee name],

I wanted to send you a personal thank you note for stepping in and helping out while [XYZ] was on leave.

Having colleagues like you are willing to jump in and take over on short notice is such an asset to our team and very much in line with the culture that we are building.

I am so grateful for the extra hours and effort you have put in on their behalf.

You are a great example for all of us!

Warm regards,

[your name]

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7. Excellent Sales Performance

Subject line: Congrats on your awesome performance!

Dear [employee name],

I wanted to send you a personal note to commend your incredible sales performance this past month. You exceeded all previous targets and drove revenue up by 10%!

The entire management team has noticed the effort you have put into closing all your deals, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment and drive.

I know you must be busy, but I felt that it was important to take a moment to share this feedback with you. Thank you once again.

Warm regards,

[your name]

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Conclusion

Keeping your employees happy, motivated, and inspired to continue giving their best in their role is one of the most important factors in your company’s success.

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A simple but sincere note of appreciation sent via email directly to your employee will let them know that their efforts are recognized and appreciated and that they are valuable contributors to your company.

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When an employee has a purpose behind their role, they feel connected to the company in a far deeper way than just being paid to do a job.

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