5 Employee Appreciation Ideas for the Summer

Your employees deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication that makes your company a success. Summer is a great time of year to get your employees out of the office and show your appreciation. These types of company events are also great opportunities to bond with coworkers outside of the office. Getting to know coworkers and management can pay dividends inside the office as well. The more comfortable the members of your organization feel around one another, the more open the communication, which is a benefit to any business.

If you’re ready to celebrate a recent business success, reward employees for their hard work, or show appreciation for the people that run your business, consider the following 5 ideas: 

1. WhirlyBall – This is one of our favorite company bonding activities at Vision Computer Solutions. It’s a fun game combining elements of basketball, lacrosse, and hockey played while riding in bumper cars. People of all athletic abilities can play, and our Michigan technology services employees love it!
2. Baseball Game – America’s pastime is usually a great option for a company bonding day. While this can be a pricey option, your business may be able to a get a discount on a company suite, food, or drinks. If you don’t live near a major league team, minor league games can be just as fun.   
3. Softball Game – Depending on the athletic interests in your office, a company-wide softball game can be a lot of fun. For those who dislike softball or prefer not to play, encourage participation in other ways. A softball outing can be easy on the budget and is a great family-friendly option as well.
4. Company Picnic – This is the quintessential company outing. Your picnic can take many forms depending on time and budget restrictions. Picnics can be hosted during the workday, after work hours, or on the weekend and can be catered or potluck style. If it’s in the budget, consider inviting your employees’ families – a gesture they’ll really appreciate.
5. Extended Lunch Hour – If you’re worried about devoting an entire day to an employee appreciation activity, consider hosting an extended lunch hour in your office or at a local restaurant. Your employees will appreciate the extra break and free lunch, and everyone will go back to the office feeling refreshed and ready to be productive.

Of course, you don’t have to wait until summer or provide an elaborate appreciation day activity. Look for small ways to show your gratitude throughout the year. Your employees will truly appreciate the kind gestures and will repay you with continued dedication to the company.