An employee shout-out is when you recognize and appreciate an employee for doing an awesome job, making a significant contribution, or achieving something great within your company. A shout-out doesn't have to be a one-on-one affair, either. You can make it a company-wide or department-wide celebration, involving everyone in the fun.
Also, you don't have to be the only one doing the shouting. Encouraging your colleagues to join in and give shout-outs can be even more impactful. Imagine the positive team vibes when your whole team is cheering each other on!
Employee shout-outs create a sense of camaraderie, appreciation, and motivation, making your workplace a happier and more productive environment. That’s why today, we’re taking a look at 25 different ways you can shout-out your team members.
Let’s get into this!
25 Ideas to shout-out your employees!
1. Employee achievement comics
Ever thought of turning your employees' success stories into comics? No? Probably not. But, what a cool idea, right?! We couldn’t imagine anyone passing on the idea. It's a creative and memorable way to showcase their accomplishments.
How to do it
Collaborate with an illustrator to create comic strips that narrate the story of an employee's journey and success. Or try Storyboard That and make it yourself! Highlight their challenges, achievements, and contributions to the team in a visually engaging and fun format. Share these comics with the entire team for a unique shout-out experience.
Top tip
Keep it light-hearted and relatable. Comics add a touch of humor and creativity to recognition, making it both enjoyable and memorable for everyone in the organization.
2. Custom Spotify playlist
Give your team the musical hug they deserve with a Spotify playlist based on their favourite songs! It's a unique and personalized way to show appreciation for their individual tastes and a great little shout-out that shows you’re on board with their efforts.
How to do it
Find out each employee's favorite songs and music genres. Create custom Spotify playlists tailored to their preferences and share them with the entire team. You can even include a short message expressing your gratitude.
Top tip
Make it a surprise! Send the playlists when your team members least expect it, like on a Friday afternoon, to kick-start the weekend with good vibes. It's a thoughtful gesture that'll make them smile and feel appreciated.
3. Wall of Fame
Why not consider having a Wall of Fame either physically in your office or virtually on your company's website? This practice turns into a gallery of your employees' shining moments, and it boosts team spirit.
How to do it
For the physical version, designate a wall in your office space or bulletin board where you can display photos and achievements of outstanding employees. For the digital one, create a dedicated section on your website or intranet. Make sure to rotate the featured employees regularly, so everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
Top tip
Get your team involved! Encourage employees to nominate their colleagues for the Wall of Fame. It's a great way to promote peer recognition and build a sense of community among your team members.
4. Team shout-out meeting
Hosting a special team meeting solely for shout-outs and recognition is like throwing a celebration just for your colleagues. It's a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on their hard work and a great non-monetary incentive for your team!
How to do it
Set aside some dedicated time in your regular team meetings for shout-outs. Encourage team members to share their appreciation and recognize their colleagues' contributions. You can also use this time to highlight team achievements and milestones.
Top tip
Make shout-out meetings a regular part of your team's routine, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This helps maintain a culture of recognition and keeps everyone motivated.
5. Gamify recognition
Let's turn recognition into a game with gamified recognition! This turns shout-outs into a competition where employees earn points for giving and receiving shout-outs, and they can redeem cool rewards.
How to do it
Create a fun and interactive recognition system where team members can shout-out their colleagues for exceptional work. Assign points for each shout-out and accumulate them over time. Let employees redeem their points for rewards like gift cards, extra vacation days, or even a coveted parking spot.
Top tip
Make it engaging! Host leaderboard updates and celebrate the top shout-out givers regularly to keep the competition alive and the shout-outs flowing.
6. Peer recognition awards
Peer recognition awards put the power of employee appreciation in the hands of your employees. But this isn’t a shout-out, right? Well, it is! Who says the shout-outs have to be directly from the manager's mouths? You can show appreciation in many different ways and by setting this up, it becomes the ultimate platform for shout-outs, company wide!
How to do it
Create a system where employees can nominate their coworkers for special recognition awards. It could be for outstanding teamwork, innovation, or going the extra mile. Allow your team members to vote for the nominees, and then announce the winners in a special ceremony.
Top tip
Make the awards unique and meaningful. Think beyond just certificates – consider giving personalized trophies, extra time off, or a gift card to make it even more special. Make sure you’re present at the event, too.
7. Surprise video messages
Sending surprise video messages from the manager is another great way for that virtual pat on the back. It's a personal and unexpected way to express gratitude and recognition to your employees.
How to do it
Take some time to record short video messages thanking and recognizing individual team members for their hard work. Keep it genuine and specific, mentioning their contributions and how it positively impacted the team or company. Surprise them by sending these videos on random occasions.
Top tip
Timing is everything! Send these surprise video messages when your employees least expect it – it could be after a big project, during a work anniversary, or simply to boost morale on a regular workday. The element of surprise makes it even more impactful.
8. Themed appreciation days
Themed employee appreciation days involve dedicating a day to celebrate specific qualities or achievements of your team members. It's an enjoyable and engaging approach to express gratitude for their exceptional qualities.
How to do it
Choose a theme that resonates with your team's strengths or values, such as Customer Service Excellence Day or Innovation Appreciation Day. Plan team-building activities, games, or recognition events related to the chosen theme to make the day memorable.
Top tip
Keep it interactive and collaborative. Involve your team in brainstorming ideas and organizing the themed day to boost their participation and enthusiasm.
9. Shout-out Slack channel
Get ready to amplify appreciation with a dedicated shout-out Slack channel! It's the perfect place for team members to share their shout-outs, kudos, and recognition. It’s a fantastic channel that everyone wants to be a part of!
How to do it
Create a dedicated Slack channel where team members can post shout-outs to their colleagues. Encourage them to be specific about what they're appreciating – whether it's a job well done on a project or a simple act of kindness. The shout-outs will keep flowing in this digital appreciation hub!
Top tip
Make sure to acknowledge and celebrate the shout-outs posted in the channel. When others see their peers being recognized, it inspires a positive atmosphere of appreciation.
10. Surprise desk decorations
Surprise desk decorations involve adorning employees' workspaces with balloons, streamers, or banners as an unexpected gesture of appreciation. It's a delightful surprise that demonstrates your recognition of their hard work.
How to do it
Transform their workspace into a festive environment before they arrive. Incorporate their favorite colors or themes to personalize the decorations. Consider leaving a small note or a treat to enhance the surprise.
Top tip
Choose the timing thoughtfully. Select a day that holds significance for the employee, like their birthday or work anniversary, or simply surprise them randomly to brighten a gray day.
11. Photo collages
Photo collages involve creating visual displays featuring employees' achievements and accomplishments and placing them throughout the office. It's a continuous celebration of their contributions and successes.
How to do it
Gather photographs, quotes, or highlights of your employees' achievements and craft visually appealing collages. Hang them in common areas where everyone can easily view and draw inspiration from their colleagues' accomplishments.
Top tip
Encourage team members to actively contribute to the collages by sharing their own experiences or photos. This personal involvement makes for a feeling of unity and encourages mutual celebration.
12. Lunch with the manager
Lunch with the manager is a great way to shout-out your employee's efforts! By treating them to a delicious appreciation meal, you’re connecting personally and showing your gratitude for all their hard work.
How to do it
Schedule one-on-one lunches or coffee meetings with team members. Use this time to express your appreciation, listen to their thoughts, and get to know them better. Choose a cozy cafe or restaurant for a relaxed atmosphere.
Top tip
Make it casual and enjoyable. Focus on building rapport rather than discussing work-related topics. This gesture will leave a lasting positive impression on your team.
13. Employee of the month
Starting an Employee of the Month program enables you to roll the red carpet for your outstanding team members. It's a fantastic way to recognize and reward exceptional performance! We know it may be overdone in the working world, but oh boy, how great you feel once you’re on there!
How to do it
Establish clear criteria for selecting the Employee of the Month, such as outstanding achievements, teamwork, or going above and beyond. Announce the winner each month and reward them with a dedicated parking spot or decorate their office space to make them feel special!
Top tip
Keep the program fair and transparent. Encourage nominations from all team members, and consider rotating the selection committee to involve different perspectives.
14. Celebration emails
Sending Celebration Emails is like spreading joy through your team's inbox. It's a quick and effective way to highlight individual achievements and boost team morale.
How to do it
Regularly send out celebratory emails to the entire team, spotlighting their accomplishments, milestones, or contributions. Include a brief description of the achievement, a congratulatory message, and a shout-out to the team member. Encourage others to chime in with their congratulations.
Top tip
Keep the emails concise and engaging. Use eye-catching visuals or GIFs to make them visually appealing and shareable. Celebrate as a team with both big and small wins to create a culture of appreciation.
15. Social media shout-outs
Social Media shout-outs feel the same as giving your team members a virtual standing ovation. It's a public way to recognize employees and showcase their accomplishments to a wider audience. Plus, everyone likes to show off to their friends by sharing the post ;)
How to do it
Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X) or the company's official Instagram page to acknowledge employees' achievements. Share their success stories, photos, or videos, and use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. Don't forget to tag the employees being recognized!
Top tip
Engage your team by encouraging them to share their own achievements on their personal social media profiles, using a specific company-related hashtag. This not only promotes a culture of celebration but also amplifies your team's accomplishments.
16. Mentorship programs shout-outs
Highlighting Mentorship Programs gives a lot of credit to those who guide and inspire others. It's a powerful way to recognize employees who play a significant role in fostering growth and development within your team.
How to do it
Showcase employees who have served as mentors to their colleagues. Share success stories of mentees who have benefited from their guidance and support. Highlight the positive influence these mentors have had on the team's overall performance and professional development.
Top tip
Encourage mentorship within your organization by promoting mentorship opportunities and recognizing mentors regularly. Create a mentorship hall of fame or dedicated section on your company's intranet to celebrate these influential team members.
17. Surprise desk deliveries
Surprise desk deliveries are sure to make your team members' day! It's like a shout-out in a box, filled with treats, flowers, or small gifts to brighten their workspace.
How to do it
Arrange surprise deliveries to employees' desks sporadically. Choose items you know they'll love. It could be their favorite snack, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a small personalized gift. Add a note with a shout-out to express your appreciation.
Top tip
Try a range of different websites until you find the best kind of box for your shout-outs. One of our favorites is Basketry!
18. Personalized thank you notes
Sending personalized thank you notes is like giving your employees a warm hug (metaphorically, of course). This practice shows you’re acknowledging their unique contributions and showing genuine appreciation.
How to do it
Take a moment to write a heartfelt thank you note for each team member. Mention specific instances where they've excelled or made a difference. It doesn't have to be fancy; it just needs to be personal and sincere. You can go old-school with handwritten notes or use email—it's the thought that counts.
Top tip
Don't wait for a special occasion to send these notes. Make it a habit to appreciate your team members for their everyday efforts. Consistency is the key here, and it goes a long way in building trust and motivation.
19. Department appreciation days
Department appreciation days (similar to Administrative Professionals Day) are pretty much how they sound but we see them as a shout-out festival for your various departments! It's a fantastic way to highlight and celebrate the unique contributions of each team. This is a super effective team-building strategy!
How to do it
Dedicate specific days to show appreciation for different departments within your organization. Decorate their workspace, organize team-building activities, or host a department-themed lunch. Give each department a shout-out for their outstanding efforts and contributions.
Top tip
Keep it inclusive! Encourage cross-department shout-outs during these special days to foster a sense of unity and appreciation across your entire organization.
20. Employee spotlight blog
Do you have a company blog on your website? Why not consider adding an Employee Spotlight section? This idea is like a digital stage for giving a shout-out to your exceptional employees every week.
How to do it
Start a company blog where you highlight one outstanding employee per week. Share their achievements, personal stories, and contributions to the team. Don't forget to give them a big shout-out in each blog post!
Top tip
Encourage team members to suggest colleagues they think deserve a spot in the spotlight. It fosters a culture of recognition and ensures that no one's hard work goes unnoticed.
21. Productivity ‘Hour of power’
Introducing the ‘Hour of power’ – a shout-out to those who go above and beyond during this special hour!
How to do it
Designate a specific time, where employees focus on their tasks and give it their all. Afterwards, recognize and shout-out those who have demonstrated exceptional productivity during this time. Share their achievements and celebrate their dedication to getting things done.
Top tip
Make the Hour of Power a regular part of your team's routine. Consistency encourages employees to stay motivated and strive for productivity shout-outs, creating a culture of excellence.
22. Remote team shout-outs
Elevate your virtual meetings with remote team shout-outs! Never forget those members behind the screen, they definitely deserve a shout out for all their hard work behind the scenes.
How to do it
During video meetings, surprise your team by using virtual backgrounds that showcase a montage video or snapshots of big moments. It's a visual shout-out that adds excitement and makes accomplishments come to life, even in the virtual world.
Top tip
Keep it lively and engaging. Make sure to capture memorable and heartwarming moments that reflect your team's achievements and camaraderie.
23. Shout-out karaoke
Time to hit the virtual stage with Shout-Out Karaoke! It's a fun and musical way to dedicate songs to your high-achieving colleagues.
How to do it
Host a virtual karaoke session where employees sing songs dedicated to their peers who've excelled or contributed significantly. Suggest funny and popular songs that relate to achievement or teamwork. It's a creative and entertaining way to give a shout-out and spread positivity.
Top tip
Put together a company-wide suggestion box for songs that are related to heroic efforts of those who deserve recognition. ‘We Are The Champions’, anybody?!
24. Spotlight newsletter
How about a section in your company newsletter? Not only does this give the employee the deserved recognition, it sends a message to your readers; ‘Our company appreciates our hard workers’!
How to do it
Dedicate a section in your company newsletter to highlight and give a shout-out to employees who have made significant contributions or achieved remarkable milestones. Share their stories, achievements, and why they deserve the spotlight. It's a shout-out that reaches the entire organization.
Top tip
Make the section a regular feature in your newsletter to ensure consistent recognition. Encourage employees to nominate their colleagues, creating a sense of involvement and appreciation throughout the company.
25. An all-hands meeting shoutout
Giving an all-hands meeting shoutout is like putting the spotlight on our remarkable employees, right here in front of the entire company, including the big wigs at the top. It's a fantastic way to let everyone know just how much we appreciate our outstanding team members.
How to do it
During your all-hands meeting, take a moment to shine a spotlight on an outstanding team member. Share their achievements, contributions, and why they deserve this shoutout.
Top tip
Keep it genuine and relatable. Share stories and specific achievements that resonate with the entire team, highlighting the employee's impact and commitment. An all-hands meeting shoutout not only celebrates individual success but also reinforces our culture of appreciation and unity.
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