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Remember and celebrate birthdays -

Everyone likes to pretend they don't care very much for their birthdays, but everybody's lying! Make someone's special day even better by remembering their birthday and making it a true celebration around the office.

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An office trophy -

There's something about a big, shiny trophy that exudes a sense of accomplishment and pride. Just like members of a sports team split custody of a trophy for a job well done, think about introducing a trophy in the office that excelling teams can take home and show off.

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A classic thank-you note -

Nothing says "thank you" like, well, a thank-you note! Some might say they're outdated, but most will agree that taking the time to put your appreciation down in ink means just as much as the words themselves.

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Pizza party! -

Pizza parties never get old, and are a great way to show you appreciate your team. What better way to take a much-deserved break than over a slice of pie?

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Holiday parties -

Really, any sort of party is a great way to say thanks. Following holidays throughout the year and having a little office gathering for each will ensure your hardworking crew are getting the rest and relaxation they deserve.

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A good, old-fashioned raise -

Smiles and sentimentality are all good and well, but there's one thing everyone at work has in common: they work for money, and money is important. The simplest and best way to show an employee you appreciate their hard work is by compensating them for it with a raise.

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Pay attention to employee anniversaries -

Studies show that today's younger workforce are less likely to stay at the same company for an extended period of time, which means loyal employees who stick around are becoming rarer and rarer. Show your longtimers you appreciate them sticking around by observing anniversaries of their time working for the company.

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Foster peer-to-peer encouragement -

Sometimes compliments mean the most when they come from peers. As a boss, create an environment where employees can easily congratulate each other on jobs well done.

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Cover commuting costs -

People who work in offices dedicate huge amounts of their weeks just getting to and from work, sacrificing their own, unpaid time to get to the workplace. Employees love it when bosses help out with commuting costs, whether in the form of gas money or bus passes.

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Honor out-of-office achievements -

Of course, people's lives and achievements don't stop at the office door. People do incredible things in their personal lives, and it's a very kind gesture to recognize and celebrate those things on company time.

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Boss for a day -

Everybody is envious of the boss' big corner office and the soft, fancy chair. If a particular employee has been doing an exceptional job, show them you appreciate it by letting them take your office for a day.

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Offer education time -

More often than not, people have dreams and aspirations that extend beyond the office. Sometimes it can be hard to find the time, or the money, to pursue educational goals. Help out your hardworking employees by letting them carve out some office time dedicated to their education.

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Personalized coffee cups -

A great, affordable gift for the whole office is coffee cups personalized for each employee. You can order them premade, or make a whole day out of it and let them decorate their mugs themselves.

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PTO rewards -

Probably the second-most valued prize in the office besides a raise is paid time off. Rewarding a productive employee with some extra vacation days is a close-to-perfect way to show that you notice their hard work.

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Send a gift to your remote workers -

There are ways to show your thanks to any remote employees you might have, too. Send a care package full of goodies to their house to show you haven't forgotten them.

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Prioritize mental health -

Employees can often feel that their physical and mental wellness is considered secondary to productivity. Show them that you care for them as a human being and not just a worker bee by allowing them to set aside time in their day to focus on themselves.

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Give personalized feedback -

It's easy to give generalized feedback like "great job" and "keep it up," but employees will feel the most noticed and valued when positive feedback touches on specific things about their particular performance that sets them apart.

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Be quick to show appreciation -

Make sure that you're quick to let your employees know what they're doing right. Keep their motivation high by showing you're actively aware of their good work, not just reading numbers on a sheet at the end of every month.

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Give public compliments -

It can also help with a worker's sense of achievement and pride if they are praised in public. Feeling like a good example and a valuable part of the team is good for anyone.

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Show the internet that you're proud of your employees -

If there is any social media use between you and your employees, you might as well show your appreciation online as well.

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Organize after-work activities -

Life is about more than just the nine-to-five grind, and a great way to level with your employees is by taking them out for a drink or a game of pool after work.

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Personalize rewards -

Not everyone has the same relationship with workplace rewards as everyone else. Some people might like a few extra days off, while others might be happy with a pizza party. Go the extra mile as a boss and personalize the ways with which you show your appreciation.

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Employee of the month -

Employee of the month is a classic motivation strategy, and it's a classic for a reason. Bring this tried-and-true tactic into your workplace and see the smiles bloom.

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Take time out of the day to mingle -

No one likes a boss locked away in their ivory tower. Leave your desk once in a while, walk around, and get to know your employees on a personal level.

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Corporate gamification -

One of the 21st century's favorite new strategies is called corporate gamification. This motivation tactic assigns points, levels, and rewards to everyday tasks.

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Surprise party! -

Birthday parties and holiday parties: everyone can see those coming. If you really want to wow your workforce, throw them a surprise party when they least expect it.

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Gift cards -

Gift cards are a great and simple way to show your appreciation if you think cash bonuses are tacky. Putting a pretty penny on a gift card is just as good.

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Organize a work outing -

Physical activity is immensely important, especially for those who work sedentary office jobs. Show you care about your employees' health by organizing a hiking or canoe trip, for example.

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Team feedback day -

One of the most impactful ways to improve the working conditions of your employees is to simply listen to their suggestions. Schedule a day where your team tells you everything they think would make the workday easier and would make them feel more appreciated. 

Sources: (Indeed) (Harvard Business Review) (Hoppier)

See also: The benefits of team-building activities

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