In 1983, the top song on Billboard’s Hot 100 was “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. Ronald Reagan was in office at the time, gas was about $1.23 per gallon, and somewhere in West Michigan a small company called Baudville was just coming to fruition. 40 years later, that small company has expanded, evolved, and persevered through a recession in 2008, a worldwide pandemic in 2020, and a whole lot more in-between.

In today’s work climate, employee appreciation is often seen as a want rather than a need. Instead of prioritizing recognition in the workplace, it’s often pushed aside and drowned out among all the daily tasks and priorities of a hustling and bustling business. But here’s the thing – employee appreciation is much more than a want. Data has shown time and time again that it’s absolutely essential for a thriving culture that produces incredible results.

We’re just two weeks away from Employee Appreciation Day (March 3)! AHHH. We’re excited and hope you are too, but we know some of you out there are stressed out rather than excited. We’re looking at you, procrastinators! Don’t worry though because we’ve been there and done that, and we know that you ~thrive~ under pressure.

Employees should be appreciated each and every day, of course, but hey – why not make them feel extra special this Employee Appreciation Day? It’s quite literally the perfect excuse to have some fun, to spread some thanks, and to build a company culture full of gratitude.

According to a recent study by Zippia, a whopping 89% of workers have experienced burnout within the past year. That is INSANE, but not surprising. While we all get integrated into the hustle and bustle of American work culture, feeling stressed and overwhelmed is honestly just a norm. The problem? It shouldn’t be.