7 Tips for Creating Meaningful Employee Appreciation Plaques

When it comes to employee recognition and appreciation, a little goes a long way. A simple "thank you" can go a long way towards making your team members feel appreciated, but if you really want to show your employees how much you value their hard work, an employee appreciation plaque is the way to go. Plaques can commemorate everything from years of service to special achievements. 

If you're responsible for ordering employee appreciation plaques, you might wonder what information should be included on the plaque. This blog post will give you 7 ideas for what to include on employee appreciation plaques. With these ideas in mind, you'll be able to choose the details that will make your plaque truly personal and meaningful. 

What to Include on an Employee Appreciation Plaque 

When ordering an employee appreciation plaque, there are a few key pieces of information that should always be included: 

1. Employee Name

This one is pretty self-explanatory—after all, an employee appreciation plaque isn't much use if it doesn't include the name of the person you're honoring! In addition to the employee's full name, you might also want to include their nickname or initials. 

2. Date of Achievement

Whether your employees are being recognized for reaching a milestone in their tenure with the company or for going above and beyond on a specific project, it's essential to include the date of their achievement on the plaque. This will help your team members remember the specific accomplishment they're being honored for and add a sense of urgency to your words of appreciation. 

3. Company Name

An employee appreciation plaque is an excellent opportunity to show off your company's logo and name. Not only will this help your plaque stand out, but it will also serve as a reminder to your team members that they are part of something bigger than themselves. 

4. Company Logo

As we mentioned above, including your company logo on employee appreciation plaques is a great way to make them truly personal and unique. If you don't have a company logo yet, now is the perfect time to create one! Not sure where to start? We recommend using a free online logo maker like Canva.  

5. Purpose of the Award

In order to make sure that your plaque is significant, it's essential to include the purpose of the award itself. Whether it's for "Excellence in customer service", "Going above and beyond," or "5 Years of Service," including the purpose of the award will help ensure that your plaque says exactly what you want it to say.  

6. Quote

A short quote is a great way to add some personality to your plaque while still keeping things professional. To get started, try looking up famous quotes about teamwork, excellence, or leadership—or come up with something original that captures the spirit of your company culture. 

7. Personalized Details

If you want to make your plaque special, consider adding personalized details about the recipient. For example, try including a brief description of their role within the company instead of just listing their title. Or, if there's a particular trait or skill you'd like to highlight, consider adding that as well. By tailoring each plaque specifically to its recipient, you'll be able to show each team member how much you appreciate them as an individual.  

You might also want to consider adding a brief message of congratulations from a specific individual, such as the company president or CEO. This helps make the award feel even more significant and personal. For example, you could say, "Thank you for your hard work and dedication", or "Your contribution has made a significant impact on our company." A personalized message will add an extra touch of appreciation that your employees are sure to love. 

Ideas for Quotes and Personalized Details  

If you're struggling to come up with the perfect quote for your plaque, don't worry—you're not alone. Here are a few resources that can help: 

Making Your Employee Appreciation Plaques Stand Out 

Don't just go with the standard company-issued gift card when showing your appreciation for a job well done. Show that you put some thought into it by giving a unique plaque commemorating the achievement. Here are some tips for customizing your plaques for each employee: 

  • Choose a plaque design that reflects the personality or interests of your employees: If you have an employee who is a big fan of a particular sports team, consider finding a plaque that features their team's theme. Look for a plaque with an outdoor theme for someone who loves the outdoors. And if your company has a mascot, try to find a plaque that includes it. 
  • Use high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure that the plaques are long-lasting and attractive: Your employees will be proud to display their achievements for years to come, so make sure the plaque is made of high-quality materials. 

Wrapping Up

Saying "thank you" to employees is key to maintaining a happy, healthy workplace. And what better way to do that than with a personalized plaque? Employee appreciation plaques are a great way to show your employees how much you value their hard work and dedication. As you can see, you can include many different things on an employee appreciation plaque. The most important thing is to ensure that the plaque is personalized and provides information relevant to the employee and their achievement. With a little thought and creativity, you can create a plaque that will be cherished for years to come! 

With these ideas in mind, you're well on your way to creating custom employee appreciation plaques that are both personal and professional. Just remember to keep things concise—after all, less is often more when writing for plaques. And if you're ever stuck for inspiration, try looking up quotes about teamwork or excellence—or reach out to us for help! We specialize in creating customized awards and gifts that are sure to impress.