The shift to remote work has brought many benefits, but it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping employees engaged and appreciated. Without the casual office interactions that naturally build connection, remote workers can feel isolated or overlooked.
Here are eight thoughtful ways to show your remote team they’re valued while keeping productivity high:
1. Equip Them for Success at Home
Working from the couch or kitchen table might be comfortable at first, but poor ergonomics lead to long-term health issues like back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel.
✅ How to help:
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Provide a home office stipend for ergonomic chairs, standing desks, or monitor stands.
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Offer tech upgrades like noise-canceling headphones or blue light glasses.
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Send a wellness guide with stretches and posture tips.
A well-equipped workspace shows you care about their health—not just their output.
2. Surprise Them with Thoughtful Gifts
Celebrating milestones remotely can feel lonely. A small surprise reminds them they’re valued beyond their work.
🎁 Ideas that make an impact:
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Birthday or work anniversary gifts (personalized mugs, books, or snack boxes).
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"Just because" care packages (self-care items, gourmet coffee, or handwritten notes).
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Subscription services (meal kits, audiobooks, or wellness apps).
Even a $10 coffee gift card with a personal message can brighten their day.
3. Support Local Businesses with Meal Perks
Takeout isn’t just convenient—it supports struggling restaurants while giving employees a break from cooking.
🍽️ Ways to implement:
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Monthly meal credits (DoorDash, Uber Eats, or local restaurant gift cards).
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Virtual team lunches (order the same cuisine and eat together on Zoom).
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Snack stipends for coffee or pantry staples.
This boosts morale and helps the community.
4. Host Virtual Happy Hours
Remote work lacks watercooler chats. Casual virtual gatherings rebuild that social connection.
🍷 Make it fun:
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Themed trivia nights (pop culture, company history, or fun facts).
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"Show & Tell" (let employees share hobbies, pets, or travel stories).
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Online games (Jackbox, Among Us, or simple icebreakers).
Even 30 minutes once a month strengthens team bonds.
5. Invest in Their Growth
Without office mentorship, remote employees may feel stuck in their career paths.
📚 Development opportunities:
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Paid online courses (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or industry certifications).
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Virtual mentorship programs (pair junior and senior team members).
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"Lunch & Learn" sessions (internal or guest speakers).
Employees stay engaged when they see a future with your company.
6. Start a Virtual Book Club
For teams who love reading, this combines learning with social connection.
📖 How to run it:
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Poll employees for genre preferences.
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Set a monthly book (audiobook options included).
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Host a discussion meeting with themed snacks (delivered to their door!).
Add small rewards (gift cards or extra PTO) for participants.
7. Give Specific, Personalized Recognition
Generic "good job" messages fall flat. Meaningful recognition should be:
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Timely (soon after the achievement).
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Specific ("Your presentation on X helped us land the client!").
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Visible (shared in team chats or meetings).
💡 Bonus: Record a 30-second thank-you video from their manager.
8. Launch a Wellness Program
Remote work blurs work-life balance. A wellness program shows you care about their whole well-being.
🧘 Ideas to try:
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Step challenges (with fitness tracker giveaways).
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Meditation or yoga sessions (live or recorded).
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Mental health resources (therapy discounts, stress management guides).
Wellness perks reduce burnout and improve long-term retention.
Final Thought: Small Efforts, Big Impact
Remote employees don’t need grand gestures—just consistent, thoughtful appreciation. Even one or two of these strategies can make a difference in keeping your team motivated, connected, and valued.
💌 Which idea will you try first?
Need Help Implementing These Ideas?
Explore our remote employee appreciation kits or book a consultation for personalized strategies.
