10 Employee appreciation ideas for large companies

2. Invest in opportunities for ongoing learning and skill growth

Supporting continuous learning is a great way for large companies to show appreciation while also investing in their people’s growth. Offering access to online courses, workshops, certifications, or even tuition assistance tells employees that the organization believes in their potential.

More than simply a perk, it’s a sign that the company values long-term development, not just day-to-day output. When people feel like they’re growing, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

In a big organization, learning opportunities can also help employees feel less like just another number. Personalized development plans send a strong message of trust and respect. Training is also a proven change management best practice, equipping employees with the skills needed to adapt smoothly to new tools or organizational shifts.

SC Training’s course library can be your go-to resource for your team’s training needs. Customize any of the 1,000+ microlearning courses with your branding and messaging, and deliver them in minutes. Your teams can access free, expertly made content that features lessons from HACCP, ASSP, UNITAR, and more.

3. Offer experiences as rewards

Recognizing employees with experience, instead of just gifts or bonuses, can be a powerful way to show appreciation. This is especially true in large companies where personal touches are harder to come by. 

Experiences like spa days, cooking classes, or even travel vouchers create lasting memories and send the message that the company values more than just productivity. They also offer employees something they can truly enjoy and talk about, which builds positive feelings not just toward the experience itself, but toward the workplace too.

For big companies, offering experience-based rewards can also help foster connection and boost morale across teams. A group outing to a fun event or a company-sponsored retreat can bring people together in ways a gift card can’t. Plus, giving employees the option to choose their own experience makes the appreciation feel more personal. 

4. Add excitement with creative, fun awards

Giving out fun awards is a lighthearted and effective way to recognize employees in a large company setting. These awards don’t have to be tied to performance metrics. They can celebrate personality, quirks, or unique contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

It’s a simple way to make people feel appreciated without making everything about KPIs or sales numbers. Fun awards also help build a positive culture by encouraging camaraderie. In big organizations where it’s easy to feel like just a number, these small, creative moments can go a long way in making people feel like part of a team. 

5. Give space for employees to pursue their passion

Give employees time or support to pursue their passions outside of work. Whether it’s offering “passion days” off or funding a creative class, these gestures show that your company values its teams.

Helping employees explore what they love can also lead to more energized and engaged teams. When people feel fulfilled in and out of the office, they bring that energy back into their work. It’s a win-win: employees feel appreciated and companies benefit from happier, more creative minds.

6. Recognize big and small wins

Big achievements, like landing a major client or finishing a long-term project, definitely deserve a spotlight, but it’s just as important to notice the smaller efforts too. Things like helping a teammate, improving a process, or consistently showing up with a positive attitude all contribute to a strong, successful company culture.

A brief acknowledgment during a meeting or a thoughtful thank-you note can make a big impact. In large organizations where it’s easy for small efforts to get lost, regular recognition of all types of wins tells employees that what they do matters, no matter the size of the task.

7. Open feedback loops for employers to share how they like to be appreciated

In large companies, one of the best ways to show employees you truly care is by asking them how they want to be appreciated. Not everyone feels valued in the same way. Some prefer public recognition, while others appreciate a quiet thank-you or a personalized note. 

Setting up easy feedback channels, like quick surveys or short one-on-one check-ins, helps leaders learn what kinds of appreciation resonate with their teams. By actively listening and responding to employee preferences, companies can tailor their appreciation efforts to be more meaningful and effective. 

8. Encourage balance with physical and mental wellness initiatives

By offering activities like yoga sessions, mental health resources, and fitness challenges, companies give employees a chance to explore what helps them feel their best. As people participate, leaders can observe which areas draw the most interest.

These insights can help shape future appreciation efforts around what really matters to the team. For example, if there’s a strong turnout for mindfulness classes, it might be worth investing in ongoing wellness programs or offering mental health days. A wellness fair can be an insightful window into how employees want to be cared for. 

9. Make work anniversaries special

Whether someone’s been with the company for one year or ten, recognizing anniversary milestones shows appreciation for their commitment and contributions. It can be as easy as a personalized note from a manager or a small gift that reflects their interests. 

Celebrating work anniversaries is an overlooked employee appreciation idea for large companies. But it lets employees know they’re not just a name on a payroll, they’re an important part of the company’s story. Anniversary milestones are a chance to reflect on growth, highlight achievements, and thank people for being part of the journey. 

10. Promote flexibility by letting employees adapt their schedules

Thinking of inexpensive employee appreciation gifts? Giving people the freedom to better balance work with personal responsibilities is a meaningful way to show that the company cares. This can help in many ways, like managing health appointments, picking up kids from school, or simply working during their most productive hours.

Flexibility also signals trust. It shows the company believes in its employees to get the job done without needing to be micromanaged. In a large organization, even small changes like flexible start times or remote work options can have a big impact on morale and engagement. 

Even workplace learning got a whole lot more flexible. With SC Training’s mobile-first platform, upskilling is at your team’s fingertips, regardless of whether they’re in the office or working from home. No coordinating or scheduling required.