7 Best Employee Appreciation Activities For Hybrid and Remote Teams

Employee appreciation activities are emerging as a cornerstone of connected hybrid workplaces. With remote employee engagement becoming increasingly common, the way we say “thank you” needs a serious upgrade.

Teams are no longer clustered in the same office kitchen, swapping stories over coffee. Instead, we’re scattered across cities, time zones, and sometimes even continents, making hybrid work employee engagement both more challenging and more rewarding.

When recognition doesn’t happen (or when it feels half-hearted), the silence can be louder than any feedback. Imagine finishing a huge project late at night, only to log in the next day to… nothing. No mention in the meeting. No note from your manager. Just the next task waiting.

It doesn’t take many of those moments before enthusiasm fades.

That’s why, in 2025, thoughtful employee appreciation activities are a cultural necessity.

In this blog, you'll find:

❤️     Why Employee Appreciation Matters for Hybrid and Remote Teams

💡      7 Creative Employee Appreciation Activities for Hybrid Teams

🛠️     How To Appreciate Employees Remotely: Best Practices

⚠️     Common Mistakes To Avoid

🏁     Closing Thoughts

❓       Employee Appreciation FAQs

Why Employee Appreciation Matters for Hybrid and Remote Teams

Think of appreciation as fuel. In an office setting, you could walk past someone’s desk, give a nod of approval, or stop by for a quick “Hey, nice work.”

But in a hybrid setup, those natural moments vanish. Recognition has to be intentional, not incidental.

And it makes a real difference.

A survey of over 1,000 organizations with remote and hybrid models found that 57% of remote employees who receive regular recognition report higher motivation and stronger commitment to their team.

For remote employees, the stakes are even higher. Without recognition, distance can start to feel like disconnection.

And disengaged employees aren’t just less productive, they’re less creative, less collaborative, and more likely to leave.

This is why employee appreciation in a hybrid workplace is one of the most powerful levers managers have. Recognition for remote employees bridges the digital gap. Done well, it transforms a collection of individuals working from living rooms and co-working spaces into a team with shared purpose.

7 Creative Employee Appreciation Activities for Hybrid Teams

Before we dive in, here’s something to keep in mind: every team is different, and the way appreciation lands can vary from person to person. That’s where a little guidance can go a long way. And sometimes, it helps to have a partner who’s been down this road before.

If you’d like some help designing employee appreciation activities that truly resonate with your people, our team at LineZero would love to chat, just reach out and let’s talk!

With that in mind, here are 7 ideas that blend practicality with creativity. These aren’t one-size-fits-all checklists, but rather starting points you can adapt to your culture:

1. Virtual Employee Recognition Events.

Host quarterly or monthly recognition events online where team members can nominate peers for accomplishments.

Think of it like an “open mic night” for appreciation.

Platforms like Zoom or Teams can make these events feel celebratory, especially if leaders show up with genuine enthusiasm.

This is one of the best ways to show appreciation at work because it’s visible, public, and participatory.

2. Shout-Outs in Company-Wide Chats or Meetings.

A quick Workvivo shout-out or a mention in an all-hands meeting goes a long way.

Recognition doesn’t always need a grand gesture; sometimes, it’s the real-time acknowledgment that feels the most authentic.

Pair it with a GIF, emoji reaction, or inside joke to add personality.

3. Personalized Thank-You Videos or Emails.

Instead of a standard “Thanks for your hard work,” record a short video or send a heartfelt audio note. A 30-second message saying why you value someone’s contribution is more memorable than a mass email.

This small step shows that you took time, arguably the most valuable currency in remote work.

4. Hybrid Team-Building Activities.

Plan activities that bring together both in-office and remote folks.

Examples include trivia games, online escape rooms, or hybrid hackathons where people contribute from anywhere.

The goal isn’t just fun; it’s about weaving recognition into moments of connection. These employee appreciation ideas for remote teams double as culture builders.

5. E-Gift Cards and Digital Rewards.

While financial rewards aren’t everything, a surprise e-gift card can be a thoughtful gesture.

Digital reward platforms make it easy to send small tokens of appreciation instantly, from coffee shop gift cards to experience vouchers.

6. Employee Appreciation Days: Remote and On-Site.

Set aside a dedicated day to celebrate the team.

For remote employees, send care packages in advance: snacks, merch, or wellness kits. For on-site staff, coordinate lunches or in-office surprises.

The key is ensuring both groups feel equally celebrated.

7. Wellness or Learning Stipends.

Appreciation isn’t just about a “thank you.” It’s also about investing in people.

Offering stipends for online courses, gym memberships, or meditation apps shows you care about growth and well-being, not just output.

At LineZero, for example, every employee receives a Calm subscription to support mental health and mindfulness as part of our commitment to overall well-being.

This ties directly into hybrid work employee engagement: valuing employees beyond the deliverables.

How To Appreciate Employees Remotely: Best Practices

Here are a few guiding practices to keep recognition consistent, meaningful, and personal:

• Regular Check-Ins: Appreciation shouldn’t wait for annual reviews. Incorporate recognition into weekly or biweekly one-on-ones.

• Use Recognition Tools: Platforms like Workvivo have Shout-Out features that allow team members to publicly recognize each other's achievements, fostering a culture of appreciation.

• Personalize Your Approach: Not everyone values appreciation the same way. Some love public praise; others prefer private notes. Take time to learn what resonates with each team member.

• Be Timely: Recognition has a shelf life. The closer it happens to the accomplishment, the more it matters.

When you consistently apply these practices, remote appreciation becomes part of the team’s rhythm instead of an afterthought.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even with the best intentions, recognition for remote employees can sometimes miss the mark.

Here are common pitfalls: 

• Forgetting Remote Employees: Celebrating only in-office wins can create resentment. Always mirror recognition across remote and hybrid setups.

• Generic Recognition: “Good job, team!” may sound nice, but it doesn’t stick. Be specific: what did the person do, and why did it matter?

• One-Size-Fits-All Rewards: Not everyone wants the same type of appreciation. Tailor gestures to individual preferences when possible.

Avoiding these mistakes is often as important as the activities themselves.

PRO TIP 
To avoid generic recognition, consider using tools like Workvivo’s Badges, which make it easy to give personalized and meaningful acknowledgments that feel genuine rather than automated.

Closing Thoughts

Appreciation is like sunlight: too little, and growth stalls; just enough, and people thrive.

In 2025, as teams continue to balance in-office and remote realities, the companies that win will be the ones that master intentional, authentic employee appreciation activities.

Whether it’s a thoughtful video message, a surprise stipend, or a well-timed shout-out, the goal is simple: remind your team that they’re seen, valued, and essential.

Because at the end of the day, employee appreciation isn’t just about retention. It’s about building workplaces where people actually want to show up, wherever “show up” happens to be.

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EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION FAQs