Beyond 'Thank you': 10 leaders share their favourite way of showing recognition to their employees and teams

Leaders from The Cookware Company, VaynerMedia APAC, Amoy Food, and more affirm that appreciation, when done with sincerity, strengthens relationships, boosts morale, and creates a culture where people feel truly valued.

- Story by Priya Sunil and Tracy Chan.

Employee recognition comes in many forms, from a simple "thank you" to personalised gestures that make a lasting impact.

Ahead of Employee Appreciation Day on 7 March 2025 (Friday), Priya Sunil and Tracy Chan speak to leaders in Asia who share how they show gratitude — whether it’s ordering bubble tea for the team, writing heartfelt notes, or simply being present to support and uplift those around them.

No matter the approach taken, the message is clear: appreciation, when done with sincerity, strengthens relationships, boosts morale, and creates a culture where people feel truly valued.

Let's read and be inspired!

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Kristy Lam, Head of HR APAC, The Cookware Company

I express my appreciation for those around me by showing gratitude in person and sharing food, like ordering bubble tea for a fun afternoon! 

For my team, I give small, practical gifts during festive times, sometimes paired with handwritten cards. Although I may not always be verbally expressive, these gestures convey my thanks effectively.

In overall, I think it is key to maintain neutrality in my leadership role while recognising and valuing everyone’s efforts, ensuring all feel appreciated without compromising my position.

Wendy Yeo, Global Head, Learning and Development, Olam Food Ingredients

For me, it’s about being PRESENT, as a LEADER to facilitate decisions, as a COACH & MENTOR to open doors, as a fellow COMRADE to connect dots and overcome challenges together, and last but not least, as a FRIEND to share wins and woes.

By being present, those around me will know I see, hear and feel them, as individuals.

Dawn Wong, Head of People & Experience, APAC, VaynerMedia APAC

Sending heartfelt messages when least expected, letting someone know how they matter & the impact they have made. Checking in, following up on conversations that matter to them—because it’s those moments that truly count.

A simple “thank you” can carry so much weight, but it’s these small, sincere gestures that show people they’re deeply cherished, not just in my thoughts but in my heart as well.

Eric Chau, Group Human Resources Director, Amoy Food Limited

Recognising and appreciating colleagues is essential for fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Here are some thoughtful ways to show appreciation:

1. Verbal praise: A simple, sincere "thank you" or acknowledging their hard work in a team meeting can go a long way. Be specific about what you appreciate, such as their creativity, dedication, or problem-solving skills.
2. Written notes: A handwritten note or a thoughtful email expressing gratitude can make someone feel valued. It’s a personal touch that shows you took the time to recognise their efforts.
3. Public recognition: Highlight their achievements in team meetings, newsletters, or company-wide communications. This not only boosts their morale but also sets a positive example for others.
4. Small gifts or tokens: A small gift, like a coffee, a snack, or a book they might enjoy, can be a meaningful gesture. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just something that shows you were thinking of them.
5. Offer help: Show appreciation by offering to help them with their workload or projects. This demonstrates that you value their time and effort and are willing to support them in return.
6. Celebrate milestones: Recognise their personal or professional milestones, such as work anniversaries, birthdays, or completing a big project. A small celebration or acknowledgment can make them feel special.
7. Provide opportunities: Advocate for their growth by recommending them for new projects, training, or leadership opportunities. This shows you believe in their potential.
8. Listen and engage: Take the time to listen to their ideas, concerns, or feedback. Showing genuine interest in their thoughts is a powerful way to make them feel appreciated.
9. Team shout-outs: Create a culture of recognition by encouraging team members to shout out each other’s contributions. This can be done through a dedicated Slack channel, bulletin board, or during team meetings.
10. Flexibility and support: Offer flexibility in their schedule or support during challenging times. This shows you care about their wellbeing and work-life balance.

Ultimately, the best way to appreciate colleagues is to be genuine and consistent in your efforts. Tailor your approach to what you know they’ll appreciate most, as everyone values recognition differently. 

Cyl Lin, HR Director & APJ HR Business Partner, Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX Company

I love recognising and appreciating those around me by celebrating small wins together through foodie hunts, get-togethers, and team activities. These shared experiences build trust, collaboration, and deepen relationships. Additionally, expressing gratitude through heartfelt letters makes individuals feel valued and motivated.

Combining these approaches creates a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels appreciated and inspired to achieve more together.

Lup Wai Chan, Founder, Powerplay Edu Lab

Personally, I prefer to recognise and show appreciation continuously rather than waiting for a big occasion. It can be as simple as a heartfelt "thank you" or a coffee date, while also offering support to help them achieve their goals.

Carrie Leung, Director of HR, JLL Hong Kong

Demonstrating appreciation, gratitude, and encouragement supports wellbeing and is an integral part of an inclusive workplace. Everything starts simply with a 'thank you’.

At JLL, recognising our people is a core part of our culture. Going Beyond, JLL's recognition platform, is available to all employees globally. Like other colleagues, I can use Going Beyond to say 'thank you' to any colleague, anytime and anywhere – to show my appreciation in everyday moments and to acknowledge those who go above and beyond.

Darren Kwok, Talent Acquisition Partner, Durapower Technology (Singapore)

My favourite way of recognising and appreciating colleagues is through personalised acknowledgments. I believe that taking the time to understand what motivates each individual and tailoring my appreciation to their preferences makes a significant impact.

Whether it's a heartfelt handshake at the office pantry congratulating colleagues on their well-deserved promotions, a small token of appreciation, or sharing snacks during key occasions, I make an effort to make each recognition meaningful and sincere. This is especially true for those who first connected with me as a Talent Acquisition Partner before becoming employees at Durapower.

Cindy Cheng, Vice President, People & Culture, COMO Hotels and Resorts

At COMO Hotels and Resorts, we celebrate Appreciation Day every March as a reminder to be grateful for the opportunity to work together as one team. However, appreciation is not just a once-a-year event, it should come from the heart and be personal to each individual.

Each year, we explore new ways to express our gratitude. One year, we provided colourful post-it notes and encourage everyone to write a specific thank-you message to as many colleagues as they wish. We ran out of space on the Appreciation Wall due to the overwhelming responses. Another time, we placed M&Ms on everyone’s desk with a note: 'Much & many thanks for all you do!'

We also worked with the mobile massage team of SAVH (Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped) to bring in visually impaired masseurs to offer shoulder massage in the office.

Beyond these small gestures, we also recognise excellence through our quarterly newsletter where we celebrate success stories. We highlight COMO Heroes – team members who go the extra mile in sustainability; as well as our Service Stars, who create memorable experiences for our guests.

However, appreciation is personal. Some may enjoy a small treat, while others value a leader stepping in to lend a hand. For some, the greatest form of appreciation is simply trust and autonomy, allowing them to feel empowered in their work.

The key is to take the time to understand your team member and what makes them feel valued.

Quek Li Ling, Head, Human Resources, General Affairs and Marketing Communications, Cathay United Bank

As a career Human Resources practitioner, I have always been a believer in paying for performance. After all, this is what can make the biggest impact to a staff member when it comes to showing recognition for the work that they do. It is the most tangible way for the company and a leader to show that they recognize the achievements of their staff.

Outside of the monetary aspects, I feel that it is also equally important to show appreciation to our staff in the “softer” aspects such as through things we say or gestures that demonstrate recognition. My approach towards showing appreciation to my staff has been to always have their interests and well-being at heart.

This can come in the form of nominations for company-wide awards or special mentions for work well-done. Additionally, I also try to be communicative in my appreciation for them as very often a simple act like saying “Thank You” goes a long way in helping someone feel recognised.

I’m also a firm advocate of respecting the time that staff members put in at work, so for those who have gone above the call of duty by taking additional projects and have had to sacrifice their time as a result, I make it a point to always request for days off for them. This acts as a means to recognise staff members for their dedication, allowing them to the freedom to disconnect and spend time outside of work.

Apart from the above, I often think that a conducive physical environment often helps make staff feel valued as well. Me and my team continuously upgrade the office amenities such as increasing our pantry capacity and bringing in novel refreshments so that we constantly surprise and delight our staff.

The approach of ensuring staff are well-remunerated and making sure “the little things that matter” are well taken care of definitely go a long way to demonstrate how I express my appreciation for those around me. Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

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Photos / Provided