Employee Appreciation Day 2026
06 Mar 2026
Celebrating our colleagues and the work they do
Today (Friday 6 March) is National Employee Appreciation Day! This is a brilliant reminder that kindness, gratitude and appreciation shape the kind of workplace we all want to be part of, and we can all contribute to this by acknowledging the people around us.
Over the last year, over 9000 ecards have been shared across the University via Purple Place, whether that’s a quick thank you, celebration of a key milestone, or welcome to somebody new – it all helps to make this a place where colleagues feel like they matter, which is reflected by our University being the Financial Times’ highest ranked employer in Manchester, and 83rd in the UK.
Recognition shouldn’t be something that happens once a year; it should be regular, personal and timely, helping create the culture we all want to be part of. Feeling appreciated boosts motivation, strengthens team spirit and makes work far more enjoyable.
Get involved:
- Send an eCard: You can choose to send your eCard privately, or share it on the Social Recognition Wall for everyone to celebrate. Either way, it’s a small gesture with a big impact. (Not sure how? Check out this short how-to video)
- Celebrate the everyday moments, not just the big achievements. Welcoming new colleagues, teamwork and collaboration, promotions and project successes, kindness and support, life events and cultural holidays.
- Encourage your team to make recognition a natural habit. Allow your colleagues to set time aside at the end of each week to reflect and appreciate those who have made a difference.
Other useful links: