Introduction to workplace compliments

Workplace compliments can directly encourage employee engagement, a positive work environment and job enrichment. For example, if employees on your team experience impostor syndrome, sharing genuine praise may help increase their confidence. 

Compliments may be given verbally, through employee thank you letters or during employee performance reviews. You may also give them in real-time or at a later date. 

Benefits of recognizing coworkers

When employees feel appreciated and valued, they’re typically more likely to be motivated, inspired and committed to their work. Research shows employees who receive recognition may have higher productivity, improved morale and lower turnover rates. 

Compliments can also improve communication skills and foster teamwork, making the workplace a more enjoyable and productive environment for the team.

Compliments on skills

1. Great job on that presentation. Your insights helped our team win the account.
2. Thank you for your help with the project. I couldn’t have done it without you.
3. You’re fantastic with numbers! I’m always impressed by how you can find opportunities for savings.
4. I don’t know how you do it, but you always complete your work on time and under budget.
5. Thanks for catching that mistake. I always learn something from you when we talk.
6. You have a great way of explaining things.
7. You’re a gifted writer. Your copy is always polished and interesting.
8. Your ability to think creatively results in innovative ideas. 
9. You’re a great listener!
10. Your problem-solving skills are exceptional. You always find a way to overcome challenges.
11. You’re an amazing leader. You help your team  feel supported and empowered.
12. I enjoy working with you because I know we can rely on each other to get the job done.
13. You provide exceptional customer service. I’ve seen you defuse many challenging situations.
14. You’re so organized, which helps our team run more smoothly.
15. Your attention to detail is impeccable.
16. Your contributions to this project have been invaluable. Thank you for your hard work.
17. Your input highlighted potential challenges in that meeting. I really appreciate your insights.
18. You reflect the company’s values through your workflow processes.
19. You’re an asset to the company.
20. I love the way you approach problems. You come up with such unique solutions!
21. Thanks for helping create a comfortable and inclusive workplace.
22. Your leadership skills bring out the best in people.
23. Thanks for being so flexible with our production timeline. The client appreciates it.

Compliments on character

24. Your positive attitude is inspiring and keeps the team motivated.
25. Your calm demeanor helps the team navigate challenges and quickly come up with solutions. 
26. You have a great work ethic. You’re always putting in extra effort to get the job done right.
27. You’re an exemplary employee. I’m proud to have you on our team.
28. Your support and collaboration with the team make a difference.
29. You always go out of your way to help others, making all employees feel welcome and supported.
30. You demonstrate a lot of patience when speaking with frustrated customers.
31. Thank you for always leading with inclusivity in mind.
32. You’re an incredibly reliable worker; thanks for consistently following through.
33. Thanks for keeping our team on track. I appreciate how organized you are!
34. I can tell you put a lot of thought into your gifts for everyone!
35. I enjoy hearing your perspective on things.
36. Thank you for making time to help your colleagues while still managing your workload. 

Compliments for accomplishments

37. I admire your determination.
38. You always push yourself—and others—to excel.
39. I can see how much you’ve grown in your role, and it’s impressive!
40. You’re a quick learner. 
41. Your problem-solving abilities were evident on this project. Great job!
42. Thanks for doing extra work on this project. 
43. I  appreciate your contributions to the team.
44. It’s a pleasure working with you. Thanks for your contribution!
45. You have a lot of potential. I’m looking forward to seeing more great things from you in the future.
46. You’ve done an amazing job since starting your new job. Keep up the great work!
47. Thanks for adding a unique perspective to our team!
48. Thank you for being such a great role model. You set a great example for others to follow.
49. Thank you for your dedication. 
50. Thank you for setting such a high standard of excellence.
51. You’re a true professional in every sense of the word.
52. You’re exceptional at your craft.
53. This is just another example of your great work. Keep it up!

Creative ways to show appreciation

Giving compliments is just one way to show appreciation to team members. It can be more effective when paired with other forms of recognition. Here are a few creative ways you might enhance your employee recognition programs. 

Celebrate important milestones

Employees appreciate when you acknowledge milestones in their professional and personal lives. If you want to strengthen your team, consider celebrating work-related achievements, including product launches and end-of-quarter sales or personal milestones.

Offer customized rewards

As you get to know your team members, you may learn how they spend their time outside of work, which can help you provide a customized reward based on their hobbies or interests. For example, if one of your employees always reads mystery novels, you might set up an escape room for your next event or provide a gift card to a local bookstore.

Provide valuable perks

Consider rewarding your employees with unique perks, such as professional development opportunities, additional paid time off and flexible work hours along with regular compliments.

Create a forum 

While compliments from leadership may be more important to some employees, others might appreciate acknowledgment from coworkers. Creating a forum for all employees allows team members at any level to congratulate each other or call out an achievement.

Dedicate a day to employee appreciation 

Every March, employees experience a national holiday in their honor, known as Employee Appreciation Day. It provides an opportunity to celebrate employees’ achievements. You might allow employees to take half-days on this holiday or host a company-wide event. 

Introduce appreciation into onboarding procedures 

Appreciation should be implemented even in the early stages of workers’ employment. During the onboarding process, you might write new hires personalized welcome notes or provide company merchandise, such as branded hats, bottles or sweatshirts.

Complimenting your team

Giving compliments is one of the simplest, most effective ways to make an employee feel good. Recognizing workers for being good teammates can strengthen relationships and build trust while ensuring no employees feel underappreciated at work. Thoughtful compliments can foster a positive workplace culture and create an uplifting environment.