Love is in the air, and it's not just for sweethearts. Valentine's Day is a time to recognize and appreciate all the important people in our lives – whether they're partners, friends, family, or even the colleagues we've grown close to!

In the workplace, Valentine's Day presents a golden opportunity to shower your team with love and gratitude for all the hard work they do to keep the wheels turning. But let's face it, amidst the storm of chocolates and flowers, it can be difficult to think outside the heart-shaped box and plan something truly special (and HR-friendly) for your team.

Don't worry, though! We've got you covered with some heartwarming gestures that will make your team feel cherished and valued. So, get ready to spread the love and show your team just how much they mean to you this Valentine's Day!

Here are 5 heartfelt gestures to make your team feel cherished this season:

Send a Thoughtful Self-care Package
A self-care package is a tangible reminder that you prioritize your team’s well-being. Consider curating a goodie box with items like scented candles, face masks, or tasty treats. If your budget allows, you can also personalize the package with items you know they’ll love, whether it’s a new mug for coffee lovers, their favorite snack, or a book they’ve been wanting to read. Don’t forget to include a heartfelt note expressing gratitude for their work. This gesture will not only brighten their day but also boost their morale.

Treat Them to a Delicious Meal
You can never go wrong with free food. Show appreciation by treating your team to a hearty meal. Whether it’s lunch at a lovely restaurant or a pizza party in the office, sharing a meal is a great way to unwind and bond. Just be sure to cater to their preferences or dietary restrictions so everyone feels included.

For remote teams, you can arrange food delivery or send food vouchers so they can enjoy a tasty treat from the comfort of their homes.

Grant Them Some Extra Time
Everyone needs a break now and then. Give your team some extra time to relax and recharge. If you can’t grant a full day off, allow them to leave early so they can spend time with their loved ones or even just catch up on their hobbies and interests. It’s a gesture they’ll appreciate, and it’ll also prove your commitment to improving their work-life balance and overall satisfaction.

Plan a Team Bonding Activity
Valentine’s is a good time to do some team bonding activities. Organize engaging activities like a Paint n Sip session, Karaoke night, or even an Escape Room challenge for in-person teams. And if your team is fully remote, explore virtual options such as online trivia games, get-to-know-you icebreakers, multiplayer mystery games, or even just a shoutout session dedicated to recognizing and appreciating each other. These activities can help create lasting memories that foster a positive work culture.

Send Gift Cards
When in doubt, send gift cards. They’re always a hit and they work well for in-person and remote teams. Gift cards allow your team to indulge in the things they love. You can send versatile cards that can be used at various stores or perk-specific cards that are tailored to their interests. An employee benefits platform like Motherboard enables you to offer gift cards for a wide range of perks. You can assign vouchers for spa services, movie tickets, gadgets, household items, food and groceries, fuel, and lots more. This thoughtful gesture shows that you value their individual preferences.

The bottom line is
No matter how you choose to show appreciation, make it personal and heartfelt. Let your team know that their efforts are noticed and valued, and that they play an integral role in the success of the organization. After all, it's the little gestures of kindness and gratitude that create a sense of belonging, leave a lasting impact, and foster a positive work environment for everyone.