Telling your colleagues, co-workers and employees how much you appreciate them and their contribution to the company will make them feel good about themselves and about their job. You can do this anytime of the year, there are no occasions required. As a matter of fact, small presents and tokens of employee appreciation that are given all year round will make the people at work feel valued all year round as well.

If you are looking for ideas for effective employee appreciation tokens, here are ten ways how.

• Praise something your employee or colleague has done well. An effective way to show employee appreciation is to identify the specific actions they have done that you find commendable.

• Always say thank you to your co-workers. You can show your appreciation for their work and contributions by thanking them whenever you can. Also, never forget to say please. Social niceties are also essential factors in the work environment. Being in a gracious and polite workplace will make everybody inside feel appreciated.

• Take the time to ask your workmates about their family and their interests. Creating small conversations like this will make them feel more of a family to you than a mere colleague. Your real interest – unlike being nosy – will make people feel valued and being cared about.

• Do not be too hard on your staff. Offer them flexible schedules from time to time, especially during holidays. If work is about to get hectic, post a note for everybody to see so that they can balance their schedule with each other.

• Be aware of your coworkers’ interests and hobbies so that you can give them small gifts occasionally. A random gift and the gesture of giving it will surely make your coworker’s day.

• If you can afford it, do not hesitate to give out money to your staff. Provide end of the year bonuses, attendance premiums, quarterly bonuses and other complimentary items such as gift certificates.

• Since almost all people appreciates food, spend some time with your staff and treat them to lunch whether for a special occasion or not.

• Create a traditional holiday in your office. You can try having Secret Santa gift exchange during Christmas or try a "gift grab" number during a special event at work.

• Bring in food – donuts, bagels, brownies – for your staff and coworkers. Little offerings such as cookies and cupcakes (that you have baked yourself) will be very much appreciated.

• And last but not the least, always give room for opportunity. This is probably one of the best employee appreciation that you can give your staff. People always want to try something new. Let them.