Frontline Workers Deserve More Than Just One Day of Recognition!

They keep our shelves stocked, our transport moving, our hospitals running. 

They’re the first to clock in and often the last to be acknowledged. 

We believe that frontline workers – who make up over 80% of the global workforce – deserve more than a single day of appreciation. If you ask us, they should be valued and supported by their employers every single day! 

That means they should get ongoing recognition and access to digital tools that help them connect, engage, succeed, and belong.

As we mark Employee Appreciation Day 2025, we want to scream:

Recognition isn’t a moment – it’s a movement

Appreciation should be embedded in how companies communicate, listen, and act on frontline needs and requests. 

A recent UKG study of 13,000 frontline workers worldwide revealed a striking divide, 49% feel there’s one work culture for corporate employees and a completely different one for the frontline.

We see this day as an opportunity for comms professionals to step up and close the gap between HQ and the frontline. This is how.

1. Walk in their shoes

How often do comms teams get to meet their frontline colleagues? Take a day in their world—step into a factory, visit a retail store, join a shift in a care home. Don’t just take photos or collect stories,  work with them. You’ll get to know the product, the company culture, and their pain points better. The insights you gain will reshape how you communicate with and support them.

2. Give them a voice – and act on it

Recognition isn’t just about words, it’s about action. Listening to frontline employees means more than running an annual survey. It means creating continuous feedback loops where concerns are acknowledged and acted upon. If they highlight a challenge, fix it. If they suggest an improvement, implement it. If they achieve something great, shout it out! 

3. Bridge the frontline productivity gap

Many frontline workers don’t have access to corporate emails or task management software. That’s a massive productivity gap. Workvivo provides an intuitive, mobile-first space where they can stay connected. Whether it’s accessing updates, using AI, voicing concerns, or receiving company-wide recognition. 

4. Make recognition real-time and inclusive

Recognition shouldn’t be confined to a once-a-year initiative or hidden in private conversations between managers. It should be real-time, company-wide, and embedded in daily workflows. Digital platforms like Workvivo enable instant shout-outs, peer recognition, and leader acknowledgments, creating a culture where frontline contributions are consistently seen and celebrated.

5. Invest in their success

True appreciation extends beyond words to actions that improve their work experience. Providing access to better tools, clear career pathways, and learning opportunities demonstrates that their growth and well-being matter.

The bottom line: A culture of recognition drives retention

Frontline turnover is at an all-time high. Employees who feel unseen and unheard leave. Those who feel recognized and valued stay. Creating a culture of continuous appreciation isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic necessity. It’s time for corporations to move beyond symbolic gestures. Let’s ensure frontline employees feel valued not just on Employee Appreciation Day, but every single day.

Consistent appreciation: Every day matters

This March 7, as we celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, let’s remember that true appreciation isn’t confined to a single day. With the new Workvivo experience, we’re setting the stage for ongoing, consistent recognition that uplifts every individual, every shift, and every day. Together, let’s create a future where every achievement is celebrated and every worker is valued.

When frontline employees feel seen, heard, and valued every day, it ripples out into every interaction with customers—turning routine tasks into moments of excellence and creating a workplace where everyone is empowered to shine.

Connect frontline workers with an employee experience platform

Workvivo is more than just an employee experience app, it’s the central hub that connects every worker, everywhere. Workvivo is designed to create a more connected and inclusive work culture, by seamlessly bridging the gap between frontline and desk-based employees. With over 75% of our users already coming from frontline roles, our mobile-first platform is set to be the digital heart of every workplace.

In our commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation, we’ve developed new frontline-first features rolling out 2025 reaching over 5 million users,  empowering organizations to build teams that are motivated, connected, and ready to deliver outstanding service. Employee Appreciation Day is just the beginning! 

Thank you to all the frontline heroes who make our everyday successes possible. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!