Employee Appreciation Ideas in Austin, Texas

First off, thank you for caring about your team enough to research ways to show them your appreciation. Whether you’re in leadership or in a support role, you’d likely agree—there’s always room to better thank employees. They’re the bedrock of the organization and the fuel that keeps things running every day. The way they feel about work and the company impacts the way they work; that means it’s always a great idea to pause to intentionally thank, encourage, and spur them on.

So today, we’ll share a few ways you can thank and celebrate your team here in Austin, Texas.

Hire a Mobile Coffee Bar

We’ve got to start off with our specialty—coffee catering. Austin has a bustling coffee scene, but it’s not always easy to take your team offsite for a coffee treat. That’s why Brooklynd’s exists, to bring a custom coffee shop experience right to your teams. Our espresso bar offers unique menu options, custom-branded carts, and an easy way to say thank you to teams large and small. We also offer iced and hot tea options for your tea drinkers!

Click here to explore our menu and catering options today!

Museum of Illusions

Have a few hours to spare between big projects? We highly recommend the Museum of Illusions. This art exhibit is filled with interactive spaces, elements, and rooms featuring creative illusions that challenge and test the imagination. It’s a perfect way to demonstrate how perception impacts reality and provides an easy way to give your team a fun experience. The installations and illusion rooms are designed for effortless exploration without the work and potential friction of an escape room.

Thoughtful Gifts

Saying thank you is free, but sometimes, an extra measure of gratitude is appropriate. Be ready to thank your employees in a timely way with a gift. As your team wraps up a hard quarter or celebrates the launch of a new project, they’re likely to feel exhausted. Blow wind in their sails with occasional gifts that make them feel seen, known, and appreciated. We personally recommend using a corporate gifting platform like Goody, but items thoughtfully purchased at local Austin boutiques are always a winner!

Candle Making

Candles are easy to enjoy but almost as easy to make! Taking a candle-making workshop at Slow North is an excellent opportunity to help your team unwind while exploring their creativity. The workshop lasts a few hours and allows attendees to pick their scents and create scent profiles that perfectly fit them.

Team Happy Hour

There’s nothing like a mocktail or beer shared over a bowl of queso to say thank you for a job well done. Once a quarter, get your team together for an evening happy hour sponsored by the company. Make the guidelines clear upfront for free and easy enjoyment—set any necessary limits on food and drink spending. We recommend local spots like Salty Sow and Hank’s for easy dining and affordable happy hour options. While out to eat, ensure there’s a moment carved out to explicitly recognize and praise the team. We recommend presenting any team awards or sharing fun announcements during this time and encouraging lighthearted conversation within the group for a guaranteed good time.

Taking the time to celebrate and appreciate your employees goes a long way in building a workplace culture where people feel valued. Whether it’s through a shared experience, a thoughtful gift, or simply a moment to say thank you, your efforts will make a lasting impact. No matter how you choose to show appreciation, what matters most is consistency and sincerity, because a thriving team starts with knowing they’re truly appreciated.