There are boss appreciation days and administrative assistant appreciation days, so why not a day to recognize workers who don’t fit into already honored categories?

Workman Publishing Co. created Employee Appreciation Day in 1995, to be observed annually on the first Friday in March.

Employee recognition experts say “thank you” and “job well done” comments throughout the year are the most important ways to show appreciation, of course, but doing something special once a year can be icing on the cake.

Recognition specialist Ashley Fina, president of Michael C. Fina, reminds organizations that there are generational differences among workers in terms of what kinds of rewards mean the most.

Workers born before 1945 tend to like recognition that honors service and loyalty and connects their work with the good of the company. Trophies and plaques are appreciated.

Baby boomers tend to want recognition to be tied to performance. In other words, tell exactly why they make a difference.

Workers born in the 1965-1978 range tend to most appreciate rewards that give them flexibility in managing their work hours and locations and accommodate their personal needs.

The youngest workers today tend to want recognition that advances their personal goals, that gives them something to add to their resumes or post on social media platforms.

Rewards experts also note that recognition is most meaningful if it’s tied to individual performance. Blanket statements like “You’re all doing great” aren’t appreciated when everyone knows there are slackers as well as stellar performers.