Mother’s Day at Work: 11 Ways to Make Your Employees Feel Special

Celebrating Mother's Day at work shows appreciation for working moms, enhancing morale and fostering a supportive environment. Recognizing their contributions beyond just gifts helps create a balanced, inclusive work atmosphere that values both their professional and family roles.

Mother's Day is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the working mothers on your team. But how to celebrate it at work in a way that feels thoughtful and inclusive?

Whether your team is in the office or working remotely, creating a meaningful Mother’s Day work celebration can strengthen workplace culture, boost employee morale, and show real appreciation for the dedication of working mothers.

From hosting a special lunch with their favorite meals to organizing small but meaningful gifts, we’ll walk you through practical ways to celebrate this date in the workplace, helping every mother on your team feel valued and supported.

1. Supportive Work Environment for Parents

Being a working mom is a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Between deadlines, meetings, school drop-offs, and sleepless nights, the juggle is real. That’s why celebrations should go beyond corporate gifts or a simple “thank you” email. It’s a chance to show real support.

Think about what makes a difference in their daily lives. Could your company offer flexible hours for parents who need to do the school run? Maybe set up a cozy space for nursing moms? Even something as simple as acknowledging their efforts in a team meeting can go a long way.

Read More: Top 7 Non-Monetary Employee Rewards to Show Appreciation

2. Flexible Work Policy

Ask any working mom what she wishes she had more of, and changes are the answer is time. One of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in the workplace is by offering a little extra breathing room. Whether it’s a late start, an early finish, or even a remote work option for the day, small adjustments can make a huge impact.

If your company already has a flexible work policy, this is a great time to remind employees about it. And if not, maybe this is the push to start considering one.

3. Wellness Activities for Moms

Moms spend so much time taking care of others that they often forget to take care of themselves. This Mother’s Day, encourage a little self-care by organizing wellness activities in the office. Think guided meditation sessions, chair yoga, or even a quiet space where they can take a rest with a cup of tea.

Based on data from Gallup, 51% of employed women in the United States say they experience frequent stress throughout the day, in contrast to 39% of men, underscoring the importance of wellness initiatives. If your company offers wellness benefits, highlight those as well—sometimes, employees just need a reminder that these resources exist.

 4. Mom-Inspired Potluck

Food has a way of bringing people together, and what better way to celebrate than with a Mom-Inspired Potluck? Ask team members to bring a dish inspired by their moms—grandma’s famous lasagna, a nostalgic childhood snack, or a comfort meal that always hits the spot. 

This sparks great conversations and creates a heartwarming, shared experience. Plus, if your company provides subsidized meals for employees, you can tie the initiative into a broader effort to support workplace food benefits.

5. In-Office Spa Sessions

Every mom deserves a little pampering. Bring in a massage therapist for quick chair massages or set up a mini spa corner with hand treatments and relaxing music. Even a small wellness gift, like a lavender-scented eye mask or a cozy pair of socks, can make moms feel appreciated. It’s a simple way to bring a little relaxation into a busy workday.

6. Memory Sharing Session

Sometimes, the best gifts don't come in a box—they come in stories. Host a Memory Sharing Session where employees can share their favorite stories about their moms or their own experiences as mothers. 

Whether it's a funny childhood moment or an inspiring lesson passed down through generations, this activity fosters connection and reminds everyone of the powerful role that moms play in our lives.

7. Personalized Gift Basket

A generic gift card is nice, but a personalized gift basket? That's next level.

Instead of a generic approach, consider curating small, thoughtful items based on employees’ interests—maybe a book for the mom who loves to read, a coffee set for the caffeine enthusiast, or a fun craft kit for moms with little kids. A little personalization makes the gift feel extra special.

8. Best Work Mom Awards

Every office has that one person who looks out for everyone, reminding the team about birthdays, making sure no one skips lunch, and offering words of encouragement on tough days. 

This Mother’s Day, recognize these unsung heroes with Best Work Mom Awards! Keep it festive and fun, with categories like Most Likely to Have Snacks in Their Desk or Office Mom of the Year.

9. Catered Brunch or Lunch

Food is always a great way to bring people together, and a catered brunch or lunch is the perfect way to show appreciation. Whether it's a spread of fresh pastries, a build-your-own salad bar, or a cozy soup and sandwich combo, offering a special meal makes working moms feel valued. 

For companies looking to make this even easier, services like Picnic can take care of everything—from meal planning to delivery—ensuring a stress-free and delicious experience.

Read More: Why Businesses Love Picnic?

10. Bulletin Board

Set up a Mother’s Day Bulletin Board where employees can post thank-you notes, favorite mom quotes, or even photos that celebrate the mothers in their lives. If you're in a remote work environment, take it digital, create a shared board or Slack channel where employees can post their tributes. 

11. Bring Your Kids to Work Day Party

For moms who would love to have their kids see what they do all day, turn Mother’s Day into a Bring Your Kids to Work Day Party! Set up kid-friendly activities, create a space for them to color or play, and organize a fun lunch where they can “work” alongside their moms.

It's a great way to blend work and family, even if just for a day, and reminds moms that their workplace values not just their role as employees, but also as parents.

What Working Moms Really Want and Why You Should Care About It

According to Gallup’s survey, working moms want a better balance between their professional and family lives, with more flexible work arrangements such as part-time options or remote work to manage child care and other responsibilities. 

They seek affordable and accessible child care, as it remains a significant barrier, and they value workplace cultures that offer empathy, support, and flexibility. Over 80% of mothers in Idaho struggle to find affordable child care, and less than 9% of workers have access to child care benefits through their employer.

Many mothers also desire more representation of women in leadership roles and fair pay to help reduce the financial pressures they face. Ultimately, they want a work environment that acknowledges their dual roles and supports their well-being and productivity.

A company that values this points will go beyond a once-a-year celebration and foster a culture where work-life balance, career growth, and employee well-being are priorities year-round. 

A workplace that listens to what working moms actually need isn’t just doing a good deed—it’s building a more loyal, productive, and satisfied team.

Building a Culture of Appreciation Beyond Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to show appreciation, but the real impact comes from creating a workplace where employees feel valued every day. When companies take time to acknowledge the dedication of their employees, not just as professionals but as people, it leads to higher employee satisfaction, stronger engagement, and a more positive workplace culture. 

Want more ideas on how to create a workplace where employees feel valued? 

Check out Picnic’s blog for tips on improving employee satisfaction, workplace culture, and engagement strategies that make a real difference.