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TV workplaces that nailed employee appreciation: What we can learn from them


Imagine this.

You work in a typical office environment. It’s predictable. Routine. The team gets the job done, but the spark of excitement is missing.

Then one morning, a member of your team suggests bringing back an old office tradition: the “Jimmy Jab Games.”

The games begin with a daring challenge — eating expired takeout food left in the office fridge.* This is followed by a chaotic foot race through the halls while wearing some of the clunky safety gear from storage. Finally, the ultimate event kicks off — a mad sprint through the office, completing a series of bizarre and hilarious tasks.

What starts as a regular day quickly turns into one the team won’t soon forget.


No, this isn’t a fairytale. It’s straight out of an episode of the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine® (Season 2, Episode 3, “The Jimmy Jab Games”), and it’s a perfect example of the power of employee appreciation.

One could argue that TV show workplaces seem so appealing to us because of their unique approaches to appreciating their employees. They often showcase creative ways to boost engagement, morale and a strong sense of community — lessons we can bring into our real-life workplaces.

Let’s explore how some of our favorite TV-show offices have mastered employee appreciation and how you can bring similar strategies into your work environment using cost-effective solutions from Staples Business™.

*Do not attempt at your office; you’ll get sick.


The #1 TV workplace where people would most want to work: The Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department from Parks and Recreation.

Employee appreciation and why it’s important

Employee appreciation means valuing employees for who they are, not just for what they do.1 It goes beyond measurable performance to acknowledge the human qualities your people bring to the workplace.

Hard to believe? A survey cited by TED speaker Mike Robbins found that while 23% of employees who feel recognized are more productive, a staggering 43% of employees who feel appreciated demonstrate higher productivity.2

We have a point of view on why that's true: it's because one simple act of employee appreciation can deliver multiple productivity-enhancing benefits across your organization.

  • Strengthens workplace culture

    Appreciating employees fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. It creates a positive and unified work environment.3

  • Boosts morale

    Showing appreciation makes your employees feel valued, which leads to increased happiness and enthusiasm at work.4

  • Reduces stress

    Feeling acknowledged and supported helps your team manage workplace challenges more effectively. That’s proven to lower stress levels.5

  • Motivates employees to perform at their best

    Appreciation inspires the people you depend on to go above and beyond because they know their efforts are noticed and valued.1

What really drives employee productivity? While 23% who feel recognized are more productive, 43% who feel appreciated demonstrate higher productivity.

It should come as no surprise, then, that appreciating your employees’ contributions plays a vital role in improving retention rates, too.

A 2023 Gallup study revealed that 74% of employees are more likely to stay with their organization when they feel their work is meaningful and appreciated.5

Put simply, employees work harder and stick around longer when you actually take the time and effort to show that you value them. That’s the easy part, understanding the why.

Figuring out how to do it is where the real challenge begins. As we mentioned earlier, the lessons for boosting morale and retaining talent can often come from unexpected places — including the world of television.

From witty comedies to serious dramas, TV workplaces can offer us valuable insight into the art of valuing people.