Time to High Five

Feb 5, 20263 min read
Taking time to plan a high five is one of the simplest ways to show grocery teams that their work is seen, valued, and worth celebrating. 

By: Dan Ratner, Senior Director, Membership, FMI

Two men high fivingWhen Supermarket Employee Day began in 2021, the idea was simple: create a moment for the industry to say thank you to grocery workers whose daily efforts keep families fed and communities served. Five years later, that purpose resonates even more strongly. Sunday, February 22, 2026, marks the fifth anniversary, and this year’s theme, Time to High Five, highlights how thoughtful recognition leaves a lasting impact. 

But here’s the thing about recognition: it doesn’t always happen on its own. Gratitude that feels spontaneous is often the result of intentional planning. And for an industry with millions of moving parts, preparing for a meaningful Supermarket Employee Day makes all the difference. 

Recognition is a Planning Practice 
A high five symbolizes shared success, encouragement and connection. It brings a moment of joy and acknowledgment that transcends such a simple gesture. But even the best high five falls flat if it lacks effort. Planning ahead shows that appreciation isn’t an afterthought. 

That’s why retailers who start planning now will get the most out of February 22. Intentional planning doesn’t require complex programs or big budgets. It starts with a mindset shift: seeing Supermarket Employee Day as an opportunity to focus on culture, not just a date on the calendar. 

Early Planning Makes Execution Easier 
Retailers should begin by asking a few straightforward questions: 
  • How will leadership show up on February 22? 
  • What does recognition look like in each store? 
  • How can customers participate in meaningful ways? 
  • What creative cues will reinforce the day’s theme? 
Solid answers to these questions make implementation smoother. When managers know what’s expected and employees know what’s coming, participation becomes natural instead of improvised. 

Build Recognition Into Everyday Culture 
Planning also helps embed recognition into daily routines. When employees feel appreciated consistently, it strengthens engagement and morale. Supermarket Employee Day can be a high point in a culture that values ongoing recognition. 

Here are a few practical ideas that work well when planned early: 
  • Leadership Walk-throughs: Schedule times for store and district leaders to visit locations with a personal thank you. 
  • High Five Messaging: Prepare fun, uplifting messages to post in break rooms and internal channels. 
  • Customer Engagement: Place simple signs inviting customers to share words of appreciation. 
  • Celebration Items: Order stickers, shirts, buttons, or small giveaways that tie directly to the high five theme. 
As we look ahead to February 22, 2026, remember that a high five isn’t just a gesture, it’s a way to say, we planned this for you. 

Start preparing now by visiting the Supermarket Employee Day resources page for ideas, tools, and celebration items available in the online store. When sharing your celebrations on social, use #SupermarketEmployeeDay to help amplify appreciation across the industry and show how your teams are taking time to high five.