How to reply to praise from your boss

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply the same day with a short, warm thank-you. Name what you enjoyed about the work and credit anyone who helped, if true. Do not wave off the praise or over-explain. If you want more of that work, say so in one line. A good reply builds your boss's confidence in you.

Reply

Same day. Praise lands best when you respond while it is fresh. A quick note also shows you are the kind of person who is easy to recognize.

What your reply should say

1. Thank them plainly. Do not deflect or say it was nothing.
2. Name the part of the work you were proud of.
3. Credit teammates who helped, if it is true.
4. Mention that you would like more of this kind of work, if you do.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thank you. That means a lot to me.

I enjoyed working on [project], especially [specific part]. I am glad it helped [result].

It helps to hear what worked, so I can keep doing it on the next one.

Your feedback helps me know what to keep doing.

Thanks again,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the kind words. I am proud of how [project] turned out.

It was a team effort. [Colleague] did [specific part] and [colleague] helped with [specific part]. I will pass your note to them.

Thank you for taking the time to tell me. I will pass on your kind words to [colleague], who helped on [part].

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you, I appreciate you noticing. I really enjoyed [project].

If there are similar projects coming up, especially anything involving [skill or area], I would love to be considered. I am keen to take on more of this kind of work.

I am glad to keep improving, so I welcome any thoughts on what I could do even better.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a few days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

Thank you for your kind note about [project]. I am sorry I did not reply sooner, but it did make my week.

I enjoyed working on [specific part], and I am glad it helped. If similar work comes up, I would be glad to help again.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Brushing it off with "it was nothing". Accept the thanks and say what you liked.
• Taking all the credit when a team helped you.
• Turning the thank-you into a request for a raise. Do that in a separate conversation.
• Replying all to a private note and making it awkward.

Questions people ask

Should I reply to praise at all?

Yes, a short thank-you is polite and takes a minute. It tells your boss that praise is welcome, which makes it more likely they will share more in future. Ask for one example of what worked, so you can repeat it. Keep any follow-up short, and thank them again in person when you see them.

Is it okay to ask for a raise after praise?

Not in the same email. Praise can support a request, but make the pay conversation separate and prepared, with your results and the market. Use this reply just to say thanks. Pairing a thank-you with a clear request for more of that work is a good way to grow.

More reply guides

• How to reply to your manager's reply to your resignation
• How to reply to your boss asking for a status update
• How to reply to critical feedback from your boss
• How to reply to a promotion email
• How to reply to a reply-all thread you shouldn't be on
• How to reply to a handover email from someone going on leave

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.