Here's a set of way better alternatives: "You did an awesome job today!" "Thank you for helping out today - it means a lot that I can always rely on you." "I

Here's a set of way better alternatives: "You did an awesome job today!" "Thank you for helping out today - it means a lot that I can always rely on you." "I really appreciate the energy and positivity you bring to the office - you make this a way better place to work." You get the idea. Last comment: it's easy to assess your own comments as non-creepy, either out of bias or because you're genuinely non-creepy. Unfortunately, that assessment is worthless, because it's how others assess your comments that matters. Nor would I ever, as the "boss", want to have try and explain to anyone working for me, especially male employees, the elaborate and highly subjective set of "rules" you've laid out here. Far easier to just not go there.