As Thanksgiving approaches, leaders often look for meaningful ways to give thanks — and there’s no better group to receive that gratitude than the employees who bring your company’s mission to life. While appreciation should be woven into your culture year-round, the holiday season offers a special opportunity to elevate your efforts and make people feel truly seen.
Below are seven simple, practical, and high-impact ways to show appreciation for your team this Thanksgiving.
1. Send a Company-Wide “We Give Thanks” Message (Personalized for Every Employee)
For the past seven years, my partner and I have written a detailed “We Give Thanks” email listing every team member — more than 300 people — with a single sentence about why each one matters. Some messages are serious, others funny, but all are heartfelt.
It takes time, but the impact is lasting. Employees feel recognized not just for what they do, but for who they are.
Try this: Send a personalized message, short video, or audio note to every team member. Even one sincere sentence can make someone’s day.
2. Host an Appreciation Event — and Invite Families
A powerful way to express gratitude is to bring everyone together, especially families. When you invite spouses, partners, and children, you acknowledge and honor the support system behind each employee.
Whether you host a Thanksgiving luncheon, a fall festival, or a cozy dessert gathering, celebrating together strengthens connection and morale.
3. Plan a Thanksgiving Excursion or Day Out
This year, our team asked for a holiday shopping trip to New York City — and the bus sold out in two days. It was a reminder that sometimes the best appreciation comes from simply listening to what your people want.
Consider organizing a local day trip, group volunteer experience, or fun outing that gives employees a mental reset before the busy holiday season.
4. Send Personal Notes or Gift Books
I aim to write five handwritten notes every day. It forces me to pause, reflect, and acknowledge those who deserve recognition. When someone is navigating a tough time, I often include an uplifting book.
These small gestures carry outsized emotional weight and show your team that you genuinely care.
5. Empower Employees to Thank Their Clients
Each year, our real estate firm hosts a Thanksgiving pie giveaway. We partner with a local farm, negotiate pricing, create personalized marketing materials, and deliver pies to each agent’s office.
It’s a simple tradition that helps employees express gratitude to their clients — while reinforcing a culture of giving.
6. Give the Gift of Time: Half Days, Bonus PTO, or Flexibility
One of the most meaningful gifts you can give employees is time. During a busy holiday season filled with travel, family commitments, and preparation, even a few extra hours can make a difference.
Ideas include:
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Closing early the day before Thanksgiving
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Offering a “floating gratitude day” employees can use anytime in Q4
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Allowing team members to donate unused PTO to colleagues
A little time back can feel far more valuable than another branded mug or corporate trinket.
7. Create a “Thanksgiving Giving Fund” — and Let Employees Choose the Cause
Show gratitude by channeling it into generosity. Set aside a donation fund and let employees vote on where the money goes. This creates shared purpose and supports causes your team truly cares about.
Options might include:
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Donating to a local food bank
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Providing holiday meals for families in need
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Partnering with a community organization
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Matching employee contributions up to a set amount
When employees see their workplace investing in their values, it deepens pride and loyalty.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude Should Be a Culture, Not a Moment
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a chance to reconnect with the people who fuel your organization’s success. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a shared meal, bonus PTO, or a heartfelt message, meaningful appreciation builds loyalty, strengthens culture, and boosts morale long after the season ends.
Practice gratitude consistently, and your people will feel it constantly.