How to celebrate Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving at work
How to celebrate Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving at work
BoomPop Team · 8/29/2022
Showing recognition and gratitude is integral to creating connected teams.
A company-wide email expressing gratitude is a great start, but there are so many other ways to show your team you care this holiday season. Expressing gratitude in the workplace should take place every day, but during the holiday season, it’s even easier to celebrate your team and clients. This Thanksgiving, find tangible ways to show appreciation for your team.
Considering that organizations with an implemented recognition program have 31% less voluntary turnover than organizations who don’t, it’s no surprise that showing appreciation in the workplace makes a huge difference. We’re now learning that the #1 reason people leave their jobs is due to a lack of recognition. So this fall, seize the opportunity to provide your team with experiences that remind them of the value they bring to your company.
Show teammates you care with personalized gifts
A personalized gift is a great way to show appreciation for your team or clients. Gifts can be specific to the fall season or be more practical–the key here is to choose something truly special and leave an impact. Let the gift serve as a reminder of the positive influence they have on the company and the value they continue to give.
Not only does gratitude assist with retention, but showing recognition in the workplace is linked with increases in productivity as well. Gifting demonstrates a company culture centered on gratitude, and in turn, will encourage giving all year long.
Book a virtual event or activity
Bring together your distributed team for a moment of gratitude, fun, and creativity with a virtual event. All teams are unique and deserve an equally distinctive experience. BoomPop has a variety of specially curated virtual events that focus on team building and gratitude.
Treat your team to a gratitude workshop that will empower your employees to practice mindfulness. Get creative and learn a new skill that will come in handy for upcoming holidays, with a calligraphy class centered on greeting card addressing. Or, for the more competitive teams, participate in a virtual Thanksgiving Trivia. If you’re looking for more fall-themed virtual activities, we’ve curated 6 of our current best.
Book an in-person event or activity
There is no better way to show appreciation for your team than to host an in-person event or offsite. A diligently planned and thoughtful event will be remembered for years to come. Shape your holiday event around fun activities and exciting challenges that suit the culture of your company. Remember, in-person events provide the unique opportunity to participate in a specially curated event as a team, so take advantage of the time together to build stronger connections.
Integrate time for intentional recognition or award ceremonies for appreciated clients and staff. Executive staff should focus on expressing gratitude for the company as a whole, and highlighting the successes over the year. Provide opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition as well. This can take the form of activities, such as gift-making stations, or a simple gathering to exchange thanks.
Never underestimate the power of Thanksgiving food, so don’t forget to cater high quality food (and maybe even gift special fall desserts on the way out).
Give back to your community
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving and gratitude as a whole, consider community involvement. Ask your team for their favorite local nonprofit organization and make a donation in the company or department’s name. You can track the progress of the nonprofit’s accomplishments over the course of the year and remind your team of the impact they have made.
For remote or distributed teams, encourage individuals to participate in giving back in their own local communities and share their experience in a virtual round table at a later date. Demonstrate your positive company values by leading by example, and watch gratitude and helpfulness create a ripple effect in the work that you do.
We all want to feel appreciated for the hard work we do, the impact we make, and the value we give. Don’t wait to tell your team how important they are. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to bring your team together, BoomPop can help you plan the perfect event this fall season.
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