Holding Thanksgiving in Your Heart All Year Long

I hate Thanksgiving.

Please don’t judge me, but any holiday that is designed to force us to do something that we should already be doing just hits me the wrong way. Part of our tradition on Thanksgiving (and maybe also for many of you) is to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. That’s nice, but as someone who thinks, talks, and trains about the power of gratitude, it always makes me wonder why it isn’t a daily thing?

What got me thinking about this is how frequently I come across news about how undervalued people feel at work. I am sure we all know how disheartening it is to put in effort every day and not feel recognized, which naturally (at least for me) leads to a drop in enthusiasm and makes every task feel heavier. Over time, this constant sense of feeling overlooked can erode your confidence and make you doubt your own abilities. Retention research even shows that lack of acknowledgment might even push you to consider leaving the job altogether. That is not something we can afford to have happen!

Feeling valued in your workplace is crucial for staying motivated. However, it’s not just the responsibility of managers and supervisors to make sure everyone feels appreciated. Valuing people is everyone’s job. Every person in the workplace has a role to play in creating a positive and supportive environment.

Luckily, even small gestures can have a big impact. Simple acts of kindness and recognition can boost morale and motivation. When everyone makes an effort to appreciate their colleagues, it creates a culture of mutual respect and positivity. Research has shown that this can lead to better teamwork, higher productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

I know how busy everyone is, and yet I also know how simple it can be to recognize our colleagues during the day. Here are some ideas that I have seen have a meaningful impact on the folks I work with.

Smile more often

If appreciative words don’t come easily to you, try smiling. A smile can brighten someone’s day. It creates a positive atmosphere and shows that you are approachable and friendly.

Say thank you

Saying thank you shows that you notice and appreciate their efforts. This small gesture can make a big difference.

Give positive feedback

When someone does a good job or something that makes your job easier or your day better, let them know. Positive feedback boosts morale and encourages more of the same behavior. Be specific about what they did well. It can be as simple as a one line email after a meeting you both attended!

Celebrate small wins

Don’t wait for big achievements to celebrate. Recognize small wins and milestones. This could be a successful meeting, a solved problem, or even just a productive week. This is one of my go-to suggestions for teams that are stuck in a dark place.

Listen actively

Show that you value others by listening to them. When someone talks, give them your full attention. Acknowledge their ideas and concerns. This builds trust and shows respect.

By taking just a little time to value each other, we can help create a positive work culture. Remember, appreciation is not just a manager’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility. Start today with a smile or a thank you, and watch the difference it makes!

Dan