Why Thanksgiving Week Is the Perfect Time to Recognize Your Team

Thanksgiving week is a natural moment to pause and recognize the people who keep a business running. In staffing and leadership, we

see every day how much impact a thoughtful employer can have on the culture of a team. Gratitude is not a strategy, but it becomes one when it is practiced with intention. When bosses take the time to acknowledge the individuals who support them, it strengthens trust, loyalty, and the overall health of the workplace.

Real gratitude goes beyond a quick thank you. The most meaningful gestures are specific, personal, and human. Instead of a blanket message, take a few minutes to highlight the actual contributions each person made this year. Note the moments when someone held the line during a stressful week, took on a new responsibility, or simply showed up with a great attitude when you needed it most. People remember when leaders see the details, and they feel valued when their work is recognized in a clear way.

Small acts can have a big impact. A handwritten note can matter more than an expensive gift, because it shows thoughtfulness and intention. If you can give your team a little flexibility this week, whether it is an early wrap on Wednesday or understanding around family schedules, it sends the message that you care about their lives outside of work. At a time when burnout is real and everyone is juggling endless demands, that level of consideration goes a long way.

Thanksgiving is also a chance to build connection. Bringing the team together, even briefly, reminds people that they are not just employees in separate lanes. They are part of something larger. Whether you host a simple breakfast, share a few stories about the year, or take a moment to reflect on wins, these gestures help create a sense of shared purpose. People crave belonging, and leaders who cultivate it see stronger performance and deeper commitment.

Gratitude also sets the tone for the months ahead. When leaders acknowledge the humans behind the work, they create teams that show up with more energy, more trust, and more willingness to go the extra mile. In staffing, I always say that high functioning teams are built on appreciation as much as skill. If you want people to stay, grow, and bring their best, you must show them that their efforts matter.

This Thanksgiving week, take the opportunity to make your gratitude visible. People who feel appreciated do better work, stay longer, and build healthier cultures. A simple gesture from a boss can carry more weight than they realize. When leaders lead with heart, teams flourish, and the entire organization feels the difference.