What Makes A Meaningful Thanksgiving Message to Employees

Why a Thanksgiving Message to Employees Matters

Yes, Thanksgiving is about mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, but it can be much more than that for your company. It's also an opportunity for organizations to foster employee appreciation and express gratitude for the people who keep the business running. A thoughtful Thanksgiving message to employees can strengthen company culture and boost morale because it makes team members feel valued during the busy holiday season.

A Simple Gesture, A Lasting Impact

Taking time to send a meaningful Thanksgiving message to employees can be a strategic way to build a positive work environment. Even a short note of thanks can create a lasting impact and enhance employee morale. Overtime, gestures like this reinforce your company’s commitment to people-first values.

What Makes the Perfect Thanksgiving Message to Employees?

The perfect Thanksgiving message is thoughtful, personal, and genuine. It reflects your gratitude for your employees’ consistent efforts and celebrates the collective achievements of your entire team. Whether you manage a small business or lead a large department, a warm message of appreciation makes employees feel seen.

Tailoring Your Thanksgiving Message

You don’t need to craft a lengthy speech. The best Thanksgiving messages are heartfelt and sincere. You'll also want to ensure they align with your company voice. Whether you’re writing a company-wide email, sending personalized cards, or recording a short video, make your words count.

What should they say? Focus on specific contributions and celebrate wins. But most importantly, thank employees for their resilience and commitment throughout the year. Mentioning milestones or acknowledging remote employees can add that extra personal touch.

Sample Themes to Highlight

While your tone may vary depending on your workplace culture, here are a few common themes you can incorporate:

• Gratitude for hard work and dedication

• Recognition of team spirit and collaboration

• Celebration of shared wins or project milestones

• Well wishes for a restful Thanksgiving season

• Appreciation for the company’s growth, made possible by employees

Benefits of Sending a Thanksgiving Message

It might seem like a small gesture, but a well-crafted Thanksgiving message can offer powerful results:

• Boost Morale: Simple recognition makes people feel appreciated.

• Enhance Loyalty: Gratitude builds trust and employee engagement.

• Promote a Positive Attitude: Encouraging words set a tone of positivity for the holiday season.

• Support Remote Employees: Reaching out helps maintain connection and inclusion.

Turkey or Ham: Gifting with Gratitude

Alongside a meaningful Thanksgiving message, sending a practical gift can enhance the appreciation experience. Turkey or Ham offers flexible, easy-to-use gift certificates that allow employees to redeem their gift at any grocery store, for any brand and type of turkey or ham they prefer.

Whether you’re gifting in-person or remotely, these certificates provide value, convenience, and a wonderful Thanksgiving gesture, no guessing required.

20 Thoughtful Thanksgiving Messages to Send to Employees

Looking for inspiration? Here are a variety of Thanksgiving messages you can personalize and send to your team:

• Before we all dive into turkey and pumpkin pie, I just want to say thank you. Your work this year hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I’m grateful every day for the energy, ideas, and commitment you bring.”

• “This Thanksgiving, I’m especially thankful for the team we’ve built here. You’ve weathered change, stepped up, and made a real impact. I hope your holiday is full of rest, laughter, and all the mashed potatoes you can handle.”

• “Thank you for the way you show up: with kindness, grit, and a good sense of humor. We’re better because of you. Wishing you and your family a joyful, well-deserved break this Thanksgiving.”

• “Every great project, every win we’ve celebrated this year — your fingerprints are on it. Thank you for your hard work and heart. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.”

• “I’m incredibly thankful to be on a team with people who care deeply, support one another, and give their all. You’ve made this company more than just a workplace. You’ve made it a community.”

• “I just want to say how much I appreciate all that you’ve done this year. You’ve helped move the needle in big ways, and I’m proud to work alongside you. Wishing you a warm and restful Thanksgiving.”

• “It’s easy to focus on the tasks and deadlines, but the truth is — it’s the people that matter most. Thank you for making our workplace feel like home. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and laughter.”

• “We’ve had our share of challenges this year, but you’ve met them with grace, creativity, and persistence. I hope you get to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the holiday with those you love.”

• “This time of year reminds me how fortunate I am to work with a team that’s not only talented but genuinely caring. Happy Thanksgiving — you’ve more than earned a few days of peace and pie.”

• “Whether you’ve been here for years or just joined the team, please know your contributions matter. Thank you for the work, the late nights, the small wins, and the big ones too.”

• “I’m thankful for your ideas, your effort, and — maybe most importantly — your good spirit. This place is better because of you. Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving filled with love. ”

• “Even during the busiest weeks, you’ve brought positive energy and kept our goals in sight. I hope this holiday gives you time to recharge and reflect on how much you’ve accomplished.”

• “To our incredible team: you’ve made this year brighter in more ways than I can count. Thank you for everything. Happy Thanksgiving!”

• “It’s the season for gratitude, and I want you to know just how appreciated you are. Your work helps drive this company forward — but more than that, you make it a great place to be.”

• “You bring more than skills to the table — you bring humor, compassion, and drive. Thanks for being someone we can all count on. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving.”

• “We couldn’t have hit our milestones this year without your hard work and focus. Enjoy the time off. You’ve earned every second of it.”

• “I’m grateful for teammates who lift each other up, share ideas freely, and approach each day with a ‘let’s figure it out’ mindset. You’re what makes this team special.”

• “Just a quick note to say: thank you. You’ve helped make this a meaningful year. Wishing you a Thanksgiving that’s as generous and thoughtful as you are.”

• “Working with you is something I’m genuinely thankful for. You’ve set the bar high and made the ride fun. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.”

• “Some days are tough, and some are triumphant, but through it all, you’ve shown up. I’m proud of what we’ve done this year and even prouder to do it with people like you.

Incorporating a meaningful Thanksgiving message into your holiday plans shows that your company cares. Whether sent via email, shared in a staff meeting, or printed on a card, your message helps build a foundation of respect and recognition.

Pair It with a Gift: A Thoughtful Gesture

Turkey or Ham makes it easy to elevate your employee recognition program. Their gift certificates can be customized in value, are easy to distribute, and empower employees to choose their Thanksgiving meal essentials. It’s a practical, appreciated gift that’s guaranteed to be used and remembered.

Final Thoughts: Give Thanks and Inspire Your Team

This Thanksgiving season, don’t miss the chance to express gratitude to the people who power your organization. A meaningful Thanksgiving message to employees paired with a thoughtful gift goes a long way toward employee engagement, morale, and lasting loyalty.

Start with a simple message. Add a Turkey or Ham certificate. And let your employees know just how thankful you are to have them on your team.