Fostering Employee Engagement During Thanksgiving

The Importance of Thanksgiving in the Workplace

Thanksgiving is often a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and reflection. For organizations, it’s also an opportunity to foster employee engagement and inclusivity—while navigating the complexities of holiday scheduling and time off. Balancing these considerations can strengthen workplace culture and demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being.

Scheduling & PTO: Balancing Fairness and Coverage

Why It Matters

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, and many employees anticipate time off to celebrate with loved ones. However, ensuring equitable access to time off and maintaining operational coverage can be challenging—especially for customer-facing industries or businesses with tight deadlines.

Organizations Doing It Right:

REI, the outdoor retail giant, sets an inspiring example with their “#OptOutside” initiative. Not only do they close all stores on Black Friday, but they also pay their employees to spend time outdoors, prioritizing rest and well-being over sales.

Practical Tips

• Plan Ahead: Communicate holiday schedules early. A clear policy outlining how time-off requests are handled (e.g., seniority, rotating schedules) reduces confusion and frustration.

• Offer Flexibility: If possible, allow employees to swap shifts or use floating holidays. This empowers them to manage their schedules while respecting company needs.

• Leverage Technology: Use scheduling software to streamline shift management and reduce conflicts.

Inclusion: Acknowledging Diverse Perspectives

Why It Matters

While Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition for many, not all employees celebrate it. Some may have cultural, personal, or historical reasons for not observing the holiday. Creating an inclusive environment ensures all employees feel respected and valued.

Organizations Doing It Right

Salesforce, a leader in corporate inclusivity, offers floating holidays to accommodate diverse cultural and religious observances. This policy allows employees to celebrate what matters most to them while maintaining a sense of belonging in the workplace.

Practical Tips

• Inclusive Messaging: When sending out Thanksgiving communications, acknowledge that the holiday may hold different meanings for everyone. Use language that reflects gratitude and togetherness without assumptions.

• Voluntary Participation: If you’re hosting events like potlucks, make them optional. Encourage inclusivity by accommodating dietary preferences and avoiding cultural insensitivity.

• Create Alternatives: Consider offering a “Day of Thanks” that can be observed at any time, allowing employees to choose how and when to celebrate.

Engagement: Showing Gratitude Beyond the Holiday

Why It Matters

The holiday season is a natural time for reflection and gratitude. Expressing genuine appreciation to your team can significantly impact morale, loyalty, and productivity.

Organizations Doing It Right

Zappos, known for its exceptional employee culture, regularly goes above and beyond to celebrate their team. During the holidays, they send personalized thank-you notes and small tokens of appreciation to their employees, creating a culture of gratitude year-round.

Practical Tips

• Personal Touches: Write handwritten notes expressing specific appreciation for individual contributions. This simple gesture can make a profound impact.

• Holiday Gifts: Small, thoughtful gifts—like gift cards, wellness kits, or extra PTO—show employees that their efforts are noticed.

• Public Recognition: Highlight accomplishments during team meetings or in company-wide communications to build a culture of gratitude.

Key Takeaways

As you navigate Thanksgiving break, consider these guiding principles:

• Fairness in scheduling shows respect for employees’ time.

• Inclusivity ensures everyone feels seen and valued, regardless of how they celebrate.

• Gratitude strengthens connections and builds a positive workplace culture.

This Thanksgiving, take the opportunity to cultivate joy, equity, and appreciation within your organization. The effort you invest now can lead to long-lasting benefits, including improved morale, retention, and overall workplace harmony.

Need Help Implementing These Practices?

Cultivate HR Consulting is here to support you with customized HR strategies to enhance your workplace culture. Whether you need assistance drafting holiday policies, managing time-off requests, or building a more inclusive environment, we’ve got you covered.

📧 Email us at support@cultivatehrconsulting.com or schedule a consultation here.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving a season of gratitude and inclusion for all!