Celebrating Thanksgiving at Work: Gratitude, Community, and Well-Being – Mary T. O’Sullivan

By Mary T. O’Sullivan, MSOL, contributing writer on business and leadership

While some of us save our Paid Time Off (PTO) to take the whole Thanksgiving week off, most employees will be working right up until Wednesday evening. Along with all the food preparations, getting ready for guests or packing for travel everyone’s physical and psychic energy will be taxed. Before the office goes dark and the parking lot empties, there are a few things to do at work to show gratitude for all fellow employees. Studies have proven that these types of “gratitude” or “appreciation” activities develop a sense of community and encourage employee well-being that won’t be forgotten.

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that provides a special opportunity to strengthen the work community, improve morale, and strengthen a culture of gratitude. Unlike purely social work events, Thanksgiving’s focus on appreciation and thankfulness—an emotion that research consistently shows as linked to higher engagement, stronger relationships, and better performance at work. As leadership teacher, coach and author Marshall Goldsmith said, “A great leader is a great acknowledger—someone who notices and appreciates people consistently.” Incorporating Thanksgiving activities in the workday encourages everyone at every level,  to recognize the importance of appreciation.

One of the most powerful Thanksgiving practices is hosting a brief “Gratitude Gathering.” This can be a 15–20-minute meeting—virtual or in person—where employees share one thing they appreciate about their colleagues or their work environment. Leadership scholar Robert Emmons—one of the world’s leading researchers on gratitude—writes, “Gratitude is the ultimate performance-enhancing substance. It heals, energizes, and transforms lives.” When gratitude is shared publicly, it not only lifts spirits but also strengthens team cohesion. Employees feel recognized, valued, and seen. A gratitude wall, where participants post notes of thanks, can provide ongoing reminders of appreciation long after the holiday passes. When you’re feeling underappreciated, one of these activities makes a big difference in morale and motivation.

Another time-honored activity is the workplace Thanksgiving meal—whether a potluck or catered lunch. Often, the organization offers these meals at no cost to employees. Just line up and fill your plate with turkey, gravy and all the trimmings. Sharing food has long been associated with community building and trust. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes, “Relationships are the lifeblood of effective teams, and small moments of connection accumulate into a culture.” A shared meal, done intentionally, becomes more than just eating together; it becomes a small act of caring. Even more importantly, when employers provide options for dietary needs and cultural preferences, it further signals that the workplace values inclusion. A hybrid-friendly version—such as a livestreamed toast, with alcohol provided by the boss—can help keep remote employees in the fold and connected to everyone else.

Thanksgiving is also an ideal time of year to incorporate acts of service. Good examples are food drives, adopt-a-family programs, or volunteer days. These activities not only benefit the community but also strengthen the organization’s purpose, establishes that the organization is visible and cares about the community. Management expert Peter Drucker once stated, “The purpose of an organization is to enable ordinary human beings to do extraordinary things.” Community service projects highlight exactly that: when employees work together to help others, they experience a shared sense of mission. This has measurable effects. Studies show that collective volunteering increases team cohesion and reduces interpersonal conflicts. Service is gratitude in action.

And let’s not forget the gift of time. Many workplaces have adopted policies such as half-days or “no-meeting afternoons” during Thanksgiving week. These initiatives honor employees’ well-being and acknowledge the stress of the holiday season. Psychologist Shawn Achor, known for his research on happiness and productivity, reminds us, “Happiness inspires productivity.” Giving employees time back—by limiting unnecessary and wasteful meetings or offering an early end of day—shows trust and respect. The result most often produces a more loyal workforce, better mental health during the holiday break , and higher motivation when employees return.

Remote-friendly Thanksgiving activities also play an important role in the workplace. A short seasonal coffee chat (pumpkin spice of course), a showing thanks on a collaboration message board, or a small e-gift card can help erase the isolation of physical distance. A recipe swap may also provide a way for remote workers to feel recognized and included in the office holiday spirit. As hybrid work becomes increasingly common, adaptable traditions must ensure all employees remain connected.

Ultimately, Thanksgiving celebrations at work are not about the activities themselves—they are about building and encouraging the growth of a culture of appreciation. When organizations intentionally promote gratitude, they reinforce the behaviors and relationships that make high-performing teams possible. In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A Thanksgiving celebration that makes employees feel acknowledged, respected, and valued can have lasting effects far beyond the holiday season.

 A 2019 study conducted by the University of Turin, Italy confirms that … [many] types of gratitude are reliable and valid predictors of job performance and job satisfaction. Other studies concluded that incorporating gratitude “gatherings” or walls, sharing meals, significant recognition events and personal thank you notes, along with service projects, and keeping and recognizing traditions strengthen the sense of community that creates a thriving, profitable, successful organization. Thanksgiving at work becomes not simply a seasonal activity but to a savvy leadership team, a strategic investment in workplace culture—an opportunity to cultivate appreciation as an everyday practice.

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Mary T. O’Sullivan, Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach, Society of Human Resource Management, “Senior Certified Professional. Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Career Coaching, University of Texas at Dallas.

Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society.

Advanced Studies in Education from Montclair University, SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University.

Mary is also a certified Six Sigma Specialist, Contract Specialist, IPT Leader and holds a Certificate in Essentials of Human Resource