Ways to Thank a Coworker this Thanksgiving

Feeling unappreciated at work can be a real bummer. At Levy Recognition, we share a lot of ideas on how employers can keep their employees engaged and motivated through recognition. But showing appreciation isn’t only about what an employer or company leader can do for the employees. What about employees doing for each other?

You can make a difference in your workplace by showing your coworkers how much you appreciate them. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is an excellent time to start expressing your gratitude and making peer-to-peer recognition part of your daily work routine. Here are some ways to thank your coworkers this Thanksgiving.


Send a Note of Appreciation

In a world of texts, emails, and social media posts, nothing replaces the tried and true handwritten note. Handwritten expressions of gratitude are sincere and show the recipient that you care. Keep your note simple, but be sure to add a personal account of what the coworker did for which you are thankful. If you aren’t sure what to say, here are some quick note ideas to help you fight writer’s block:

  • I want to thank you for your continued support. I’m so grateful to have you on my side. I will never forget the time you…
  • Thank you for the opportunity to work on so many projects with you this year. It’s been a fantastic learning experience and a lot of fun. Especially the time we…
  • Thank you for always pushing me to do better. Your encouragement during the... helped me to…
  • I just wanted you to know that your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed. [Write about a specific project or piece of work they completed. Be sure to thank them for their contribution to the finishing product.]

Praise them Publicly

To make a coworker feel special and give them a chance to shine, take time to thank them in front of other colleagues. A team meeting is a great time to share your gratitude and set an example for others to acknowledge their peers as well. Be sure to express why you are thankful to the coworker and tell others about their contributions to your work or the workplace. Just be sure your coworker is comfortable with being put in the spotlight before calling them out in front of everyone.

Other ways to thank your coworker publicly include writing something in the company’s internal newsletter, sharing a toast during the office thanksgiving party, and including your note of thanks in their employee review.


Talk to Their Boss

When a colleague does something worthy of praise, make sure their boss or team leader knows it! Sharing your appreciation for the coworker to their boss can have a lasting effect on their career. It helps managers see which employees are doing outstanding work and going above and beyond. It also helps them to see how reliable, committed the coworker is to the team.


Post it in the Recognition Program

Does your office have an employee recognition program? If so, use it! Post your gratitude on the social wall or send your coworker an ecard. If you can award incentive points peer-to-peer, send them a few points to show them how much you appreciate their help. They’ll feel how much they are appreciated and have a nice reward to remind them once they have cashed in their incentive points.

 

When a coworker does something to support you or helps you get your job tasks done faster, they deserve appreciation. When you see them working hard and doing their best, they deserve to be recognized. This Thanksgiving, make showing gratitude part of your daily business practices. Challenge yourself to continue to be thankful and show your appreciation for your colleagues throughout the rest of the year and into the coming New Year. Not only will you help make them feel more connected to the workplace and appreciated for their contributions, but you’ll also feel good knowing you put a smile on their face.

Employee Engagement After the Holidays