Tag: Thanksgiving

Gobble, Gobble! Celebrating Thanksgiving in the Office

Thanksgiving is a time to show thanks for what you have and for those that are part of your life.  It is also a time to show others what they mean to you and why you are thankful they are part of your life.  The same can be done at the office.

Having a “Wall of Thanks” is a great way to recognize all the individuals and their contributions to the business and to each other.  Set up a wall in a common area that everyone has access to.  You can either hang a chalkboard with chalk nearby or have a large pad of post-it notes.  Everyone can take this opportunity to write a note of thanks in appreciation of what someone has done for them.

A fun idea is to have a Thanksgiving recipe contest.  With the American culture consisting of such a mix of nationalities, many households have such a variety of takes on the basics such as stuffing, potatoes, etc.  The participants can bring in their dish along with the recipe.  I love the idea of the winner getting their Thanksgiving turkey as the prize.

Another great idea to show how thankful you are is to do a clothes drive and give back.  Set up a box in the work kitchen for the entire month of December than as a group, bring your donations to the local homeless shelter. 

Celebrate this Thanksgiving in your office by showing thanks, having fun and giving back.

Showing Thanks to Employees During Thanksgiving Season

Showing thanks to your employees during Thanksgiving season shouldn’t be the only time you let them know that they are appreciated and valued. It is however, the perfect time to ramp it up. After all, that is what Thanksgiving is all about. Giving thanks!

Often, depending on the type of business you have, the holidays are usually busy. Production has to increase. This means that your employees are putting in extra hours. It also means they have less time at home to do their own preparations. They need to know that their hard work and dedication means something. An appreciated employee equates to a more productive employee. If a person knows that they are a valued team member, he or she tends to be more loyal to doing what needs to be done, to get the job done!

There are many small things that can be done to boost morale. Here are a few:

  1. Send them a Thanksgiving Card. A simple greeting card can go a long way in making people feel appreciated.
  2. Create a Thank You wall! Post names and what the person has done to help things run smoothly. If you can’t list all the names individually, post the departments and their contributions.
  3. Provide treats at break times.
  4. Have a raffle. The prize(s) don’t have to be huge, but be sure that all employees have a fair chance to participate.
  5. Post words of encouragement and thanks throughout the building.
  6. If possible, provide a luncheon. This doesn’t have to be huge. Maybe a Pizza Party.
    These are just a few suggestions. You can likely come up with some others. Regardless of what you decide to do, please don’t underestimate the power of showing appreciation. Be visible, be present and be sure to say thank you.

Best Time To Send Your Business Christmas Cards

Yes, we’re still in summer. However, the holidays will be upon us before you know it, and for most of us, it’s the most wonderful time of the year – unless you are unprepared. I’m sure your company has been flooded with important customers all year long. You are trying to find a way to send your appreciation for their business, your well wishes for the holiday season, and the New Year ahead!

If you head over to GalleryCollection.com, there is an entire selection of interesting holiday card designs. You pick out the design of the card you wish to have, you pick out the appropriate greeting, the appropriate imprint, the type of envelope, etc. Now comes the question of when the best time would be to send your business Christmas cards. We obviously don’t want to send them out in September or October, as that would be way too early!

Although some companies/businesses may send a generic “Seasons Greetings” cards at the end of November to honor Thanksgiving as well, most companies/businesses will set upon a specific date in early December to set out the holiday cards. Because there are most likely going to be a lot of cards to send out, you may want to  send you company’s holiday cards in early December to reach your clients/co-workers/employees in mid-December. Whenever you send them, I’m sure your recipient will be filled with joy to get your message of love and hope for the holiday season! 

Celebrating An Office Thanksgiving

The holidays seem to roll around faster and faster each year with less and less time to get ready for them. At least that’s how it seems to me, and as the unofficial office party organizer I’ve learned a few simple tips to help thing move smoothly.

Assuming your office does a chip in as we do where everyone either brings a dish or chips in to purchase one, then you the first thing you will need is a food sign up list. We store ours in a shared folder so everyone can see what others are bringing. We divide it up with spots for appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts, paper goods and drinks. This way we ensure we have our bases covered.

Dollar stores are great for picking up some festive paper goods and utensils. Be sure whomever is signed up to pick these items up knows how many people will be attending so you don’t run short of things like napkins and plates.

Having a good party set up is essential to keeping people flowing through the buffet line and a brisk pace. Have all the paper goods, utensils set up at one table, salads etc. first followed by other food items and things like dressings, butter etc. that cause people to dawdle and the very end or ideally at a separate table as they exist the buffet table.

Be sure you have some clear guidelines on how long people can take to gather round for some food and socializing. You want to encourage your Thanksgiving office party time to be one where people take some time away from their desks and socialize and relax for a while. Check with your boss to see if some extra time can be gifted by the company to allow people the chance to participate in the festivities. Those little gestures by the company can be great morale booster. In fact, sometimes the company picks up the tab for a cake which is also appreciated.

One year, I handed out a little note leaf shaped pieces of paper to everyone and sent an email asking that they take a minute and write down something they are thankful for at work. They didn’t need to sign if they didn’t want to but merely drop it in a basket I had decorated near my desk. Before the party, I collected all the leaves and taped them up to the windows just next to where we all gathered to stuff ourselves full of goodies. I can’t tell you how much people enjoyed reading them. Some were funny, some were serious but for sure it put everyone in the mood of giving thanks. My boss really loved it and said it was her favorite office party to date.

Clean up – everyone’s least favorite part but if it is a task shared by all then the burden shouldn’t fall to just a few hands. After the party winds down, I like to send an email reminding everyone to clean up their dishes and help clean the general area.

With some good planning and organization your next Thanksgiving office party should be one that is enjoyed by all.

Celebrating Thanksgiving In The Office

LOCATION,LOCATION,LOCATION … Pick a location near work or near to employees homes, you can always do a party on any budget.  Ask employees they might just want to cater in and have a nice party in the office.  Music is always important for a great party, send around a paper and ask employees to put down 2 songs that are there favorites.  This might help if you are not sure to have a band or get a DJ.  Find out from employees if they would want a sit down dinner or a buffet.  Maybe even just finger foods and desserts.  A great corporate party is the memories and the fun between fellow employees, but a personalized cocktail or an appetizer named after one of the company products is always a nice thing to remember.  Little gifts on the table, a gorgeous centerpiece, a pretty location, it is always nice to have a night to remember with your coworkers.  Of course cash is usually an issue with many people so you would not want to go overboard on a fancy restaurant that some people might not be able to afford the clothes to go to the event.  A Holiday bonus is always a nice gift to receive, but again some companies also do not have the extra money either – there are plenty of gorgeous and affordable gifts out there.

Don’t Forget to Send Thanksgiving Cards!

thanksgiving-card

 

During the holiday season, being one of the first to send my cards has always been important to me. I want to stand out from the crowd. Last year I decided to mix things up and do things a little different and boy was it a success!

I sent out Thanksgiving cards instead of Christmas/Holiday cards. The impact was amazing for a few of reason.

First off, I was the first holiday card people received. This stuck in their minds. During the craziness of December, no one was wondering did so and so send us a card this year? My card was truly remembered for its unique timing. I beat the holiday rush by sending Thanksgiving cards and will continue this new tradition into the future.

Secondly, there was no room for offending anyone. I send only cards to my American customers, family and friends. Wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving with the added message inside of joy through the entire Holiday Season and New Year was appreciated. They were thankful for my wishes.

Lastly, sending Thanksgiving cards alleviated me of rushing to get out Christmas cards in the hectic and exhausting month of December. I am so busy dealing with holiday gifts and parties and decorating. Now, I do not have to add Christmas writing, addressing and sending to that load.
Don’t forget to send Thanksgiving cards this year to stand out from the crowd and make your life easier!

5 Employee Gift Ideas For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we reflect on things and people we are thankful for. It’s a perfect time to show appreciation for the hard work your employees put in throughout the year. Below are five gift ideas to acknowledge the value of your employees during Thanksgiving.

Have a Great Thanksgiving Card
Have a Great Thanksgiving Card – Design 74WCX

 

1. Thanksgiving Cards – Greeting cards are an inexpensive, but thoughtful way to show thanks. Personalize the cards with their names and a message wishing them and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. If you have the time, hand deliver the cards to each employee – it’s a nice way to personally communicate that you value them as individuals and opens the door to learn a little about them.

2. Wine – Depending on the nature of your business, a small bottle of wine may be appropriate. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, decorate the top of the bottle with some festive string! Whether your employees choose to enjoy it with their family or give as a gift to someone else, it is a great way to spread seasonal joy.

3. Pie – If your business is a bit too conservative for wine, perhaps you could spread thanks with holiday pies. Apple, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry – choose one, or let your employees choose! They’ll appreciate the thought and be relieved to have something to bring to their relative’s Thanksgiving dinner.

4. Gift Card – Thanksgiving and the holiday season in general tend to become expensive. A generic or supermarket gift card is a considerate gesture for an employee Thanksgiving gift. The flexibility of a gift card allows them to spend it on whatever will make their holiday more special.

5. Potluck/Banquet – Whether you choose to rent a space or coordinate employees to bring their own dishes, a spread of food is always a well-received gesture. Let employees sit, relax and socialize with one another over a good meal. Don’t be shy to have a seat yourself and join in!

Whether it’s giving a gift or sharing some words, the saying “it’s the thought that counts” carries more weight than you may think. Regardless of your budget there is always a way to show appreciation for the people who help run your business. This season, take the time to thank them.

Why Thanksgiving is the Best Holiday to Celebrate in the Office

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to celebrate in the office because it is a feel good holiday. Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what we have, and of course a delicious feast. There are no worries about presents!

A good way to celebrate would be to have a Pot Luck Lunch. Each employee could bring in a recipe special to his or her family tradition. Sharing stories and traditions is a great way to bring the employees closer and boost morale.

Thanksgiving-Potluck

I would also suggest a recipe exchange. There are so many variations of stuffing, dressing and side dishes that it would be interesting to share with each other. I know I love to share recipes and try new ones all the time. Thanksgiving is my holiday; I try to mix it up a little each year. Trying new recipes is a great conversation piece. Also, I know my guests love to try new things and look forward to a new dish. Wouldn’t it be fun to compile these recipes from your coworkers into a cookbook? I’m sure some one would volunteer to put it together, The Best Recipe Cookbook.

Another reason Thanksgiving is the best holiday to celebrate in the office would be to help the needy. Collecting non-perishable goods for a local food pantry or shelter is such a great cause. This year bring the spirit of thanks and maybe it will carry forward into the New Year!

What to Bring to an Office Thanksgiving Party

What a cool idea! Having an Office Thanksgiving Party!

I am fortunate in that I work in a very culturally diverse workplace. So, whenever we have any sort of food event at work, it’s an amazing display of something from every corner of the world. But, I have to say, for Thanksgiving, I think I’d want to lean more toward a traditional menu.

Office_Thanksgiving

That being said, it’s probably not going to be easy to roast a 15 pound turkey in our lunchroom. But not to worry, we have a couple of options. We could cook the turkey at home and reheat in the microwaves. In fact, there probably isn’t any thing you can not heat up in a microwave. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, veggies – wow! We could carve the turkey and place on serving platters and then set out all the fixins’ as a buffet. I’m sure lots of people would want to bring in part of this feast to share.

Or, for a “no mess, no fuss” option, I saw an ad from a local deli for “Thanksgiving on a Bun”. We could either order a bunch of those or simply ask for volunteers to make up sandwiches at home with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce and pop the whole thing in the microwave and then place all the sandwiches on platters and people could help themselves.

We can not forget dessert. I’d go with an assortment of pies, already cut up on plates and allow folks to choose their favorites. I’m sure getting volunteers to bring in dessert would be easy – even if it wasn’t homemade!

Of course, there is a challenge – and I can only speak for myself here – but how are we going to accommodate the naps that always follow Thanksgiving dinner!