It’s Thanksgiving week, the official start of the holiday season. It’s also that time of year when companies thank their employees for their contributions.
Some companies thank their employees by offering them a turkey or a ham, while others provide an additional day or two off during the holiday season. Many employers have gone back to throwing fancy holiday parties at upscale hotels, while others are taking a more modest approach with in-office celebrations.
That’s all fine and good, but I’d like to know why giving thanks is only done once a year.
Organizations that thank their employees all year round pay fair wages when they can do so. These companies have held their own through the pandemic. They have continued to reward employees for their contributions when they could have easily used Covid-19 as an excuse for freezing wages or cutting salaries.
Companies that allow employees to take time off when necessary, demonstrate their appreciation daily. They send the message that we trust you’ll be at work when needed. These same organizations have no problem getting employees to pitch in at a moment’s notice.
My favorite are organizations that pay their employees well below market and then thank them for their efforts by providing them with large year-end bonuses that bring people up to the market. (You do know I’m being sarcastic, right?) Since many employees are thankful for a job, they fail to recognize this bait-and-switch approach. I bet the owners are thankful for that.
There is much to be grateful for this holiday season and throughout the year. Let’s spread the cheer.
Give thanks daily, and perhaps employees will cheerfully service your customers and clients in a way that makes you thankful to have them as part of your team all year long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Roberta
