Thanksgiving is a time when you traditionally think about time spent with family and friends. Although this is true, there is no reason not to celebrate this wonderful time and show thanks with colleagues at work as well. After all, work is where you earn a wage to live on, and where and who you spent a large proportion of your time. And for some, having holiday from work at this time isn’t possible. If this is the case, there are still ways to celebrate this festival, in the true spirit of being thankful.
Potluck
Potluck is a great way to share favorite thanksgiving foods with co-workers. A time is designated at work for the thanksgiving meal. Each member of staff brings in a food that is a particular favorite in their family, made following their own individual recipes. As the meal is enjoyed, each person shares with the others why their meal is special to them, sharing not only the food but the meaning and associations behind it.
Place a large notice board somewhere prominent in the workplace and every time a co-worker does something kind, considerate or special, another member of staff writes what was done and why it was special and adds this note to the board for others to read and share.
Giving thanks for work
It is all too easy to find faults with your job but thanksgiving is a good time to take a good look at the positives. Appreciating the plus points of a job can have longer term benefits, lasting beyond the holiday season. Taking the time to find the good points of your job can create a more rewarding and appreciative way to look at how you earn an income. After all, a large part of your life will be spent working so it makes sense, as much as possible, to see it as a positive part of who you are.
Consideration of those who will be working
If you are spending the holidays with friends and families, it’s a good time to reflect and be thankful for the many who will be working during this period. The essential services still need to be maintained and the emergency services still have to be available when needed. Also, many people enjoy the benefit of time off work to enjoy or catch up on retail purchases. Showing acknowledgement of the staff, by taking a few moments to say thanks and show appreciation of their service, may make a big difference to their day, and help you reconnect with the values of thanksgiving.
Helping others
Organising a way to help others in need can be a way for the staff to come together in a constructive way to do something positive for those who are less fortunate. This can be a fund raising event for a local good cause, or it can helping out at a homeless shelter or local charity. These events can be great for staff bonding and team building, giving a real sense of accomplishing something special together, for those in need.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Bio: Jen Smith is a Life Coach & Writer. She has tried many career paths herself and now helps people achieve their goals and dreams.
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