“Why isn’t this done in the way I’d told you to?” or “Is this what you’re being paid for?”. These are some questions we often hear when one says an organization lacks empathy or is toxic. An inclusive environment where authentic appreciation for effort & identifying willingness to learn is key. A senior in an organization must be a role model for their juniors. As the new year is around the corner, there’s a buzz about Thanksgiving at work. An underrated activity can be genuine appreciation for each other’s contributions towards the organization.
Leaders need to be flexible even if they do not feel the need to. Not every employee can be handled in the same way. With flexibility comes empathy, as an employee may need a morale booster, too. Are you unsure about how leaders can express appreciation with authenticity at the workplace? Read on:
Start with Honest Reflection
The first step for leaders is internal. Before expressing gratitude externally, it helps to reflect:
Leaders who reflect deeply speak with a clarity that employees immediately feel. Instead of blanket praise, they highlight real behaviors, problem-solving during a tight deadline, taking initiative during a challenging week, or supporting colleagues during transitions. Specificity shows sincerity.
Personalized Appreciation Matters More Than Grand Gestures
One of the biggest myths about Thanksgiving at work is that appreciation must be formal, extravagant, or highly orchestrated. In reality, the impact often comes from one-on-one moments. A personalized message or quick conversation acknowledging an individual’s unique contributions can be far more meaningful than a teamwide email.
Leaders can:
These gestures signal effort, and effort signals care.
Use Storytelling to Deepen Impact
People connect emotionally through stories. Leaders who weave small stories into their expressions of gratitude make the experience more memorable. For example, instead of saying, “Thank you for your hard work,” a leader might share:
“In October, when the project nearly derailed, your ability to stay calm and reorganize the team kept the momentum alive. That strength made the difference.”
Such storytelling not only validates the employee’s contributions but also helps them see the ripple effect of their actions. It turns appreciation into a shared memory.
Recognize Teams as Much as Individuals
While individual acknowledgment is vital, team appreciation is equally powerful. Employees want to feel part of something meaningful. Leaders who highlight collective achievements build unity and reinforce collaboration.
A thoughtful way to do this is to recount the year’s shared milestones, launches, challenges overcome, innovative ideas, and unexpected wins. These reflections remind teams that their combined effort created something valuable. It turns Thanksgiving at work into a moment of collective pride, not just personal praise.
Celebrate Contributions Beyond Performance Metrics
Authentic gratitude is not limited to KPIs. It also honors qualities that don’t always appear in performance dashboards:
A team member who checks on colleagues during stressful sprints contributes just as much to a healthy workplace as someone who exceeds sales goals. Leaders who recognize these human contributions cultivate a culture where people feel valued for who they are, not just what they do.
Make Appreciation Inclusive
Modern workplaces are diverse, with employees from different cultural backgrounds who may not traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving. Leaders should practice cultural sensitivity while still fostering unity. The focus should be on gratitude, respect, and connection values that transcend holidays.
Inclusion means:
By doing so, Thanksgiving at work becomes inclusive, not exclusive.
Combine Appreciation with Future Vision
Employees appreciate being thanked for their work, but they are inspired when leaders connect gratitude to future purpose. After acknowledging the past, leaders can share what lies ahead: goals, opportunities, and aspirations. This transforms appreciation from a closing note into a motivating starting point.
Something as simple as:
“Because of what we achieved together, we’re entering next year stronger. I’m grateful for your commitment, and I’m excited about what we’ll create together.”
can energize an entire team.
Be Consistent Beyond the Holiday
Perhaps the most important part of expressing appreciation is following through after the season ends. Employees notice when gratitude appears once a year and disappears again. Leaders who carry forward the spirit of thankful workplace into everyday habits, recognizing effort, checking in with empathy, and celebrating progress, build a culture where appreciation becomes embedded, not seasonal.
The Power of Authentic Appreciation
At its core, authentic appreciation is about humanity. It reminds employees that they matter, that their time, energy, and contribution are seen. For leaders, it’s a chance to strengthen relationships, reinforce culture, and create emotional resonance that lasts long after the holiday season. When gratitude is genuine, people feel it. And when people feel valued, workplaces thrive.
