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Is giving turkeys for employee gifts still relevant today? Absolutely! The tradition of sharing a Thanksgiving turkey as a gift is not only alive but continues to thrive in workplaces across America. Research shows that giving turkeys for gifts is deeply rooted in American history, dating back to the very first Thanksgiving in 1621. During this time, Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians came together to share an autumn harvest feast that lasted three days, laying the foundation for what would become America’s oldest tradition.

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Back-to-school is an exciting and hectic time of year. From the first day of classes to the last bell of the school year, there are many people all coming together to make it all work—from parents to teachers to administrators to coaches—and there are plenty of people to be grateful for. If you’re feeling thankful for the many individuals who make up a school community, gThankYou gift certificates are the perfect gift. Whether you’re an administrator, community leader, or a thankful parent, stock up today to show your appreciation for the greater community who all play a role in educating and raising our kids!

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Any business has a variety of stakeholders that care about the success of the organization. Beyond employees, do you have a board of directors, volunteers, employees’ families, or customers who deserve gratitude? The answer is likely yes. But how do you show appreciation and build loyalty among these groups? Regular communication with these groups is critically important, but who is in charge of showing them thanks? If that’s YOU, let gThankYou help!

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Time. It’s one of the main reasons managers give for not thanking employees. I just don’t have the time. However, we know that in the long run a robust employee appreciation program actually saves time. Employees who feel appreciated are more productive and retention goes up. This is especially true at the holidays, when time is at a premium. Don’t let a time crunch keep your company from having a great holiday turkey gift program! Begin your planning now.

gThankYou makes it easy to share the gift of a Holiday Turkey with gift certificates for any brand, any preparation of whole turkey, redeemable nationally at major grocery chains and independent stores.

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Labor Day celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your workplace and have fun — especially if you have team members working on Labor Day itself or over the weekend.

Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day was born out of the rise of workers’ rights during the peak of the Industrial Revolution. To this day, we enjoy the benefits of this movement: minimum wage, overtime law, the weekend and more.
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When you want to show gratitude, offer an incentive, or provide a gift, reward, or recognition, do you ever stall out on ideas? Do you wonder what people really WANT and NEED? The answer: something USEFUL and THOUGHTFUL. That’s why gThankYou gift certificates stand out as the ideal employee recognition gifts.

Whether you’re incentivizing or rewarding behavior, or simply saying, “thank you,” we’re here to help. gThankYou food gift certificates are always a win. Recipients can purchase food at grocery stores where they already shop — and choose the brands they’d like! Whether it’s turkey or ham for the holidays, groceries anytime, or specific items that align with a time of year or certain celebration (ice cream, pie, or healthy veggies), gThankYou has the right options for any budget.

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gThankYou provides the perfect incentive that’s valuable yet inexpensive, easy to provide, and meets the needs of anyone. What do YOU need people to do to keep your business running smoothly? Do you need employees to volunteer? Do you need customers to fill out feedback forms? Do you need a certain number of people to provide information for a data set? If so, you may need an incentive!

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Do you employ truck drivers, bus drivers, or any transportation workers? Employee engagement is important for all people in an organization, but here are some ideas for how to keep drivers happy, healthy, and on the road. As retention and an aging workforce continue to be challenges for the trucking industry, be sure to share your appreciation for all they do… It’ll go far!

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Gratitude quotes, gratitude notes, gratitude goats? Sure, we’ll take ’em all! Is the concept of sharing gratitude regularly embraced in your organization? Sometimes it just takes a moment to remember how much a statement or action of gratitude can make an incredible difference in someone’s day — and overall experience in the workplace. At gThankYou, we are proponents of finding everyday ways to express appreciation.

We’ve gathered up 11 positive workplace quotes that may serve as a timely reminder to share thanks with those around you. Let these positive workplace quotes help inspire an everyday culture of workplace gratitude among your leaders, teams, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders.
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UP AHEAD: summertime — sunny, lazy, distracting summer, with vacation days and “summer Fridays” tempting employees at every turn. In other words? A recipe for disengagement. And your task is keeping employees engaged. Summertime workplace celebration ideas are plentiful AND enjoyable.

Keeping up engagement levels through the summer months depends on a good balance that integrates fun, freedom, fitness, and focus. If employees have opportunities for regular, low-key summertime celebrations that center on accomplishments, family, and/or wellness, they’ll be more likely to be productive the rest of the time.

Let us inspire you with the following summertime workplace celebration ideas to plan your own employee engagement calendar for the season. (more…)

Summer gifts keep employees engaged through the distractions of the season. The ability to leave the office early on Friday afternoons — “summer Fridays” — is a popular perk. But showing appreciation with schedule flexibility just doesn’t work in all businesses and industries. What always works? Food gift certificates! And ice cream is especially special and fun in the summertime (or popsicles or other frozen treats). A gThankYou gift certificate for ice cream is affordable, quick, and brings a smile to people of all ages.
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Employee appreciation gifts that send a meaningful message of thanks don’t need to break your budget! Here are 8 budget-friendly staff gifts that can be more effective than even expensive bonuses because the focus is on your gratitude and on a thoughtful gift that has personal significance.

Consistently engaging employees – or even reengaging detached employees – doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. (more…)

According to the New York Times article, “Do Thank-You Notes Still Matter?”, the author states, “The thank-you note may seem to be an archaic holdover from a time of Rolodexes and rotary phones. But etiquette experts and social observers argue that a handwritten expression of gratitude has never been more important. It can even be a gift itself.”

The article goes on to say, “And while an emailed thanks is a nice gesture, many experts say that, in this virtual age, a traditional, physical note is more powerful than ever.”

One of the best ways to say thank you is with a handwritten note. It’s a classic, meaningful way to show appreciation and motivate employees with a keepsake of your gratitude. Start your own thank you note habit and share the benefits with your team for a shift in workplace culture.

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Employee appreciation gifts are the perfect way to thank employees, volunteers, clients, and customers — and gThankYou has one for every occasion!

From on-the-spot recognition to workplace wellness incentives to milestone celebrations, and from New Year’s to 4th of July to Thanksgiving, we’re on the job and ready to help. gThankYou offers nine types of grocery store gift certificates in a variety of values to meet your company’s specific needs and budget.

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Sorry. It’s one small word that may be holding your team back from building a stronger culture of workplace gratitude. Apologies have their place, but people often say “sorry” when “thank you” would be better. How often do you find yourself apologizing when it’s possible to be reworded into a more positive message?

Think of it this way… If you had to choose to be surrounded by an abundance of genuine “thank you” messages among colleagues or a lot of people saying, “sorry” all the time, what would you prefer? (We think we know the answer.) However, it takes a little bit of awareness and effort to rewire our tendencies.

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First responders serve on the front lines, heroically risking their own safety and wellbeing. While they received the spotlight throughout the pandemic (and they deserved it), it’s important to keep these hard workers feeling honored, respected, and cared for. High stress and trauma are part of their reality, so handwritten thank you notes (and food gift certificates) are a wonderful way to say, “Our community is grateful!” 

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Roll out the red carpet! Welcome gifts for new hires are trending as a way to help employees feel appreciated from day one.

First days can be challenging, even for the most seasoned professionals. People don’t yet have their footing yet, don’t know all the jargon, the processes, the overall vibe. The most successful managers see onboarding as an opportunity, not just a checklist.

Welcome gifts — accompanied by a nice introduction letter — are a great way to kick off effective onboarding and making a good first impression. You want to send the message right away, so each employee feels welcome, needed, and appreciated.

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As the workplace continues to change into remote and hybrid models, defining ways to keep remote workers happy and engaged is of utmost importance. Remote working isn’t new to the world of work, but for many industries and people, it’s a new endeavor.

According to WFH Research, here’s a breakdown of the workforce according to work arrangements: In-person: 61%; Remote: 12%; and Hybrid: 26%.  While the majority of workers still work primarily from a physical office, a significant portion now benefit from some level of remote work flexibility.

As passionate champions of happy, productive workplaces, we’ve gathered some suggestions for embracing remote workers to keep the engine running on all cylinders. (more…)

How would you rate your customer relations efforts? Do you feel like you show gratitude on a regular basis to customers who choose to work with YOU? The best time to give a customer loyalty gifts is whenever appreciation strikes.

Expressing gratitude can bond you with customers, which is essential to long-term retention. When you build relationships with customers, you also build loyalty, which helps your business prosper. 

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How often do you recognize your customer-facing employees? Do you employ servers, cashiers, delivery people, or customer service representatives? Because of their position, these employees are often overlooked and not as supported as higher-ranking staff. Yet transactions between customers and these employees make or break the image of a business. Their happiness and job satisfaction can affect your future relationships with customers and deserve to be shown appreciation. It’s simple — yet very important!

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Teacher Appreciation Week is the first week of May, and we’re here to help everyone yell, “THANK YOU” from the rooftops! (But get down quickly before a teacher catches you.)

There are more than 4 million public and private school teachers in the U.S. Of course, that number multiplies when you expand into higher education and into the world of training, development, mentors, and other roles. It’s generally agreed upon that teachers are amazing people who are underpaid and underappreciated. YOU can make a difference in how teachers feel – this week and year-round.

According to Zippia.com and WeAreTeachers.com:

• The average teacher impacts more than 3,000 students throughout their career.
• 83% of students credit teachers with improving their confidence and self-esteem.
• 87% of people wish they had expressed more appreciation to their teachers.
• 88% of individuals acknowledge that teachers played a significant positive role in their lives.
• 79% of students have been encouraged to follow their dreams by a teacher.
• 54% of students have had a teacher who helped them through difficult times.
• 75% of students view teachers as mentors and role models.

“The job of an educator is to teach students to see vitality in themselves.”
– Joseph Campbell

How to Easily Show Teacher Appreciation

Expressing gratitude to teachers is essential, as they play a pivotal role in shaping our lives and futures. Here are some heartfelt ways to thank teachers year-round:

A Sincere Thank You Note: Write a heartfelt thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their dedication, guidance, and impact. Whether it’s a handwritten letter or an email, your words will mean a lot to them.

Personalized Gifts: Consider giving a small gift that reflects a teacher’s interests, or something related to their subject. It could be a book, a grocery gift certificate, or even thoughtful classroom supplies.

Public Recognition: During Teacher Appreciation Week or other school events, publicly acknowledge teachers’ hard work. Share positive stories about teachers in your organization, make a donation to a local school, or find other ways to share your gratitude for this important profession.

Volunteer Your Time: Offer to help in a classroom, assisting with tasks, organizing materials, or assisting during events. Teachers often appreciate extra hands.

Remember Special Occasions: Celebrate teachers’ birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Week, or other milestones. A small token of appreciation on these occasions goes a long way.

Spread Positivity: Share positive stories about how teachers are making a difference in your organization or community. Word of mouth can create a ripple effect of appreciation.

Additional Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers of Tomorrow offers some wonderful ideas for how to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Here are some of our favorite ideas from their list:

• Organize a Lunch for Teachers
• Gift Cards (Gift Certificates)
• Refill Classroom Supplies
• Create a Thank You Book
• Put Together a Gift Box
• Create a Staff Spotify List
• Plant Trees in a Teacher’s Name
• Present Certificates of Appreciation for Teachers

Whether you lead a district, partner with schools, or simply respect the world of teachers, there are many ways to show appreciation to these people who shape the future of our world. A simple gesture, like writing a personalized note, giving or making a small gift, can go a long way in showing your gratitude. If you were in a classroom all day, what would make YOU happy?

Learn More About gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude:

• Check out our Home Page
• See all our Gift Certificate Choices
• Watch our ‘About Us’ Video
• See what customers say in our Case Studies
• Look at our FAQ
• See our FREE customizable Gratitude cards
• Reach us at 888-484-1658 or via info@gthankyou.com

Top Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash

Motivating teams couldn’t be simpler — just thank your employees for their efforts and they’ll feel more valued. When employees know you’re grateful for their efforts, they work harder, and productivity improves. It’s remarkably easy but it takes a little bit of effort and consistency.

It’s important to thank your employees for accomplishments both large and small. Besides, when you feel and express gratitude, it lifts your spirits too! In fact, a Harvard Business Review study found that 95% of employees agree that a grateful boss is more likely to be successful. This suggests that expressing gratitude is not just beneficial for employees, but also for leaders themselves.

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You don’t have to break the bank to show your receptionist appreciation!

National Receptionists Day is always the second Wednesday in May. It’s a day set aide to recognize and appreciate all the work that receptionists do to help organizations run smoothly. If your office has receptionists, this is a wonderful time to acknowledge their very important role.
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How’s Your Healthy Workplace? Employee Health and Fitness Day is Coming Up!

Held annually on the third Wednesday of May, Employee Health and Fitness Day is an excellent opportunity to show support for all things wellness. Why? Because employee health should be prioritized year-round, and this is a great day to share that commitment with employees. Read on for why you want to create and maintain a healthy workplace and ideas for how to celebrate.

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Nurse appreciation is the focus of National Nurses Week, which begins May 6. Be sure to plan your Nurses Week celebrations now so you can adequately thank the fabulous nurses you know or employ!

Nurses remain the most trusted profession, with 78% of U.S. adults currently believing nurses have high honesty and ethical standards, according to Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll.  In addition to being trusted, nurses are universally respected due to their deep knowledge, kindness, and overall care for people. Anyone who has needed healthcare in any capacity is likely to underscore that nurses are truly the heartbeat of medicine.

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Why start an employee thank you program? Because it has been proven that employees need it. Recognition and appreciation can significantly impact employee morale and engagement. A Glassdoor survey showed that over half (53%) of employees indicated that feeling more appreciated by their boss would make them stay at their current company.

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Wondering where you can shop using your gThankYou! Gift Certificate?

You can choose your favorite grocery store chain anywhere in the U.S. As long as the store honors manufacturer coupons, they have the ability to accept your gThankYou gift certificate. You can also use our store locator.

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Every generation in the workplace appreciates employee thank you gifts, and Generation Z is no exception. In fact, showing appreciation is even more crucial to engaging these young people. Several characteristics are emerging in the generation born after 1997: they have high expectations, they’re practical, and they’re in a position to influence the workplace for years.

Giving thanks in the workplace is never about how much you give to your employees, rather the thought and effort put in to make them feels special. Generation Z gifts are no different. There are plenty of budget-friendly and effective ways to hand out employee thank you gifts.

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National Admin Day is in April. What should you do?

Google “administrative staff appreciation ideas” and you’ll get over a million results. But most of those ideas are pretty much the same: a mug, tchotchke, or a cute, funny card. If you’d like to do something different for administrative staff — something that will truly make them feel valued — we’ve got a great suggestion. Best of all, it’s inexpensive and it doesn’t take long.

Here you go — one of the best administrative staff appreciation ideas out there, and it’s just three simple steps.
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International Day of Happiness is March 20. How happy are your employees?

Employee happiness is the natural result of a recognition-rich culture that engages everyone. The biggest mistake that leaders can make is to assume that happiness happens naturally in the workplace. It’s important to be proactive, ask questions, and consistently assess levels of engagement. We’re not afraid to boldly state that employee engagement equals happiness… and if it doesn’t, there are some other systemic issues at play that may need to be explored.
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March Madness is back! For the next few weeks, both diehard and occasional fans will dive into college basketball. Instead of being irritated by the distraction of employees filling out brackets and chatting about buzzer-beaters, take this opportunity for some exciting employee engagement. Here are some considerations for turning March Madness into a team-building opportunity!

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Surprise your staff with Easter employee gifts for Spring from gThankYou to celebrate workplace appreciation and more!

gThankYou Gift Certificates make it easy, affordable and meaningful to thank employees at the holidays or anytime. Available in a range of values from $5 to $30, gift certificates allow recipients to choose any brand of merchandise from virtually any chain grocery store in the U.S.

Your employees will appreciate the freedom to choose the brands they like, when and where they would like to shop. (more…)

Did you remember Employee Appreciation Day? If it passed you by, it’s never too late!

Everyday expressions of gratitude can be easy and effective. Simple gestures such as saying thank you can foster a culture of gratitude, where workplace appreciation is shared frequently and effortlessly.

Here are 10 employee appreciation ideas to execute on the fly:

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Two of our favorite events are coming up and we want to help you celebrate: Employee Appreciation Day and Pi Day! You still have time to rev up the fun engine and plan ahead for these excellent opportunities to recognize employees.

Mark your calendars: Employee Appreciation Day is March 1 and Pi Day is March 14 – every year!

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Spring in the workplace is full of fresh starts. It’s also a great time to make sure that your employee recognition program has a fresh set of eyes. 

There isn’t just one recipe for success when it comes to employee recognition; there are many thoughtful ways to acknowledge employees’ dedication. Leaders who take the time and energy to show employee gratitude year-round end up with happier team members and a more enjoyable workplace. Each season provides multiple opportunities to recognize employees, partners, and other stakeholders. Below are some ways to celebrate spring in the workplace.

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Acts of kindness are one of the most powerful ways we have to connect with others. They not only foster a sense of community but also enhance our mental well-being. Small gestures can make a significant impact, creating a more positive and supportive work environment for everyone involved.

February is the perfect month to share workplace kindness – with Random Acts of Kindness Day (17th) and Week (February 11-17), and Valentine’s Day! These February themes for work provide excellent opportunities to highlight and celebrate kindness within your workplace. By planning activities around these days, you can inspire your colleagues to engage in kind acts, thereby cultivating a culture of compassion and empathy at work.

Planting seeds of kindness yields improved moods and productivity. Better yet, it’s contagious. When you share a little kindness, it has a ripple effect that can transform the atmosphere of your office. A single act can inspire others to act kindly, creating a chain reaction that promotes a healthier and happier workplace for everyone.

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gThankYou 2024 Employee Appreciation Calendar
Now Available

We are thrilled to reveal our annual Day-to-Day Employee Appreciation Calendar! It’s free and downloadable, as well as extremely helpful, insightful, and fun! If you’re focused on employee retention, improving recognition practices, or workplace engagement, we have you covered.

We work all year to create this annual employee appreciation calendar for YOU, the people focused on employee engagement and appreciation; those who are actively building vibrant, loyal workplace cultures.

This is a much-needed resource to turn to for creative workplace ideas. Not only does it take the guesswork out of workplace events, it provides a variety of ideas for all budgets to improve workplace culture.

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As the new year kicks off, it’s a wonderful opportunity to assess what employees achieved and overcame during 2023. Organizations everywhere have worked hard to reassess priorities and make significant changes after the pandemic-related pandemonium.

At gThankYou, we are advocates for weaving gratitude through the entire year. Stay tuned for our 2024 calendar, which provides a variety of ways to illustrate appreciation every month of the year. In the meantime, let’s take this opportunity to start the year on a high note. Here are some applicable tips to help foster a sense of appreciation in the next few weeks.

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Holidays at work can be a delicate subject. Diverse workforces mean that there are different ways to celebrate a variety of holidays. However, it’s possible to ensure that the season is festive and fun for everyone. Holiday work parties go one of two ways — something people (leaders and employees alike) have to do or want to do.

We’re in the peak season for companies throwing a holiday work party for their employees. Most parties happen before the New Year, but for many in the service industry, the season continues through the end of January.

How can your company pull off a warm and inviting experience for everyone? Here are some considerations for making your holiday work party an appreciated event that employees of all ages want to attend.

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Managers: It’s Your Time to Shine!

Employee Christmas gifts are the perfect way to share end-of-year gratitude and strengthen manager-employee relationships. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report, “the manager is the linchpin of engagement. Seventy percent of team engagement is attributable to the manager.”

This holiday season, managers should feel empowered to celebrate their team’s hard work, even if it’s a small gesture. It’s important to remember: giving employee Christmas gifts and notes of gratitude is not a one-time transaction. It’s an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships. Encourage all managers in your workplace to take advantage of this communication opportunity!

At gThankYou, we pride ourselves as a manager’s BFF, helping you simply give thoughtful appreciation gifts.

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As the holiday season approaches, companies seek ways to express gratitude to their employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Employee gift baskets are a thoughtful and fun way to show appreciation. A basket with an ornament, some candy and a gift certificate are a perfect gift. And if you have company swag, now’s the time to share it! Here are some compelling reasons why employee holiday gift baskets are a great idea:

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As the holiday season approaches, thoughts turn to gatherings with loved ones, festive feasts, and of course, the delectable treats that grace our tables. Among the culinary staples that evoke the spirit of the holidays, ham holds a special place. Its rich flavor, versatility, and symbolic significance have made it a timeless choice for both celebratory meals and thoughtful gifts.

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First and foremost, let’s appreciate this cute puppy. Okay, now let’s focus on ways to express gratitude at work.

It’s that time of year to celebrate, reflect and plan ahead for next year. What does that really look like in your organization? It all begins with gratitude for the people who show up and give it their all.

It’s an excellent time to really take stock of all the moving pieces in an organization – everyone from janitorial staff to truck drivers to administrative assistants to volunteers. Everyone plays a role, so make sure that leadership appropriately acknowledges each and every person in the ecosystem.

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The holidays are often a time to take stock. What’s working? What’s not? How can we improve the human experience? (Hint: Holiday gift certificates meet many human needs!)

One way to look at how employees, partners, volunteers and others are treated is to look at how their needs are addressed all year long. Organizations likely have an HR department or someone who is charged with ensuring that people are safe, paid, and generally taken care of. However, it’s a useful exercise to think through this lens for gift-giving, too.  Everyone has “wish lists,” but what do people really need to live … and live well?

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Whether on top of buildings, fixing plumbing or electrical, or any other in-demand trade work, our blue-collar workers work hard every day. These individuals form the backbone of our economy, keeping our infrastructure functioning, our homes comfortable, and our lives running smoothly. And while we’re grateful all year long, now is the time to say, “thank you!” for their dedication, long hours, and challenging work. (more…)

‘Tis The Season for Holiday Corporate Gifts! 

The holiday season is a time for giving and gratitude, and businesses are no exception. Many companies choose to send or deliver gifts to their employees, clients, and partners as a way to show appreciation. However, it can be difficult to choose the right holiday corporate gift, especially when you want to make sure that it is both personal and practical.

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