?? Top 10 Internal Comms Ideas to Get Employees Excited Before Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and football; it’s a time for gratitude, connection, and appreciation. For companies, this is the perfect opportunity to engage employees with creative internal communications that inspire excitement and foster a sense of community. Let’s dive into the top 10 ideas to bring your team together this Thanksgiving season! ??

1. Launch a “Gratitude Wall” ??

Create a virtual or physical space where employees can express gratitude for their colleagues.

? How to Do It:

? Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for a virtual wall.

? Provide sticky notes and a designated area in the office for an in-person wall.

? Why It Works: Fosters a culture of appreciation and boosts morale.

? Bonus: Share some of these messages during a team meeting to amplify the positivity!

2. Thanksgiving Trivia Challenge ??

Host a trivia contest with Thanksgiving-themed questions to spark engagement.

? How to Do It:

? Use platforms like Kahoot or Jackbox for virtual trivia.

? Include fun topics like Thanksgiving history, pop culture, and traditions.

? Why It Works: Promotes team bonding through friendly competition.

? Prize Idea: Offer small rewards like gift cards, extra PTO hours, or Thanksgiving treats!

3. Host a “Thanksgiving Recipe Swap” ??

Encourage employees to share their favorite holiday recipes.

? How to Do It:

? Set up a shared Google Doc or Slack channel for submissions.

? Create a company-wide digital cookbook as a keepsake.

? Why It Works: Highlights diverse traditions and creates a sense of connection.

? Pro Tip: Host a virtual cooking class featuring one of the recipes!

4. Organize a “Thank You Gram” Campaign ??

Give employees the opportunity to send personalized thank-you notes to colleagues.

? How to Do It:

? Provide digital templates for quick, easy thank-you messages.

? For in-person offices, offer cards and envelopes for hand-written notes.

? Why It Works: Reinforces a culture of appreciation and strengthens relationships.

5. Run a “Turkey Trot” Step Challenge ??♀?

Promote health and wellness with a Thanksgiving-themed fitness challenge.

? How to Do It:

? Use apps like Strava or Fitbit to track steps over a week.

? Set team goals and encourage collaboration across departments.

? Why It Works: Combines fun, fitness, and team spirit.

? Prize Idea: Award winners with fitness gear or a donation in their name to a local charity.

6. Host a Thanksgiving Potluck or Virtual Feast ???

Celebrate the holiday with a shared meal, in-person or virtually.

? How to Do It:

? Organize an office potluck with a sign-up sheet for dishes.

? For remote teams, schedule a virtual lunch where everyone brings a festive dish.

? Why It Works: Food always brings people together and sparks conversations.

7. Share Stories of Gratitude ??

Highlight moments of gratitude within the company through storytelling.

? How to Do It:

? Collect stories from employees about something or someone they’re thankful for at work.

? Share these stories via email, newsletters, or in an all-hands meeting.

? Why It Works: Builds emotional connections and celebrates positive contributions.

8. Thanksgiving-Themed Slack Emojis & Backgrounds ??

Add some holiday flair to your internal communication platforms.

? How to Do It:

? Create custom Slack emojis like turkeys, pumpkins, and pie slices.

? Provide Thanksgiving-themed virtual meeting backgrounds.

? Why It Works: Adds a touch of fun and festivity to everyday communication.

9. Volunteer Together as a Team ??

Give back to the community by organizing a team volunteering activity.

? How to Do It:

? Partner with local food banks or shelters for a group event.

? Encourage remote employees to volunteer locally and share their experiences.

? Why It Works: Fosters camaraderie while emphasizing the importance of giving back.

10. Thanksgiving “Shout-Outs” During All-Hands Meetings ??

Dedicate time in your next meeting for gratitude shout-outs.

? How to Do It:

? Allow employees to publicly thank colleagues for their support or hard work.

? Include a gratitude slideshow featuring photos and messages.

? Why It Works: Boosts team morale and makes everyone feel valued.

Wrap-Up: Bringing Teams Together This Thanksgiving ??

By incorporating these creative internal comms ideas, you can turn the Thanksgiving season into a time of connection, gratitude, and engagement. Remember, small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in creating a positive workplace culture.

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember! ???