Reconnecting and Giving Thanks: Celebrating Thanksgiving with Your Team Post-Pandemic

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The post-pandemic landscape offers a renewed opportunity to bring your team together and celebrate the spirit of gratitude. As organizations adapt to new norms, expressing thanks and fostering a sense of community is more important than ever. Here are creative and inclusive ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your staff in this post-pandemic world.

1. Hybrid Thanksgiving Feast: Blending In-Person and Virtual Elements

Consider hosting a hybrid Thanksgiving feast that accommodates both in-person and remote team members. For those working on-site, organize a catered lunch or potluck-style meal. Simultaneously, create virtual breakout rooms for remote staff to join the festivities. This hybrid approach ensures that everyone, regardless of location, can partake in the Thanksgiving celebration.

2. Gratitude Wall or Digital Board: Sharing Appreciation

Encourage team members to express gratitude by creating a physical or digital gratitude wall. In the office, set up a bulletin board where employees can pin notes of appreciation for their colleagues. For remote teams, utilize collaborative tools like Trello or Miro to create a virtual gratitude board. This not only spreads positivity but also fosters a culture of appreciation.

3. Volunteer Opportunities: Giving Back as a Team

Thanksgiving is a time for giving, and organizing volunteer opportunities as a team can be a meaningful way to celebrate. Identify local charities, food banks, or community projects where your team can contribute. Whether in person or virtually, coming together to make a positive impact reinforces the spirit of Thanksgiving and strengthens the team's bond.

4. Virtual Cooking Class: Team-Building Through Culinary Creativity

Bring the team together for a virtual cooking class led by a professional chef or team members with culinary skills. Share a recipe in advance, and everyone can prepare the same dish during the session. This not only results in a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for team-building and shared experiences.

5. Remote Game Night: Fun and Laughter Across Distances

Host a virtual game night with Thanksgiving-themed games and activities. From trivia quizzes about the history of Thanksgiving to virtual scavenger hunts for fall-themed items, the options are endless. Games bring a lighthearted atmosphere, encouraging team members to relax and enjoy each other's company.

6. Recognition and Awards Ceremony: Highlighting Achievements

Take the time to recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements over the past year. Create virtual award categories that align with your organization's values. Whether serious or humorous, awards add a touch of fun and acknowledgment, making everyone feel valued and appreciated.

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Tresha Moreland

Tresha Moreland is a 30-year organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning expert. She partners with business leaders to develop workplace strategies that achieve best-in-class results. She has held key organizational leadership roles in multiple industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Tresha is the founder and principal consultant of HR C-Suite, LLC (www.hrcsuite.com). HR C-Suite is a results-based HR strategy resource dedicated to connecting HR with business results. She has received a master’s degree in human resource management (MS) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) Certification. She is also recognized as a Fellow with the American College Healthcare Executives with a FACHE designation.