Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. It’s a mindset. And this mindset of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools a leader has. A simple thank-you can lift morale, strengthen trust, and remind employees that their work truly matters.

Gratitude also pays off. Gallup research found that well-recognized employees were 45% less likely to have changed organizations two years later. When appreciation is genuine, it builds loyalty and fuels engagement.

Yet most Thanksgiving messages to employees sound the same. You’ve probably read a dozen that begin with “We’re thankful for your hard work and dedication…” and end there.

If you want your Thanksgiving message to employees to actually feel sincere, it takes more than a template. It takes authenticity. Below are five examples of messages that work, plus a few tips to help you make them your own.

Related: 7 Things to Be Grateful for at Work (Even on Tough Days).

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How to Write a Thanksgiving Message That Feels Authentic

Writing a Thanksgiving message to employees isn’t about perfect phrasing; it’s about sounding like you. The best messages feel personal, specific, and human.

Here’s a simple framework to guide you as you adapt the examples below:

1. Start with sincere thanks. Go beyond generic praise. Thank your team for something that genuinely stands out this year.
2. Be specific. Mention a milestone, value, or story that made you proud, it shows you notice their work.
3. Use a conversational tone. Keep it natural, as if you’re talking to your team face-to-face.
4. Close with care. End on a note that encourages rest, reflection, or joy—not just productivity.

Even if you borrow one of the five messages below, adding these personal touches will make your note feel authentic and heartfelt.

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1. For the Whole Company

“This Thanksgiving, I want to thank each of you for the commitment, creativity, and resilience you’ve shown this year. The results we’ve achieved together are impressive, but it’s the integrity and teamwork behind them that make me proud. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of rest and joy. You’ve earned it!”

Why it works:
It’s inclusive, appreciative, and grounded in shared success. “You’ve earned it” closes with genuine warmth.

How to make it your own:
Add a company win, customer story, or example of teamwork that defined your year.

Related: 25 Company Christmas Party Games that Rock

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2. For Managers to Send Their Teams

“As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for showing up with drive, focus, and a sense of humor every day. You’ve helped turn challenges into progress, and that’s something I don’t take lightly. Enjoy the holiday! You’ve made a real difference this year.”

Why it works:
It feels personal and leader-driven. The tone balances professionalism with real appreciation.

How to make it your own:
Include one inside joke, project highlight, or team value that makes your group unique.

3. For Remote or Hybrid Teams

“Even though we’re spread out across different cities and time zones, I’m constantly reminded that great teamwork doesn’t depend on location. Thank you for staying connected, sharing ideas, and supporting one another from afar. I’m grateful for every one of you. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Why it works:
It acknowledges distance, a challenge many employees feel, and reframes it as strength.

How to make it your own:
Mention a memorable virtual collaboration, online event, or milestone your remote team achieved together.

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4. For New Employees

“Joining a new team right before the holidays isn’t easy, but you’ve already made a great impression. Your energy, curiosity, and willingness to learn have added something special to our workplace. Welcome to the team, and Happy Thanksgiving! You’ve become part of what makes this place great.”

Why it works:
It helps new employees feel included and appreciated early on.

How to make it your own:
Add one personal example. Something they did that made you glad they joined the team.

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5. For One-on-One Notes or Handwritten Cards

“I want you to know how much I appreciate your reliability and steady optimism. You bring calm to chaos and make this team stronger just by being part of it. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.”

Why it works:
It’s short, heartfelt, and easy to adapt. Perfect for handwritten cards or private messages.

How to make it your own:
Think of one employee who consistently supports others and personalize this note with their name or a specific example.

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How to Deliver Gratitude Well

Even the best-written message loses meaning if it feels mass-produced. Choose a delivery method that fits your company’s culture and your relationship with your team.

• Email: Ideal for companywide appreciation. Use a simple subject line like “Thankful for You This Thanksgiving.”
• Slack or Teams: Start a gratitude thread where everyone can shout out a colleague.
• Team meeting: Open or close with a few words of thanks—it sets a positive tone.
• Handwritten card: A tangible, lasting way to make people feel valued.
• Short video: A 30-second message from leadership can have outsized impact.

If you’re unsure what to say, imagine you’re writing to one person you truly appreciate, then share it with everyone. The tone will immediately feel warmer and more natural.

However you choose to share your message, remember that delivery is part of what makes gratitude feel genuine.

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The Real Message Behind the Message

The best Thanksgiving messages to employees aren’t the ones copied from a list, they’re the ones that sound like a real person talking to another.

If your message reminds people why their work matters, you’ve already written the perfect one.

Related: 25 Workplace Conflict Examples and How to Manage Them Like a Boss