Why Gratitude is Your Secret Weapon for Employee Retention This Thanksgiving

Let's be real for a second.

Thanksgiving is here, and while you're planning the menu and coordinating who's bringing what, there's another kind of feast you should be thinking about—one that could completely transform your workplace.

I'm talking about gratitude. And no, not just a quick "thanks" at your holiday party.

Here's what most business owners miss: gratitude isn't a fluffy HR thing—it's a strategic business tool that boosts your bottom line, slashes turnover, and turns your team into your biggest competitive advantage.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Employees who feel valued are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged. And get this—93% say they're motivated to do their best work when they feel appreciated. Almost two-thirds said meaningful recognition would reduce their desire to job hunt.

Translation? When your people feel appreciated, they work harder, stay longer, and deliver better results.

The Opportunity (That Most Companies Are Missing)

Here's the uncomfortable truth: only one in three workers say they've received recognition for doing good work. Employees who don't feel recognized? They're twice as likely to quit within a year.

For small and medium-sized businesses where every team member matters, that turnover isn't just expensive—it's devastating.

But here's your edge: most companies are getting this wrong. If you get it right, you'll have an immediate advantage in attracting and keeping top talent.

The Business Owner\Manager Factor: Your Secret Multiplier

The employee- Business Owner\Manager relationship is one of the biggest drivers of engagement. If your Business Owner\Managers aren't showing gratitude, your whole strategy falls flat.

Good news? Business Owner\Managers don't need to be naturally effusive. They just need to be intentional.

Encourage your Business Owner\Managers to:

• Schedule regular one-on-ones for feedback and praise

• Ask team members how they prefer to receive recognition (public vs. private)

• Keep a running list of wins to reference during reviews

• Model gratitude by recognizing their own peers

When Business Owner\Managers consistently show gratitude, they create a ripple effect. Their teams start recognizing each other. The culture shifts. And you get a more engaged, motivated, loyal workforce.

Making It Stick: Beyond November

I love Thanksgiving as a reminder to pause and appreciate. But if gratitude only happens in November, you're missing the point.

Think of this month as your pilot program. Try these strategies. See what resonates. Then make the winners part of your culture year-round.

Your Thanksgiving Challenge

Pick one thing from this post and do it this week.

Maybe it's writing three specific thank-you notes. Maybe it's setting up that gratitude wall. Maybe it's talking with your Business Owner\Managers about recognition.

Just one thing.

Because here's what I've learned: the companies that win aren't the ones with the fanciest strategies. They're the ones that actually do the work.

Gratitude isn't complicated. But it is powerful. And your team—the people who show up every day and make your business run—they deserve to feel valued.

Not just in November. But every single month.