35 Thanksgiving Messages to Employees That Will Uplift Team Spirits

Thanksgiving messages to employees are a great way to ensure your team feels valued. Only one in three U.S. employees feel they’ve received recognition for their hard work in the past week, according to Gallup.

We would definitely like to see that number go up, and there probably isn’t a better time for it than during the Thanksgiving holidays.

This lack of appreciation can lead to disengagement and increased turnover, making it more crucial than ever to recognize and thank your employees.

Whether you’re acknowledging individuals, teams, or remote workers, a heartfelt message can boost morale and reinforce a culture of appreciation.

To get started, here are 35 thoughtful Thanksgiving messages to share with your employees. Feel free to use them as they are or tailor them to your style!

What to include in a Thanksgiving Message to employees

When writing a Thanksgiving message to your employees, it’s important to focus on a few key elements: sincerity, gratitude for specific contributions, and a sense of optimism for the future.

Personalizing each message, whether for an individual or a team, makes your words more impactful. Highlight their efforts, recognize the challenges they’ve overcome, and remind them of their value to the organization.

Want to make an even bigger impression? Pair your Thanksgiving message with a gift card!

Through Toasty, you can choose a festive Thanksgiving design and personalize each message to reflect your employee’s unique contributions.

Combining a thoughtful note with a gift card not only shows appreciation but also makes the gesture more memorable and meaningful.

It’s a simple and yet effective way to ensure your gratitude truly resonates.

35 Thanksgiving Messages to Employees

Whether you’re looking for something heartfelt, funny, or personalized, here are 35 messages to show your appreciation this holiday season.

Be sure to personalize them with names and swap out {Company Name} for your own!

Short and Sweet Thanksgiving Messages to Employees

Sometimes, a simple message is all it takes to show your appreciation. These short and sweet Thanksgiving messages are perfect for expressing your gratitude quickly and sincerely.

• Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do—Happy Thanksgiving!
  
  
• At {Company Name}, we are so grateful for your dedication. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with joy!
  
  
• Your commitment is what makes {Company Name} thrive. Thank you, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
  
  
• We appreciate your efforts and everything you do. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and restful time with loved ones!
  
  
• {Company Name} is lucky to have someone like you. Thank you for all you do, and enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving!
  
  
• Your contributions this year have been invaluable. From all of us at {Company Name}, Happy Thanksgiving!

Funny Thanksgiving Messages to Employees

Add a little humor to your Thanksgiving messages and give your employees something to smile about! These light-hearted notes are perfect for bringing a bit of fun into the holiday spirit while still showing your appreciation.

• Happy Thanksgiving! Don’t let the turkey get all the attention—your hard work is definitely worth celebrating too!
  
  
• If you bring the same energy to your Thanksgiving feast as you do to work every day, I’m sure you’ll be the MVP of the dinner table. Thanks for everything, and have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
  
  
• May your Thanksgiving be as filling as your inbox after a three-day weekend! Thanks for all you do, and enjoy some well-deserved turkey and pie!
  
  
• We know you’ve got enough on your plate (literally and figuratively), so we thought this gift card might help! Spend it on something that makes you smile—Happy Thanksgiving from {Company Name}!
  
  
• If your Thanksgiving dinner is half as good as the work you do for {Company Name}, you’re in for a feast! Wishing you a holiday filled with food, fun, and plenty of joy!
  
  
• We wanted to send you a turkey, but they don’t fit in envelopes. So here’s a gift card instead—use it for something tastier. Thanks for everything, and Happy Thanksgiving from {Company Name}!
  
  
• Warning: This gift card may cause extreme gratitude. Side effects include thankfulness, joy, and the occasional urge to buy extra dessert. Happy Thanksgiving from {Company Name}!
  
  
• Looks like the turkey didn’t make it in time, but this gift card sure did! Use it to treat yourself to something tasty, and know that we appreciate everything you do. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving from {Company Name}.

Remote Employee Thanksgiving Messages

Remote work comes with its own set of challenges, but your employees have shown resilience and dedication throughout the year.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to recognize their hard work and remind them that distance doesn’t diminish their value.

These thoughtful messages will help you express your gratitude and keep remote employees feeling connected and appreciated during the holiday season.

• Working remotely takes discipline and dedication, and you’ve shown both in abundance this year. Your contributions may not always be visible, but they are felt every day at {Company Name}. We’re incredibly thankful for your hard work and commitment, and we hope you enjoy a wonderful, well-earned Thanksgiving break!
  
  
• At {Company Name}, we understand that remote work comes with its own unique challenges, but you’ve made it look easy. Your ability to stay connected, productive, and motivated from afar is truly impressive. Thank you for being an essential part of our team, and we hope you have a joyful and restful Thanksgiving!
  
  
• Even though you’re not physically present, your impact on the team is undeniable. You’ve managed to stay connected and engaged despite the distance, and that’s something we’re all thankful for. Enjoy this Thanksgiving knowing that your hard work is truly appreciated!
  
  
• Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, but please know that you are a valued and important part of the team. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and this Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say how much we appreciate your dedication and commitment. Have a wonderful holiday!
  
  
• Working remotely takes discipline and dedication, and you’ve shown both in abundance this year. Your contributions may not always be visible, but they are felt every day at {Company Name}. As a small token of our appreciation, we’ve included a gift card to help make your Thanksgiving extra special. Thank you for your hard work and commitment—enjoy a wonderful, well-earned Thanksgiving break!
  
  
• Though you may be far from the office, your dedication and contributions make a lasting impact on the success of {Company Name}. We’re so grateful for everything you do to keep us moving forward, and to show our appreciation, we’ve sent along a gift card. Use it to treat yourself this Thanksgiving, and enjoy a relaxing holiday filled with happiness and gratitude!

Team-Wide Thanksgiving Messages to Employees

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to recognize the collective efforts of your team and celebrate the hard work that’s driven your company’s success.

These team-wide messages express appreciation for everyone’s contributions and foster a sense of unity and gratitude.

• This Thanksgiving, we want to recognize the incredible teamwork that has made this year so successful. Your collective dedication, creativity, and hard work are truly inspiring. Thank you for everything you do, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
  
  
• To the entire team at {Company Name}, we are so grateful for the way you’ve come together to achieve great things this year. Your collaborative spirit and commitment are what make this company thrive. Wishing you all a joyful and restful Thanksgiving!
  
  
• It’s been an amazing year at {Company Name}, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. Your teamwork, support, and dedication have been key to our success. Thank you for all your hard work, and Happy Thanksgiving to the entire team!
  
  
• As a team, you’ve faced challenges head-on and achieved remarkable results. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed, and we are incredibly thankful for the energy and passion you bring to your work. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
  
  
• This year, we’ve accomplished so much at {Company Name}, and it’s all thanks to the dedication and collaboration of this incredible team. Your hard work is truly appreciated, and we hope you enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break!
  
  
• To the whole team, your commitment and teamwork have made this year a success. We are so thankful for the positive impact each of you has made. To show our appreciation, we’ve included a gift card for you to enjoy this holiday season. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and let’s continue to achieve great things together!

Personalized Thanksgiving Messages to Employees

When you take the time to personalize a message for each employee, it shows that you genuinely value their individual contributions.

These Thanksgiving messages allow you to highlight what makes each person unique and how they’ve impacted the team.

• Your creativity and problem-solving skills have truly set you apart this year at {Company Name}. Whether it was tackling tough projects or finding innovative solutions, you’ve made a huge impact. We are so thankful for your contributions and the positive energy you bring to the team. Wishing you a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving!
  
  
• At {Company Name}, we’re incredibly fortunate to have someone like you on the team. Your attention to detail and dedication to excellence make you a standout, and your efforts inspire those around you. Thank you for all you do, and may you enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with joy and celebration!
  
  
• From day one, your enthusiasm and commitment have made a real difference at {Company Name}. You consistently go above and beyond, setting an example for your colleagues and helping us achieve our goals. We are grateful for everything you’ve done to make this year a success. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and know that you are truly appreciated!
  
  
• Your leadership and ability to motivate the team have been essential to our progress this year. Whether guiding others through challenges or taking on difficult tasks yourself, you’ve made a lasting impact. Thank you for your hard work, and may this Thanksgiving be as fulfilling as the success you’ve helped us achieve!
  
  
• Your positive attitude and willingness to step up whenever needed have made a huge difference this year. Whether it’s taking on new responsibilities or supporting your teammates, your dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re grateful for all your hard work and commitment. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and know how much you’re valued!
  
  
• Your contributions this year have been nothing short of amazing. From consistently delivering high-quality work to supporting your team, you’ve gone above and beyond. To show our gratitude, we’ve included a gift card for you to enjoy over the holidays. Thank you for everything you do, and have a happy and well-deserved Thanksgiving break!

Tips for Writing the Perfect Thanksgiving Message

Crafting a meaningful Thanksgiving message can go a long way in making your employees feel valued and appreciated.

Here are some tips to ensure your messages leave a lasting impact:

1. Be Sincere and Genuine
   Employees can tell when a message feels forced or impersonal. Write from the heart, and let your gratitude shine through.
   
   
2. Personalize Whenever Possible
   While sending team-wide messages is important, taking the time to personalize messages for individual employees shows that you notice and value their specific contributions.
   
   
3. Recognize Specific Contributions
   General thanks are nice, but calling out specific accomplishments or qualities—whether it’s an individual’s work ethic, creativity, or leadership—makes the message more meaningful.
   
   
4. End on a Positive, Uplifting Note
   Your message should leave the recipient feeling appreciated and motivated. Close by looking forward to continued collaboration and success.
   
   
5. Combine it with a gift
   Including a small (or big) token of appreciation, like a gift card, can make your message even more special.
   
   While words can carry significant meaning, pairing a thoughtful message with a well-chosen gift can enhance the gesture.
   
   We recommend avoiding generic gifts that might miss the mark—personalized touches show you’ve put thought into it.
   
   After all, who doesn’t love a gift?

Wrapping Up

Ever wish you could know exactly what your employees want (especially for the holidays)?

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨. The Toasty 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 300+ 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 everyone is 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝.

You can try sending a Sample Toasty Choice Card here!

This Thanksgiving, take the time to show your employees how much you value their hard work and dedication.

Whether with a simple message, a bit of humor, or a personalized note, your appreciation can go a long way in boosting morale and strengthening your team.

And if you want to make it extra special, pairing your message with a thoughtful gift can leave a lasting impression. After all, a little gratitude goes a long way!

Want to pair your personalized Thanksgiving messages to employees with a gift card, at no cost?

If you would like to see the benefits of getting started on a digital gift card platform, we’d be happy to give you a quick demo!