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Sending a holiday message to employees is more than just a nice gesture — it’s a powerful way to boost morale and engagement. Your staff works hard all year to keep your business running smoothly. By recognizing their efforts during the holiday season, you’re not just spreading cheer; you’re also investing in your company’s success.
After all, engaged employees are more productive, provide better customer service, and are more likely to stay with the company. So, this holiday season, take a moment to craft a heartfelt message to your employees. It’s a small gesture that can yield big returns for your organization.
What should you say in a holiday message to employees?
In a holiday message to employees, you should say how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Express gratitude for their contributions and acknowledge specific achievements. Highlight the importance of their efforts to the company’s success and wish them a joyful and restful holiday season. A sincere message fosters a sense of belonging and motivates your team for the year ahead.
How do you say “happy holidays” professionally?
To say “happy holidays” professionally, express warm wishes for the holiday season and the New Year, ensuring a respectful and considerate tone. Acknowledge the professional relationship and convey appreciation for collaboration or partnership. Keep the message concise, inclusive, and positive, reflecting goodwill and the anticipation of continued cooperation. Being professional is important because it:
- Maintains respect and decorum
- Reflects well on the company’s image
- Ensures inclusivity and sensitivity
- Strengthens employee relationships and morale
Examples of holiday messages to employees
We’ve grouped these messages under four tips to give them some context and help you keep in mind the best practices for engaging your employees during the holiday season.
Holidays are the perfect time for recognition and rewards
Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) data shows that 51% of employees who receive recognition at least once a month say they feel very engaged at work. In addition, they are 33% more likely to not job hunt in the next year. Below are some holiday messages to employees that you can include along with your recognition, gift, or reward:
- “Your energy, creativity and dedication are a gift to our company all year long. Here’s a token of our appreciation. Happy Holidays!”
- “You were recognized as our top performer earlier this year, and I want to take this time during the holidays to once again say how much you do for this company.”
- “Thank you for keeping the holiday spirit alive year-round by constantly recognizing others for their achievements.”
- “You’re not recognized enough for all your hard work, but I’m happy to offer this gift as an acknowledgment of the unique value you bring to our organization!”
- “In this holiday season, I want to acknowledge how much of a difference your hard work makes to this company. This reward expresses my appreciation for all you do!”
- “Your unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions are deeply valued. As a small token of our gratitude, please enjoy this holiday gift!”
- “Throughout the year, your efforts have significantly propelled our success. Here’s a little something to show our heartfelt appreciation.”
- “Your remarkable dedication and innovative spirit have set a high standard for everyone. Enjoy this gift as a thank you for your outstanding work!”
- “The past year has highlighted your incredible dedication and talent. This well-deserved recognition is a small way to say thank you for everything you do.”
- “Your hard work and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed. This holiday season, we want to celebrate your achievements with this special recognition.”
Words of appreciation from peers matter
Organizations that include peer-to-peer recognition as a component rate their recognition programs as more effective than those who don’t. In fact, recent AWI data shows that 42% of employees who are recognized at least monthly by their peers feel engaged at work compared to 23% who are only recognized once a year. These holiday messages to employees underline that value:
- “I’m so happy you’re on my team! Happy Holidays, and I hope this is the start of the best year ever.”
- “To the best teammate ever. Your recognition of everyone’s efforts brings us all together. Here’s wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!”
- “Your support of everyone on your team brings the holiday spirit to every month of the year. Thank you for your great and positive attitude.”
- “You always step up and notice everyone’s successes, and you offer encouragement when things are difficult. Here’s hoping you and your family have a fantastic holiday season!”
- “The way you recognize and appreciate all of us makes our jobs so much easier. Have a joyous, refreshing season, and I look forward to starting the best year ever!”
- “Your thoughtful recognition of your colleagues’ achievements sets a standard we all aspire to. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!”
- “As a colleague, your support and encouragement have made a world of difference. May your holidays be filled with warmth and happiness!”
- “Throughout the year, your positive attitude and recognition of others have created a supportive work environment. Here’s to a holiday season as wonderful as you are!”
- “Your ability to notice and celebrate our successes makes you a standout co-worker. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with laughter and joy!”
- “Thank you for consistently acknowledging and appreciating your team’s efforts. May your holiday season be as rewarding as your contributions to our team!”
Holiday messages from higher-ups are powerful
Jeff Cates, CEO and President of Achievers, notes, “Leaders need to be recognition champions.” He also points out that “Employees crave recognition from leaders” and “As leaders become recognition champions, they will notice a major shift in employee engagement and productivity.” Below are some examples of holiday messages that your leadership team can send to employees:
- “We want to pause at this joyous time of year to thank you for your vital contribution to our team! Happy holidays!”
- “Here’s hoping that your holidays are full of light and merriment. We’re counting our lucky stars that you’re part of our company.”
- “Glad you’re on our team! Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season, with plenty of relaxation and good company.”
- “Your dedication, creativity, and great attitude make my job easier. I recognize that our company is only successful because of employees like you!”
- “I want you to know that I am aware of your conscientiousness and hard work. You are a vital part of our company, and I want to wish you and your family the best holiday season yet.”
- “As we celebrate this holiday season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your essential role in our workplace. Wishing you and your loved ones joy and happiness!”
- “Your presence brightens our workplace every day. May your holidays be filled with warmth and cheer as we look forward to another successful year together!”
- “During this festive season, we reflect on how fortunate we are to have you on our team. Here’s to a holiday filled with happiness, surrounded by loved ones.”
- “Your dedication, creativity, and positive attitude contribute immensely to our workplace. Thank you for all you do. Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace and joy!”
- “Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated. This holiday season, may you find time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. Happy Holidays!”
Set aside time to listen and make employees feel heard
Holiday messages to employees provide an important opportunity to highlight the power of employee voice. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trend report, 86% of workers surveyed agree that trust and transparency is essential in the employee-organization relationship. Acting on feedback is a meaningful way to demonstrate our commitment to fostering this trust. Here are messages expressing gratitude for your valuable feedback and input:
- “Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback frequently, to help us improve XYZ during the holiday season.”
- “Thank you for gathering our team’s collective feedback to come up with great solutions for a super-strong New Year!”
- “Happy Holidays to a team member whose voice we can always rely on. I know our New Year will be more productive than ever because of your valuable feedback.”
- “Your honest, thoughtful feedback has been a factor in our organization’s success this year. Here’s a great big Thank You from all of us!”
- “Whether your voice is heard recognizing others or giving us vital feedback, we love hearing it! Have a wonderful festive season and thanks for always speaking up.”
- “Your voice is integral to our success. Thank you for sharing your insights and suggestions throughout the year. Your feedback helps us build a stronger and more inclusive workplace. Happy Holidays!”
- “This holiday season, we celebrate your contributions to our organization. Your feedback has played a crucial role in shaping our strategies and enhancing our culture of openness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season!”
- “Your input has been invaluable to us. We appreciate your willingness to speak up and share your perspectives, which have sparked positive changes. Here’s to a holiday filled with appreciation and continued collaboration!”
- “Thank you for trusting us with your feedback. Your voices guide us in creating a workplace where everyone feels heard and valued. Happy Holidays to you and your families!”
- “As we look back on the year, your feedback has been instrumental in our journey. Your insights drive us toward greater transparency and understanding. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!”
Streamline your holiday messaging
A recognition platform provides employees with an easy way to send and receive holiday messages, instantly visible to everyone through a company-wide newsfeed. This visibility fosters a sense of inclusivity and collective celebration. Coworkers can comment on, like, and boost these messages, enhancing the festive spirit and encouraging community and camaraderie.
To create a fun, festive experience that connects employees during the holiday season, consider building a recognition program. By implementing a recognition platform like Achievers, you ensure that every employee feels involved and appreciated, contributing to a positive and cohesive workplace culture. This festive engagement promotes a vibrant and supportive community, making the holiday season a special time for everyone in your organization.
