Thanksgiving is more than turkey, to-do lists, and the annual pumpkin vs. pecan pie debate (we won’t take sides). For employers, it’s a timely reminder to pause, reflect, and recognize the people who make your organization stronger — day in and day out. A thoughtful message of appreciation, delivered with sincerity and a touch of style, can make employees feel seen, valued, and more connected to your company culture.
In this guide, you’ll find 35 Thanksgiving messages designed to help you express gratitude in a way that’s meaningful, human, and just the right amount of professional. Whether you’re crafting a quick Slack note, a handwritten card, or something that reflects your unique company culture, this collection has you covered. No templates, no name fields — just pure appreciation, ready to share.
If you’re looking for something short, sweet, and sincere — this section is your go-to. These messages are perfect for one-to-one notes or company-wide shoutouts when time is tight, but appreciation is high. Consider them snack-sized thanks: light on characters, full of meaning:
These messages go a little deeper. They’re ideal for acknowledging standout effort, showing heartfelt appreciation, or simply taking a moment to reflect on someone’s impact. Whether you’re a leader addressing your team or a colleague celebrating a peer, these messages hit that sweet spot between warmth and professionalism:
Do you sometimes want your gratitude to have a bit more flavor? This batch of messages adds a fun twist to traditional thank-you notes. Think: lighthearted metaphors, playful comparisons, and a little seasonal charm. Perfect for culture-builders, recognition champions, or anyone trying to keep things fresh:
Thanksgiving may be the perfect moment to pause and say thanks — but recognition shouldn’t be a once-a-year tradition. The most successful organizations build cultures where appreciation happens regularly, not just seasonally. Because when employees feel seen and valued all year long, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stick around.
With Achievers, you can turn one-time gratitude into a lasting habit. Our platform empowers leaders and peers to recognize the moments that matter — frequently, meaningfully, and in the flow of work. So, yes, say “thank you” this Thanksgiving. And then keep it going. Because giving thanks isn’t just a nice gesture — it’s a strategy.
Write a “Happy Thanksgiving” message with Achievers’ appreciation cards
Achievers is the #1 most visionary and capable recognition provider
Thanksgiving is a natural moment to pause and recognize your people — not just for what they do, but for who they are. Showing employee appreciation during this time reinforces a culture of recognition, boosts morale, and strengthens team connection heading into the end of the year. It reminds employees they’re seen, heard, and valued — which is exactly what drives engagement, loyalty, and performance. Plus, gratitude doesn’t cost a thing — but it pays dividends.
A professional Thanksgiving message should be warm, genuine, and inclusive. Aim for something simple like: “Wishing you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving. Thank you for all the hard work you do — it makes a real difference.”
Keep it human, avoid corporate jargon, and focus on sincerity over formality. A message that feels personal — without crossing into overly familiar — is the sweet spot.
A meaningful Thanksgiving message should include three essentials: gratitude, specificity, and warmth. Start by expressing genuine thanks for the person’s contributions or character. Add specificity by highlighting the impact they’ve made — this shows they are truly seen and valued. Finally, close with a warm holiday wish that feels personal and human. The best messages avoid jargon or formality and instead read like they were written by a person, not a policy.
Delivering a Thanksgiving message effectively comes down to timing, tone, and channel. Send your note a few days before the holiday — early enough to be thoughtful, but close enough to feel relevant. Keep your words sincere, specific, and human, with warmth that reflects genuine appreciation. Match the channel to the relationship, whether it’s a companywide email or a personal note. Most importantly, make it personal as tailored messages always resonate most.
Instead of simply saying “Happy Thanksgiving,” consider phrases that highlight gratitude, recognition, and warmth. A thoughtful message should go beyond the standard greeting to acknowledge the effort, dedication, or spirit someone brings to the team. The key is to make it feel personal, genuine, and relevant to the relationship. When done well, these messages become more than seasonal wishes — they become moments of meaningful connection.
The best Thanksgiving message balances professionalism and warmth. It doesn’t need to be long or elaborate. A strong message communicates appreciation, reinforces belonging, and helps employees feel valued. By keeping your words clear, positive, and inclusive, you ensure they resonate with everyone. Ultimately, the best messages are those that reflect your culture while making gratitude feel authentic, memorable, and lasting.
Written by
Kyla Dewar
Discover how easy recognition can be with Achievers
We use cookies
We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site so we can show you personalized content and enhance your browsing experience.
