Setting the Table for Gratitude: Crafting a Thankful Workplace Feast

November means crisp air, vibrant fall colors and a perfect opportunity to reflect on gratitude. It’s a virtue instilled in my soul from childhood and in the church. I try my hardest to never take anything for granted: whether it’s the air in my lungs, my beautiful family, my treasured friendships, or the company I built from the ground up.

We’re talking about gratitude ahead of Thanksgiving and I’m grateful for my little kitchen helpers!

That’s the culture I wanted to set within the four virtual walls of my company, Raney Day Design. A space where we: 

  • truly care about one another
  • are always thankful for the work that we get
  • are grateful for our clients
  • pay it forward

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s chat about the value of a dedicated work team and why it’s SO critical to show your appreciation as a boss.

Grateful for loyal friendships and good food! Allow that positive mindset to flow into your work life, too.

Ask yourself this, friend: how often do you love on your employees? I mean truly show appreciation of their hard work. Their commitment and contributions are the foundation of success, making it essential to express our gratitude and show our appreciation.

Our “team huddle” question from Halloween (yes, those are a few of our Raney Day Design team decked out in our costumes) focused on 3 words to describe our workplace culture. Many answers included gratefulness!

Recently, this topic was the focus of our “question of the week” for our team huddle: name 3 words/phrases to describe the personality of Raney Day Design.

Answers included:

  • Thankful
  • Compassionate
  • Collaborative
  • Family
  • Accepting
  • Trust
  • Work-Life Balance

Just like a Thanksgiving feast brings people together, a workplace filled with gratitude creates a positive and harmonious environment and boosts overall productivity and success!

It’s the annual Thanksgiving showdown:

White meat vs dark meat.

Drumstick vs. thigh.

But many of us can agree on this sentiment: the turkey is the centerpiece of the feast. It’s what everyone gathers around. Gratitude at work is a lot like the centerpiece of a positive workplace culture. When expressed and practiced, it becomes the focal point of workplace interactions, fostering a sense of appreciation among employees.

At Raney Day Design, all are welcome here; all can sit at our table. This way of thinking allows so much room for growth – not only for me, but for everyone in the company. It’s SO important to recognize diversity in our ideas, backgrounds and experiences. 

This can be compared to a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes, each adding unique flavors to the overall meal. It would get kind of boring eating the same thing over and over, right? Diversity leads to creativity, innovation, and a vibrant workplace culture! 

My sweet momma makes an incredible, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato casserole. Check it out here:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • ⅓ cup of melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ cup of milk
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Mix and pour in a greased baking dish.

Topping:

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
  • ½ to ¾ cup of flour
  • ½ to ¾ cup of butter

Mix and sprinkle on top of potato mixture. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes and ENJOY!

I knew early on I didn’t want to be the smartest person in the room because, let’s face it, I can’t do it ALL. I am just one person. Sure, my bandwidth allows me to handle a heavy workload, but I can only go so far alone.

I realized I needed to bring in specialists like developers, designers, and writers: experts in their field. That’s what they do. That’s what fills them up. That’s their fire. If they bring their skills to my table? Phew! We are a force to be reckoned with!

When our team hits a goal, we celebrate those wins, no matter how big or small. Once a week during our team huddle, we share our individual wins (both for the company and personally) and acknowledge shared responsibilities. We also have a fun team question – it’s always fun to collaborate and compare answers.

Hope you saved room for pumpkin pie! Just like your favorite dessert adds the perfect sweetness to round off a Thanksgiving feast, gratitude and appreciation are the essential ingredients that make a job truly satisfying. These little treats create a warm and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. It helps your team feel valued and cherished.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. People are placed in our lives for a reason, whether it’s at work (or the pre-school pickup line). Why not love on others, because you know what happens? They feel good and then I feel good! It’s almost like give a blessing, get a blessing, right? It all comes full circle.

Thinking this way has changed my life. It has changed the way I lead: by providing an atmosphere of love and thanksgiving. Want more ways to create happiness at work? Learn more about me and how my strategies can make a huge difference!

*Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, I'm not Jesus and I'm not perfect. These are my experiences. You must do what's best for you and your family. You do you, but you must consult your own medical experts.
The information on this website and all associated social media accounts is not intended to be used as health, fitness, mental health or medical advice. I am not a doctor nor a registered dietitian. If  you have a health, medical or mental health problem or are in need of any help, please contact a professional. ALWAYS consult your doctor before taking any vitamins/supplements or starting a new diet or exercise program.

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