Take time to recognize World Gratitude Day with your team
World Gratitude Day is coming up on September 21st! Set aside some time to celebrate with your teammates through gratitude exercises and activities.
Acknowledging and expressing gratitude as a team helps foster a company culture of positivity and appreciation by strengthening team relationships, boosting morale, and promoting employee well-being.
Celebrating World Gratitude Day:
- Contributes to a positive company culture 💪
- Sets a positive example for employees 😀
- And creates a lasting impact on your team dynamics ❤️
So, take a moment to give thanks as a team on World Gratitude Day!
Here are 6 World Gratitude Day activities you can use to practice gratitude with your team:
1. Host a gratitude journaling session 📝
Kick off World Gratitude Day by organizing a company-wide journaling session. This activity is an opportunity for all team members to come together and engage in a collective moment of gratitude reflection.
- Encourage everyone to show up with their morning coffee, a preferred breakfast treat, and their gratitude journal or a piece of paper ☕
- Start the session with some icebreakers or friendly time to chat before everyone enjoys some quiet journaling time 💬
- Have some prompts ready for anyone who needs a little inspiration. ✏️
- Add to the ambiance with relaxing music 🎵
Encourage everyone to stay as long as they'd like, that way, more people can participate without being too pressured by their busy schedules.
As employees enjoy this quiet morning activity, you'll create an atmosphere of community and positivity, setting the tone for a productive and thankful day ahead.
2. Plan a team building event 🎉
Show gratitude for your employees by planning a company-wide team building activity! Everyone needs a little break from the workday once and a while, and what better way than enjoying some laughs with your team?
An engaging team building event encourages your team to enjoy each other's company in a friendly setting and expresses gratitude for their hard work and collaboration every day.
Whether it's a creative workshop, a friendly round of head-to-head trivia, or a laid-back happy hour, team building activities not only boost team spirit but also strengthen the bonds in your team. A total win-win for Gratitude Day!
How to get started 👉 Have fun with your team and give back with experiences in our Charity Team Building collection!
3. Share Thank You notes 💌
On World Gratitude Day, the simple act of sending a thank you note holds a ton of power! Employers and employees alike have the opportunity to brighten someone's day with personal expressions of gratitude, no matter how big or small. Gratitude notes carry a ripple effect, fostering a sense of connection and warmth that lasts beyond a single holiday. Share your notes in person, or through a private Slack message or email!
Embrace the benefits of telling your team how much you appreciate all they do. Don't restrict this gesture to only this special day, but do it throughout the year as a continuous reminder of the positive impact we can have on each other's days, even when we don't realize it.
How to get started 👉 Organize your thank-you note swap into a group activity with Workplace Gratitude!
4. Throw a gratitude challenge in a Slack channel
If you've never heard of gratitude challenges, here's an easy example. All you need to do is create a designated channel in your team's communication platform of choice.
Throughout the week leading up to World Gratitude Day, encourage team members to share their gratitude openly in the channel! Here are some ideas:
- Daily Gratitude: Each day, encourage employees to post at least one thing they're grateful for, whether it's related to work, their family members or personal life, or a simple moment that brought them joy.
- Tag a Teammate: Tag a teammate and express appreciation for their contributions or personal qualities that you admire. Use @mentions to ensure they see your message.
- Gratitude Quotes: Share your favorite gratitude quotes, memes, or articles related to gratitude to inspire and uplift your fellow team members.
- Gratitude Shoutouts: On World Gratitude Day, use this channel to give special shoutouts to colleagues who have made a significant impact on your work or made your day better.
If you'd like to incentivize participation, assign a point-based system to the types of gratitude sharing above! At the end of the week, treat whatever employee (or team) scored the most gratitude points to an appreciation gift.
5. Treat your team to a gratitude lunch
On World Gratitude Day, take the opportunity to show appreciation for your hardworking team by treating them to a special lunch. It's a simple but meaningful gesture that can go a long way to show your gratitude for their work and contributions to the team.
Gather your team for a delicious meal, whether in the office or virtually, and take the time to personally thank each team member for their efforts. Not only does this foster a sense of belonging, but it also boosts morale and strengthens team bonds, making it a positive experience for everyone. Make this World Gratitude Day memorable by sharing a meal and showing your team just how much you value them each and every day.
How to get started 👉 Bring the whole team together for a Lunch Party!
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6. Plan a day of service
Express gratitude to your employees on World Gratitude Day by organizing a Day of Service! Start by selecting a date for the day off and local nonprofit projects (or encouraging remote employees to find one nearby that they'd like to participate in) that align with your company values.
Ask everyone to share where they'll be volunteering ahead of time so everyone can discover new charities and nonprofits! On the day of volunteering, have your teammates take pictures that they can share after the day's events.
After the day of service, hold a lunch or coffee break where everyone can discuss their stories and takeaways from the day!
7. Organize a Gratitude Wall display 🎨
Transform a section of your office or virtual workspace into a "Gratitude Wall." Provide sticky notes, markers, or a shared digital board where team members can write down what they are thankful for and display them for everyone to see.
This visual representation of collective gratitude serves as a constant reminder of the positive aspects of work life and fosters a culture of appreciation. Over time, the wall can become a cherished space filled with affirmations and acknowledgments that uplift the entire team.
8. Host a meditation session 🧘♀️
Mindfulness practices, such as guided meditations, can be an excellent way to bring your team together, especially in a remote or hybrid work environment. Invite a certified meditation instructor to lead a session focused on cultivating gratitude.
This activity not only helps employees relax but also encourages them to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives and work, promoting a peaceful and thankful mindset. End the session with a group reflection where everyone can share their thoughts and experiences.
How to get started 👉 Book a Meditation Class with Confetti!
9. Create a "Gratitude Jar" tradition 🍯
Introduce a "Gratitude Jar" in the office or as a virtual activity where team members can anonymously submit notes of appreciation or moments of gratitude throughout the month. On World Gratitude Day, gather everyone to read the notes aloud, celebrating the collective gratitude of the team.
This tradition can be sustained year-round, with the jar being opened at monthly meetings, creating an ongoing cycle of positive reinforcement and appreciation.
10. Offer professional development opportunities as a thank you 🎓
Show your gratitude by investing in your team’s growth and development. On World Gratitude Day, announce new opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, online courses, or mentorship programs.
Tailor these offerings to the interests and aspirations of your employees, demonstrating your appreciation for their contributions by supporting their career advancement. This gesture not only expresses gratitude but also empowers your team to reach their full potential.
How to get started 👉 Browse Confetti's Learning & Development collection for engaging professional development activities!
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Cultivate Gratitude with Confetti!
When we express gratitude we strengthen relationships, boost employee well-being, and create a positive culture for our teams. Remember, gratitude isn't a one-day affair—it's a daily practice that can transform the way we work and live. Let's continue to embrace gratitude in the workplace, not just on World Gratitude Day, but every day!
Ready to plan team building activities that bring your employees together and show gratitude? Get in touch to find the perfect experience to bring your company together.
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Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Why do we celebrate World Gratitude Day?
World Gratitude Day is celebrated to emphasize the importance of gratitude in our lives. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects in our lives, fostering a positive mindset, enhancing physical health and mental health, and strengthening relationships.
What is the symbol for World Gratitude Day?
The symbol commonly associated with World Gratitude Day is a heart intertwined with the infinity symbol (∞). This symbol represents the infinite and boundless nature of gratitude and emphasizes the idea that expressing gratitude has the power to constantly enrich our lives.
What are the 4 A's of Gratitude?
The 4 A's of Gratitude are an approach to practicing gratitude and include:
- Attention: Pay attention to the positive aspects of your life. Notice the good things around you, no matter how small.
- Appreciation: Truly appreciate and savor the positive experiences and blessings you have. Don't take them for granted.
- Affection: Express your appreciation and gratitude to others. Show affection, kindness, and thankfulness for their presence in your life.
- Acceptance: Accept that both positive and negative experiences contribute to growth. Embrace challenges with a mindset of learning and gratitude.
By incorporating these 4 A's into your daily life, you can deepen your practice of gratitude and experience its transformative effects on your well-being and relationships.
