Fall is one of my favorite times of year.
Here in my little corner of Colorado, the first snow has already dusted the mountain peaks, the leaves are changing colors and there's a crispness in the air that reminds me the holidays are just around the corner.
Living in a small town and practicing yoga have taught me the importance of slowing down. Sometimes that means stopping to admire the mountains, taking a walk along the river, petting a passing dog or simply enjoying a conversation with a neighbor.
It's also a wonderful reminder to appreciate the connections we have with the people around us.
With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, I've been thinking about gratitude and how something as simple as saying thank you can make a difference. And not just in our personal lives.
Gratitude Belongs in the Workplace, Too
We spend so much time thinking about how to attract new customers, find the perfect product, build relationships and grow our businesses. But how often do we stop to thank the people who help make that success possible?
Employees. Customers. Business partners. Even the people who quietly go above and beyond without expecting recognition.
In the workplace, a little gratitude can go a long way. Yet according to 2024 research from Gallup and Workhuman, only 22 percent of employees strongly agree they receive the right amount of recognition for the work they do. That's a pretty good reminder that we could all do a better job showing appreciation.
Small Gestures, Lasting Impressions
Here's something I've learned over the years. Showing appreciation doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Pick up the phone and thank a longtime customer. Send a handwritten note or quick text to someone who helped you through a challenging project. Recognize an employee for a job well done. Invite a colleague to coffee or bring your team together for a meal.
And yes, a thoughtful gift can be a wonderful expression of gratitude, especially when it's chosen with the recipient in mind.
The important thing isn't how much you spend. It's making someone feel valued.
Make Gratitude a Habit
Thanksgiving may be the holiday we associate most with gratitude, but appreciation shouldn't end when the leftovers are gone.
In our industry, we're in the business of helping people connect. What better place to start than with the relationships we've already built?
So as we head into Thanksgiving, I'd encourage you to think about the people who've made a difference in your life or business this year. Then take a moment to let them know.
And when the holidays are over, don't stop.
Make gratitude a habit throughout the year. A phone call, a quick text, a handwritten note or thoughtful keepsake can mean more than you might imagine.
Sometimes two simple words can make the biggest impression.
Thank you.
Roni S. Wright, MAS, vice president of supplier The Book Company, based in Delray Beach, Florida,
is a 40-year veteran of the promotional products industry. In her volunteer and leadership
roles, Roni has served on the boards of PPAI, PPEF, the Regional Association Council (RAC), PPAF
and YESAA. She has led various committees and work groups and was inducted into the PPAI Hall of
Fame in 2020. Roni also has a passion for yoga as well as books. She achieved her 200-hour
certification in 2013 and has journeyed to India twice to study.