This just in: Thanksgiving isn’t about food.

It’s also not about the pilgrims. Let’s take a blustery Autumn stroll down a colorful leaf-covered memory lane. You may not know—because they didn’t either—that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 here in the land that would be called America. It was a harvest feast between European immigrants, quaintly referred to as Pilgrims back in the day, and the indigenous tribe called the Wampanoag. They did not even know they were celebrating “Thanksgiving,” and the word wasn’t even used at the feast, and not even the next couple of hundred feasts, but that particular feast is often cited as the origin of the celebration and the holiday.

It wasn’t until more than 200 years later, in 1863, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving” for the blessings of the year. Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most enduring and celebrated holidays in the United States, observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November. Despite social, cultural, and political changes throughout American history, Thanksgiving abides. Gratefulness and the explicit expression of gratitude are central to our relationships—personal and professional.

Thankfulness at work.

In the happy chaos that is Turkey Day prep— painting the guest bathroom, stashing the pumpkins, displaying the mums, crafting centerpieces, and collaborating to arrange spectacularly complicated family visitation, accommodation, and dining schedules—it’s easy to overlook your other family—your work family. As leaders and business owners, expressing sincere gratitude to your employees is not just good practice—it's vital for long-term success.

Feeling appreciated begets loyalty. It can't be demanded, it can only be earned and cultivated over time. Employees who feel appreciated often serve as culture carriers, mentors, and problem-solvers. Their dedication provides stability during challenging times and acts as a catalyst for growth when opportunities arise.

While assets and technology play important roles, it's the unique contributions of each team member that drive innovation, maintain quality, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Showing gratitude has tangible benefits. Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. A culture of recognition fosters trust, reduces turnover, and enhances collaboration. In turn, happy employees create positive customer experiences, which fuel further success. Say thank you in numerous ways.

5 Practical Ways to Say Thank You to Employees:

·      Acknowledge individual efforts publicly in meetings and personally

·      Invest in professional development opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement

·      Don’t miss anniversaries, celebrate project completions and successes together

·      Be genuine, listen to feedback, and share feedback in return

·      Ensure your team is rewarded appropriately in compensation and benefits

Provide a Retirement Savings Program and They Will Thank You

Your company’s success is a team achievement. By offering a retirement savings program, you not only improve morale, but also build a sustainable, resilient business. Remember: behind every great company are the people who make them great.

Take a moment today to thank your employees by registering for a retirement savings program—they are your company’s greatest asset.

Give Your team MarylandSaves for Thanksgiving

MarylandSaves is a state-sponsored retirement savings program that offers employees the chance to open a MarylandSaves account for retirement, that also has a $1000 emergency savings fund for unexpected expenses.

Millions of Marylanders aren’t saving enough for retirement, and the result of that shortfall will be devastating to the state’s social services safety nets when many retire without adequate retirement funds and can’t make ends meet. As a result, Maryland law requires that most Maryland employers offer a retirement savings program at work, facilitated through payroll deductions. The program is free for Maryland businesses, with an easy-to-manage plan that is automatic for employees.

This year, before you gobble gobble, go to MarylandSaves.com and learn more.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY TREAT:

If you start payroll contributions by the end of the year, the state will waive your $300 SDAT annual report filing fee for next year.

Beat the rush, register today.