As the year comes to a close and many businesses close to celebrate the holiday season, many are scrambling to finish what they need to do before a much-needed break. It is important in this time as a business to express gratitude for the year that you have had and the people who have helped make it happen.
Often, some aspects of being a sustainable business are overlooked. Particularly, social sustainability or often referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the business world. The holiday season offers a great time to reflect, focus, and give back in a way that will allow society to continue to flourish in the coming year.
Business Gratitude for Your Employees
Your employees are the backbone of your business. Treating them well should be a top priority. Especially around the holiday season when it is easy to get caught up in one’s own life, it is important to express gratitude to employees.
What does this look like? That will differ from one business to the next. Taking the time to listen to your employee’s wants and needs for the new year is a great start. A bonus – businesses that are more in touch with their employee’s wants for the business and what they want to see in the new year are often more successful (especially related to sustainability)! Put aside that extra time to talk to them and show them in a meaningful way that you are thankful for them being a part of your business.
Business Gratitude for Your Community
Your community matters. Without community, a business will not prosper. Your community may look different to every business but one important factor doesn’t change, you need to give back to them.
Giving back may look different in every organization. Whether it is organizing a day of volunteering with your staff at a local non-profit, a company donation, or fundraising events. There are many opportunities to give back. Even if your organization isn’t place-dependent you can still organize initiatives with your employees to do so. Volunteer days are offered by many employers with paid time off to go out into the community and give your time for a great cause!
Whatever your business chooses, it is important to find a way to show gratitude for the community you are in – locally, nationally, or even internationally.
Find Your Way of Expressing Gratitude
It is important to remember, that there is no one size fits solution. Expressing gratitude can have a great impact on your business, but it has to be done in your own way. Understanding who and what matters to your business is the first step in being able to authentically express gratitude.
Of course, the holiday season isn’t the only time of year to do this. Having your business show gratitude should be common all year round. However, understanding that the holidays are different for everyone and a meaningful expression of gratitude can be greatly appreciated in a season that is challenging for many!
