Building a Culture of Gratitude at Work

Thanksgiving reminds us how powerful gratitude can be—but in the workplace, it’s more than just good manners. Studies show that employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay. For industries like food service and agriculture, where teamwork and trust are essential, a culture of gratitude can be a competitive advantage.

Building that culture doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with recognition—thanking employees for their effort, acknowledging milestones, and celebrating team wins, no matter how small. Managers can model appreciation by making gratitude part of their daily language and by encouraging peer-to-peer recognition.

Some companies take it further during the holiday season with shared meals, community volunteer days, or recognition programs that spotlight employees who go above and beyond. The key is authenticity. Gratitude works best when it’s specific, timely, and sincere.

This November, take a moment to thank the people who make your organization run. A few kind words can go a long way toward creating a more positive, motivated, and resilient workforce.

For more information on this topic or to learn how Produce Trust empowers companies working in the produce and food service industries, contact Richard Arias at: richard.arias@apdbla.com