10 Great Ways to Say Thank You at Work (and at Home) 

This Thanksgiving week and holiday season invites us to slow down. Lights soften, days shorten, and we remember the people who helped us throughout the year. One of the simplest, most meaningful gestures is a handwritten note—short, sincere, and full of gratitude. 

Leaders express gratitude because they understand its quiet power to lift others up. 

Here are 10 great ways to say thank you, whether you’re appreciating coworkers, leaders, friends, or family. 

10 great ways to say thank you

1. Write a short handwritten note 

It doesn’t need to be long—two or three honest sentences can mean everything in a world of quick replies and digital reactions. 

2. Name the specific trait you appreciate 

People remember what you noticed about them. 
Try: “Your efforts made a real difference this year.” 

3. Acknowledge something they have done 

Everyone has invisible work. Naming it builds trust and connection. 
“I know how much effort you put in behind the scenes.” 

4. Call out one memorable moment 

A single meaningful moment can stay with someone for years. 
“When you stepped in during that tough week, it meant more than you know.” 

5. Thank them for how they show up—not just what they do 

Gratitude for character, not just output, is powerful. 
“Your optimism shifted the energy of our whole team.” 

6. Offer encouragement for where they’re going 

A thank you that also lifts someone’s confidence is leadership in action. 
“Keep going—you bring something valuable and unique.” 

7. Appreciate the support they offered you personally 

Whether they listened, advised, or simply stood by, name it. 
“Thank you for being someone I could count on.” 

8. Recognize growth you’ve seen in them 

People rarely hear this about themselves. 
“You’ve grown so much this year—your leadership is expanding in all the right ways.” 

9. Express gratitude for the relationship, not just the moment 

At work or at home, people want to know they matter. 
“Working with you has made my year better.” 
“Life with you in it is lighter.” 

10. Send a beautiful card that reflects thoughtfulness 

A handwritten card feels like a small gift. 

Simple Prompts to Use in Your Notes 

For coworkers or team members: 

• “Thank you for showing up this year—especially when things were uncertain. Your [specific trait] kept us moving.” 

• “One moment I’ll always remember from this year was when you [specific action]. I’m grateful.” 

• “You bring trust, kindness, and follow-through—thank you.” 

For leaders or mentors: 

• “Thank you for the opportunities and honest feedback this year. I’ve grown because of your guidance.” 

• “Your leadership—especially the way you [listen / lift others up / give credit]—inspires me.” 

For family and friends: 

• “I’m grateful for you this year because…” 

• “A moment from this year I’ll never forget is…” 

• “Thank you for your support when things were hard.” 

A Quiet Act of Leadership 

Gratitude is leadership—no title required. 
Every time you: 

• Notice someone’s effort 

• Put appreciation into words 

• Encourage them to keep going 

…you’re leading. 

Handwritten notes remind people of their strengths. They help them stand a little taller. They say: 
“You matter. And the way you show up matters, too.” 

Slowing Down This Season 

Slowing down isn’t easy, especially during the busyness to celebrate the holidays and wrap up the projects from the year. As you do slow down and make intentional decisions to share your thanks with others in your life, you’ll discover meaning. Try this practice to slow down as you move toward the new year: 

1. Choose 5–10 people who made your year better. 

2. Set aside a quiet hour—coffee, candle, calm music. 

3. Write one or two sincere sentences in each card. 

4. Mail or hand-deliver them. 

Small handwritten notes make a big impact in your life and the lives of others. 

Looking for Beautiful Cards to Pair with Your Words? 

If you’d like cards that feel like little pieces of light you can send in the mail or give to someone who matters, explore some at this link. I believe leadership and creativity strengthen each other. I love to take photography and have a line of cards at Etsy. Explore more here: https://illuminoustudio.etsy.com. 

And for reflection prompts and encouragement for the new year, the Stand Tall Workbook is a leadership companion to help you pause, reset, and move forward with courage. Subscribe to receive the workbook to your inbox.

Here’s to gratitude. 
Here’s to leadership that lifts. 
Here’s to standing tall and saying “Thank you—you matter,” during this important week and season of expressing thanks. 

Author

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