25 Heartfelt Ways to Recognize Your Employees This Canadian Thanksgiving

Oh, Canadian Thanksgiving! The season of golden leaves, pumpkin pies, and heartfelt gratitude. But why should the appreciation stop at the dinner table?

As businesses across the Great White North prepare for the holiday season, it's an opportune time to recognize and celebrate employees' hard work and dedication.

Here's a toast to maple syrup, hockey, and the indefatigable Canadian spirit! Let's delve into some creative ways businesses can honor their employees this Thanksgiving.

25 Canadian Thanksgiving employee recognition ideas

Here are 10 Canadian Thanksgiving employee recognition and reward ideas to boost celebration:

1. Spotlight awards

Organize a short ceremony during Canadian Thanksgiving week. Create spotlight awards that highlight unique qualities or achievements of your employees. Categories can range from "Most Innovative Solution" to "Kindest Gesture."

The key is to ensure that these awards recognize business achievements, personal qualities, and acts that contribute to a positive workplace culture.

2. Digital culinary experience

Thanksgiving is synonymous with a hearty meal and family gatherings. Reward employees with a digital culinary experience by offering online cooking classes led by Canadian chefs.

Employees can learn to prepare a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dish or dive into the diverse culinary landscape of Canada. This experience enriches their cooking skills and provides a bonding opportunity as they can share the results with their families.

3. E-gift cards to local Canadian brands

Support local businesses while rewarding employees by gifting e-gift cards to beloved Canadian brands or online stores.

This can range from fashion brands,and artisanal products to gourmet Canadian treats. It's a great way to celebrate Canadian pride and introduce employees to unique, homegrown products.

4. Virtual nature tour

Canada is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Offer employees a break from work with a virtual tour of Canada's national parks or iconic landscapes.

Through high-definition videos and interactive elements, they can virtually traverse the rugged Rockies, the serene shores of Prince Edward Island, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights of Yukon, all from the comfort of their homes.

5. Digital wellness package

Given the challenges of the modern work environment, consider gifting employees a digital wellness package.

This can include online yoga or meditation classes, virtual wellness retreats, or even subscriptions to mindfulness and relaxation apps with content tailored to Canadian culture and landscapes. Such a package serves as a thoughtful gesture, acknowledging the importance of mental well-being.

6. Canadian artist showcase

Canada boasts a rich tapestry of artists, musicians, and authors. Organize a digital showcase where employees can immerse themselves in Canadian art and culture. This can be in the form of virtual art gallery tours, digital access to performances by Canadian musicians, or e-books by renowned Canadian authors.

Not only does this provide a cultural enrichment experience, but it also supports the Canadian art and entertainment community.

7. Harvest potluck lunch

Instead of the usual office luncheon, organize a "Harvest Potluck" where employees are encouraged to bring a dish from their family's Thanksgiving traditions or a dish that showcases their cultural heritage.

This not only fosters a sense of community and sharing but also recognizes and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of your team. Set up a decorated space in the office where everyone can come together, share their dishes, and the stories behind them.

8. Gratitude journals

Give every employee a beautifully crafted gratitude journal in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Encourage them to note down the things they're thankful for in their professional and personal lives.

Not only does this serve as a keepsake, but it also promotes a positive mindset. You could also invite employees to share a few entries during team meetings, further fostering an environment of gratitude.

9. Thanksgiving "Thank You" cards

Set up a "Thanksgiving Tree" in a common area. Provide "Thank You" cards shaped like maple leaves and add personalized Canadian ThanksGiving wishes for your coworkers.

Encourage team members to write thank you notes to their colleagues, highlighting something they appreciate about them or an act of kindness they've witnessed. This simple act can increase camaraderie and mutual respect among the team.

10. Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities

In the spirit of giving back, offer employees a chance to volunteer during Thanksgiving. This could be at local food banks, community centers, or any other organization that needs an extra hand during the holiday.

Recognize the employees who participate and share their experiences, perhaps even incentivizing participation with an extra day off or other rewards. This provides employees with a chance to give back and aligns your business with community-centered values.

11. Maple leaf excellence award

Honoring the iconic symbol of Canada, the Maple Leaf Excellence Award could be given to an employee who consistently showcases dedication, commitment, and excellence in their role.

This award, perhaps crafted in the shape of a maple leaf or made from a sustainably sourced maple wood plaque, would be a fitting tribute to someone who embodies the spirit of perseverance and growth.

12. Harvest innovator award

Thanksgiving revolves around the idea of harvest and gratitude. The Harvest Innovator Award can be presented to the individual who has "harvested" the most innovative idea of the year, leading to significant growth or positive organizational change.

This award can be symbolized with a cornucopia, representing abundance and creativity.

13. Team unity feather

Inspired by the idea of a flock of geese, common in Canadian skies, especially during migration around Thanksgiving, this award emphasizes unity, teamwork, and collective achievement.

Geese are known to fly together, and if one falls behind, a couple will drop out to help. The Team Unity Feather can be awarded to a team or department that exemplifies seamless collaboration, camaraderie, and collective success.

14. Golden turkey award

While this might sound humorous at first, the Golden Turkey Award can be a fun, light-hearted way to recognize someone who took a risk or made an unexpected move that eventually led to success.

Just as turkeys are central to many Thanksgiving celebrations, this award highlights the unconventional, surprising, and often overlooked contributions that end up being game-changers for the company.

15. Northern star resilience award

Drawing inspiration from the unwavering Northern Star, this award can be presented to an employee who has shown exceptional resilience and adaptability throughout the year.

Especially relevant during challenging times, the recipient of this award embodies determination, guiding and inspiring their colleagues by demonstrating how to navigate through adversity.

16. Virtual escape room adventure

Inspired by Canadian history or landscapes, virtual escape rooms can provide a unique and engaging team-building experience. Offer employees access to a specially curated escape room to collaborate with colleagues to solve Canada-themed puzzles and riddles.

This fun challenge fosters teamwork and immerses employees in a unique digital celebration of Canadian culture.

17. E-subscriptions to Canadian magazines or journals

Reward your employees with digital subscriptions to popular Canadian magazines, journals, or newspapers.

This allows them to stay updated with the country's latest news, trends, and stories and fosters a deeper connection with Canadian culture and current affairs.

18. Virtual DIY craft workshops

There's a rich tradition of crafting in Canada, from indigenous beadwork to modern-day DIY projects.

Organize online workshops where employees can learn a craft skills, such as making traditional Canadian holiday decorations or learning indigenous art forms. Supply lists can be provided in advance, and the session can be led by a local craftsman, offering both an educational and hands-on experience.

19. Digital mixology class

Celebrate Thanksgiving by offering a virtual mixology class focusing on Canadian-themed beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

From cocktails that incorporate Canadian maple syrup to drinks inspired by the nation's vast landscapes, this digital experience can be both entertaining and informative.

20. Online Canadian film festival

Canada has a diverse and thriving film industry. Create a virtual film festival where employees can access a curated selection of Canadian films or documentaries.

This can range from iconic Canadian classics to contemporary gems, offering employees a chance to explore the nation's cinematic landscape and engage in discussions or virtual Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

21. Poutine party

What’s more Canadian than a big plate of poutine? Host a poutine party and let employees dive into this savory delight. To add a twist, have a mini-contest where teams create their own version of poutine. May the best gravy win!

22. Canadian Thanksgiving trivia challenge

Test your team's knowledge of Canadian history, culture, and geography. Host a trivia session and reward winners with uniquely Canadian gifts like Timbits, butter tarts, or Nanaimo bars.

23. Moose of the month

Instead of the typical ‘Employee of the Month,’ introduce the 'Moose of the Month.' It's a fun way to recognize the most outstanding employee with a nod to one of Canada's iconic animals.

24. Recognition wall

Set up a 'Wall of Thanks' where colleagues can post notes recognizing each other's efforts. By the end of the week, it will be a beautiful mosaic of appreciation.

Bring your workplace celebrations to life with Empuls’ Wall of Fame feature. Create a vibrant, interactive digital wall to showcase employee achievements, spotlight award winners, and celebrate milestones.

Employees can explore peer recognitions, add congratulatory comments, and feel truly valued. You can even set it up in TV mode to display celebrations across offices during the Thanksgiving season — perfect for reinforcing a culture of appreciation and camaraderie in a distributed workforce.

25. Craft beer & cider tasting

Canada boasts an impressive array of craft beers and ciders. Organize a tasting evening (ensure moderation) where employees can savor different flavors and learn about their origins.

Thanksgiving Rewards Ideas Powered by Empuls

This Canadian Thanksgiving, go beyond traditional gestures and create moments that truly resonate with your team — with a little help from Empuls. Whether you're recognizing personal milestones, team achievements, or simply saying "thank you," Empuls makes it effortless to spread gratitude in meaningful ways.

Here are some creative Thanksgiving rewards ideas you can roll out instantly with Empuls:

1. Send personalized e-gift cards

Choose from Empuls' expansive rewards catalog, featuring popular Canadian and global brands. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a premium wellness store, or a gourmet dining experience, employees can pick what they love the most. Instant delivery, customizable notes, and festive branding make it a perfect Thanksgiving treat.

2. Launch a Thanksgiving-themed wall of fame

Create a special edition of your Wall of Fame on Empuls to showcase employees who went above and beyond this year. Highlight their contributions, share stories of gratitude, and encourage peers to join in with comments, likes, and GIFs. Turn recognition into a public celebration that inspires everyone.

3. Automate milestone wishes and rewards

With Empuls, you can automate greetings and rewards for birthdays, work anniversaries, and new joiner milestones — ensuring no special moment gets missed during the busy holiday season. Let your employees feel appreciated without adding to your team's admin workload.

4. Run fun Thanksgiving polls and quizzes

Empuls’ interactive features like polls and quizzes are a great way to engage employees in Thanksgiving trivia challenges, favorite festive recipes, or gratitude journaling contests. Add a dash of fun to the celebrations and reward participants with digital points or small gifts.

5. Recognize volunteers in Thanksgiving CSR drives

If your organization runs volunteer programs or charity drives during Thanksgiving, Empuls makes it easy to recognize and reward participants. Create special badges, share appreciation posts on the social feed, and offer reward points or e-gifts to those who contribute to your social impact initiatives.

Why Choose Empuls for Your Thanksgiving Celebrations?

• Instant Gratification: Deliver digital rewards in minutes, making celebrations timely and impactful.
• Scalable and Personalized: Celebrate every employee, across locations, with personalized notes and choices.
• Effortless Automation: Set up once and let Empuls handle the greetings, gifting, and recognition throughout the season.
• Community Spirit: Foster real-time peer-to-peer recognition, amplifying the culture of gratitude across your workplace.

Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with Empuls

This Canadian Thanksgiving, elevate your employee recognition efforts with Empuls, the all-in-one employee engagement and rewards platform trusted by 5,000+ global brands.

Whether it's sending digital gift cards, recognizing achievements instantly, or organizing gratitude walls and award ceremonies, Empuls makes it effortless to celebrate and appreciate your teams.

✅ Send digital gift cards instantly: Delight employees with a wide selection of gift cards from popular Canadian and global brands.

✅ Create a virtual wall of fame: Showcase top performers and contributors with Empuls' dynamic, interactive recognition wall.

✅ Automate celebrations and milestones: From birthdays to work anniversaries, Empuls ensures no special moment is missed with personalized greetings and rewards.

✅ Foster a culture of gratitude: Use features like gratitude journals, thank-you cards, and social intranet posts to amplify appreciation throughout your organization.

✅ Engage with community groups and surveys: Encourage open dialogue and collect feedback to continuously improve employee experience.

With Empuls, you don’t just recognize employees — you create lasting memories that build loyalty, enhance culture, and boost morale.

Conclusion

Canadian Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, a time to reflect on our blessings and thank those who enrich our lives.

Recognizing employees during this season is not just good for morale but it also weaves a tapestry of goodwill and camaraderie that can last the whole year round.

So this year, amidst the traditional turkey and stuffing, let's carve out a special place for appreciation at the workplace.

As you celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude, remember that modern workplaces thrive on consistent, meaningful appreciation. Empuls empowers you to create those magical moments of recognition — at scale, across geographies, and with a human touch.

Whether it's a simple thank-you note, a grand award ceremony, or a thoughtful digital gift, Empuls ensures that no good deed goes unnoticed. This season, let's carve out not just turkey, but lasting gratitude in the heart of every employee.