10 Reasons to Give Employees a Turkey for Thanksgiving

Why do companies give out employee turkeys?

It’s America’s Oldest Tradition! An employee turkey gift is a workplace holiday tradition going back generations. Historians date the employee turkey gift tradition to the manufacturing boom of the 1800s as a way to introduce immigrant workers to American culture and the holiday spirit of Thanksgiving.

Why does the employee turkey gift tradition still have staying power?

1. Giving employee turkeys gifts is smart for business

Your employees are craving your thanks — and not in the form of cash or bonuses, according to Gallup research. The poll of U.S. workers also reveals only one in three say they’re regularly recognized. A holiday turkey gift shows you care and are grateful for employees’ hard work and dedication to the success of your business.

2. Turkey is an iconic symbol of gratitude

We associate turkey with Thanksgiving and gratitude. In the midst of the hectic holiday season, we gather with family and friends around a turkey to give thanks and appreciate one another.

3. Turkey is uniquely American

Turkeys are native to North America — and the centerpiece to America’s oldest tradition, Thanksgiving. By the time President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, to count “blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,” Americans had already been celebrating Thanksgiving for two centuries.

4. Giving gifts is an opportunity for managers to engage with employees

Sharing the gift of a holiday turkey, personally, with a big smile, warm handshake and hearty “Thank You” is a priceless opportunity for managers to make employees feel valued and appreciated.

5. Gift giving about family

A turkey evokes the joy of the holidays and a lifetime of family memories. The aroma of roasting turkey reminds us of childhood visits to faraway relatives. It takes us back to grandma’s kitchen: watching multiple generations laugh together as they prepare the feast, sitting at the “kids’ table” with our cousins and, of course, the great feeling of being surrounded by loved ones.

6. People love turkey — at the holidays and year-round

Americans eat 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving, but the joy of roast turkey isn’t reserved for Thanksgiving. We also eat 22 million turkeys on Christmas and 19 million on Easter!

7. Turkey gifts have universal appeal

The Thanksgiving tradition knows no religious, ethnic or class boundaries — all Americans love celebrating Thanksgiving with a turkey centerpiece.

8. Turkey is a gift of hospitality and inclusion

Your employees will appreciate being able to share their turkey gift with family and friends. A turkey meal unites generations and brings together family, friends and neighbors.

9. Gift-giving puts your company’s gratitude top-of-mind

Turkeys embody the grateful spirit of the season, and that includes your company’s gratitude. When your employees sit down to enjoy their turkey, your company and your appreciation will be on their minds.

10. Gift-giving is affordable, practical and easy

A turkey gift is a gift employees can actually use. And it’s one of the most meaningful yet cost-effective ways to thank employees.