At Workplace Options (WPO), gratitude is more than a sentiment—it’s a spark that ignites mindfulness, mental health, and positive change. During the 2024 Week of Thanks, November 11–15, our employees around the world connected to uplift one another and strengthen the communities we serve across the globe.

Workplace Options’ Raleigh team having a coffee chat in the office
This annual tradition is an extension of our unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of care, kindness, and generosity. Through donations, volunteerism, and heartfelt expressions of thanks, we aim to make waves of goodwill—locally and globally.
Debbi Jongkind, Senior Vice President of Coaching & Leadership Development at Workplace Options explains the power of gratitude
“Gratitude is a popular topic in our Aware mindfulness program. Focusing on what you are thankful for helps your mind to shift to the present, away from what is missing to noticing both the small pleasures and most meaningful things in your life. “
To celebrate this season of service, here are activities you can incorporate in your professional or personal lives. It’s true: helping people helps your mental health and wellbeing.
Employee Engagement: Week of Thanks
- Service Center Donation Drives
Declutter with purpose! Each service center or office location will host donation boxes, collecting items for local nonprofits in need during the holiday season. Imagine the difference you and your coworkers can make through your collective contributions.
Pro Tip: Reach out to a local nonprofit to see what items they need most this season!
- Global Charity Drive: Empower the Future with Children International
WPO’s 2024 Impact Project theme, Empower the Future, focuses on supporting youth worldwide. Through WorkTango, our global recognition platform, employees can donate points to Children International, a nonprofit helping children rise above poverty.
Every point transforms into tangible support, and WPO will match your generosity with a monetary donation.
- Volunteer in Your Community
WPO employees receive 8 hours of Volunteer PTO annually. We encourage our employees to use this time to give back in a way that resonates most with their personal mission. Organize a food drive, participate in a cleanup, or assist at a local shelter. Volunteer Time is much more than a Week of Thanks activity—it’s a year-round opportunity to make an impact.
- Share What You’re Grateful For
Gratitude is contagious. Last week, our employees around the world took a few moments to reflect and share what they are thankful for:
- Employees posted comments on a Gratitude Wall and Viva Engage (internal company-wide online community).

Workplace Options Australia’s Gratitude Wall for the Week of Thanks
- Brighten someone’s day by expressing your appreciation.
- Create connections through the power of shared positivity.
- Send a Virtual Thank You Card
A simple “thank you” can create ripples of kindness. We created a digital card template to send heartfelt messages to colleagues, friends, or family. Sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest weight.
- Team Gratitude Exercise
Bring your team together for a reflective gratitude session using our ready-made Team Gratitude Template. Sharing positive reflections strengthens bonds and builds a culture of appreciation.
- Fun Thankfulness Games
Take a breather and enjoy gratitude-themed activities like a word scramble or self-care word search. These playful exercises promote mindfulness while offering a touch of lighthearted fun.
Why It Matters
WPO’s Week of Thanks began in 2020 as a beacon of connection during challenging times. Now, in its fifth year, it remains a cornerstone of our global engagement efforts. Gratitude isn’t just good for morale, it’s a bridge that connects us across departments, cultures, and continents.
When we come together to reflect, appreciate, and give back, we amplify what makes WPO extraordinary: our people.
Interested in exploring more about mindfulness and gratitude? Learn how the Aware Mindfulness Program supports mental health and well-being here.