Give Thanks

Thank individuals for their contribution to the company. If your group is small, mention each person individually. In larger firms, thank teams or departments who succeeded in special initiatives or projects. Thank your partners and alliances, especially if they are sponsoring your company celebration.

Share Successes

Share specific kudos about your team members with their spouses. You know, it doesn't get much better than hearing that all of one's efforts and long hours are being recognized. And saying this to the spouse lets the spouse know you appreciate his or her sacrifices and support, as well.

Allow your employees' children to hear of the contribution their parent makes to your company. Talk about those values you would want your own children to hear; perhaps "commitment," "integrity," "work ethic," "fairness," "team work," or other wonderful qualities. Be an inspiration to those children, after all they just might be your company's future leaders.

Highlight the Future

As the year winds down, it is appropriate to turn your attention to the coming year's main events and the contributions each of your employees need to make. Talk about the goals and make sure you use words and a tone of voice that will help people remember these goals as they enter the New Year. Try placing extra stress on the most meaningful words and be passionate about your excitement for the coming year.

Introduce New Associates

Acknowledge new team members by asking supervisors to briefly explain each person's job responsibilities and by noting something humorous about the newcomer.

Remember Special Circumstances

Don't forget to offer a fond memory and kind words for the dear colleagues who have passed on, or are not able to be with you because of an illness, injury, military duty, or other reasons.

Offer a Memorable Toast

Your employees want to know you appreciate them and recognize that they want to work with wonderful people. Smile and offer a toast which encourages them and makes them feel good about their ongoing commitment to you and to their company. Try these for inspiration -
• Here's to all of us, God bless us everyone! (Tiny Tim's toast from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol")
• Wishing you more happiness than all my words can tell, not just for the holidays, but for all the year as well.
• May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.
• To us and our success as a group this past year, and to you and your families for health, peace, and more wonderful times in the coming year.

Above all else, may your celebration and your New Year be filled with laughter, energy, and goodwill for all!

Accent On Business founder and CEO Ellen Dunnigan is a nationally-recognized and proven coach with specialized training in voice, speech, and English improvement. She holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has been certified as clinically competent by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.