Every fourth Thursday of November, the Dunes Manor Hotel & Suites holds its annual Thanksgiving Dinner event. This event is one of the largest for the hotel and involves almost every department in one way or the other. All-day, the associates of the Dunes Manor prepared for an event like ones in the past. An event that brings guests far and near for travel; an event that brings good times & cheer and this year was no different.
It’s easy to forget, when everyone is so busy, what we are thankful for on Thanksgiving. However, our Human Resources Manager, Karen had a mission. Her mission was to ask the associates during their lunch the day before, what they are thankful for. An easy question, but for many of our dedicated associates, an unexpected one. As she helped serve lunch, she hit them with this seemingly random question. Her response was at first perplexed faces, but associates came around quick to share their thoughts.
Most of her answers were the families that our associates hold dear. Others said their health, their situation, their current lifestyle. Karen had a few that said they were thankful for their employment or that they can still work. There were plenty of humbling answers but what took Karen off guard the most was when she stopped asking the associates; they didn’t stop sharing. As more associates joined the luncheon, they started to ask each other what they were thankful for. The associates shared their personal reason for what they appreciate most on Thanksgiving and the conversation kept on. Karen noted that she felt the mood in the luncheon rise. The energy was positive. There were smiles, laughs, and everything felt warm. The mood was high and that is something so important in our workplace. It’s more than just a place to come and complete your work. It’s a place you can feel comfortable and enjoy the company of your cohorts.
Although Karen didn’t ask, it could be seen that this luncheon was special, and a lot of our staff got more from it than just a full belly. Everyone lives different lives and have all faced their own struggles this year. Yet, our associates are always able to come together and show that the Dunes is more than a team, but a family.
