The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for companies to reinforce their culture, strengthen connection with team members, and show genuine appreciation for the work of their staff. Yet it’s also one of the busiest times of the year: employees are managing deadlines, family commitments, and often a flood of communication, while HR teams work equally hard to keep people informed and engaged.
Text messaging offers a way to cut through the noise and busyness without adding unnecessary pressure or complexity. It delivers timely information in a format employees already consistently open and respond to, and it helps today’s organizations communicate with clarity, warmth, and authenticity. When used effectively, texting is a strategic tool that creates immediate, meaningful touchpoints and boosts the employee experience in ways other forms of communication often cannot.
Here are 11 high-impact ways HR teams can use text messaging to boost morale, increase staff engagement, and support their people during this important time of year — each paired with an example text you can use or adapt for use by your own organization.
1. Send a simple, heartfelt holiday message
A sincere message of appreciation is one of the easiest and most impactful texts HR can send during the season. Delivered directly to employees’ phones, it feels warm, personal, and meaningful.
Sample text: “Happy holidays, team! We’re grateful for all you do and hope the season brings rest, joy, and time with the people who matter most to you. Looking forward to an amazing 2026!”
2. Share a video message from leadership
A short video adds a human touch and allows leaders to speak directly to employees. Texting the link helps ensure it gets seen during end-of-year email overload.
Sample text: “Our leadership team recorded a short holiday message to thank you for a great year. Watch it here: [link]”
3. Spotlight employee achievements
Spotlight messages celebrate the people and teams behind the organization’s success. Highlighting achievements leading up to the new year spreads positivity while helping to build company momentum.
Sample text: “Today’s holiday spotlight goes to our facilities team. Thank you for keeping everything running smoothly this year! We appreciate you.”
4. Encourage peer-to-peer gratitude
Inviting employees to recognize one another enhances connection across teams and helps create a culture of appreciation that feels authentic and shared.
Sample text: “Who made your 2025 a little brighter? Share a quick thank-you message for a colleague, and we’ll include it in our final newsletter for the year: [link]”
5. Link to a year-in-review highlight or impact report
Year-end summaries give employees a clear picture of how their work contributed to organizational success. A mobile-friendly highlight reel or infographic reinforces company pride and job purpose.
Sample text: “We’re celebrating an incredible year thanks to you! Check out this quick highlight reel of our 2025 successes: [link]”
6. Announce a holiday bonus or special perk
Whether it’s a bonus, a small gift, or an early-release day, good news delivered by text has a way of generating excitement and ensuring everyone receives the message promptly.
Sample text: “As a thank you for your hard work this year, we’re providing a holiday bonus. Get the details in your employee portal: [link]”
7. Share well-being and self-care reminders
The holidays can be joyful and stressful in equal measure. A thoughtful reminder to take care of oneself — and to use available support resources like the EAP — signals empathy and reinforces that the organization prioritizes employee well-being during demanding times of the year.
Sample text: “The holidays can be busy, but don’t forget to take time for yourself. Here are a few wellness tips and resources available to you, including our EAP if you need extra help: [link]”
8. Send countdown reminders for important dates
Shifting schedules, deadlines, closures, and events can be easily overlooked during the busy season. Countdown reminders help reduce confusion and keep everyone aligned.
Sample text: “Quick reminder: Our office will close for the holidays in 3 days. Here’s what you need to know before Friday: [link]”
9. Promote a holiday giving or community service opportunity
The holiday season naturally inspires generosity. A text highlighting volunteer opportunities or donation drives makes staff participation easy while reinforcing important organizational values.
Sample text: “Interested in giving back this season? We’re supporting a local holiday donation drive. If you’d like to participate, here are the details: [link]”
10. Share a preview of what’s coming in the new year
Employees appreciate transparency and direction. A short text with a link to upcoming initiatives creates optimism and reinforces trust and optimism heading into the new year.
Sample text: “Curious about what’s ahead for us? Here’s a quick look at some of what we’re planning to help make 2026 the best year yet: [link]”
11. Ask for feedback with a single-question survey
A quick question delivered via SMS often yields higher engagement than an email survey. It sends a strong message that employee voice matters and that the organization is committed to improving the employee experience.
Sample text: “As we plan for 2026, we’d love your input. What’s one thing that would improve your experience here next year? Share your thoughts: [link]”
Turning Seasonal Communication Into Genuine Connection
In a season when everyone is stretched thin, communication that feels personal and meaningful is more likely to stand out. Thoughtful text messaging allows HR teams to share timely updates, encouragement, and appreciation in a way employees will actually notice. The result is a workplace that feels more unified and support — not just during the holidays, but long after.
Authored by Sean Roy
Sean Roy is co-founder and chief product officer for Dialog Health, provider of a two-way texting platform which human resources professionals can leverage as a communication and engagement channel.