Ongoing Gratitude
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we showed an immense amount of gratitude for our essential frontline workers who were the backbone of our communities even during the toughest times. Whether it was our healthcare workers treating those who have fallen ill, or the grocery store workers who worked to keep the stores open so that we could feed our families, these frontline workers worked long and tedious hours, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk. Without them, our society would have not been able to function, and we would have not defeated this virus. As a result of all their hard work and sacrifices, frontline workers were given the recognition they deserved. For instance, every morning, residents of New York City would clap as health care workers made their way to work, and organizations such as ours, Giving Gratitude, had volunteers across the world create thank you cards for essential workers.
However, although the pandemic has died down across the world, it is still important that we show this gratitude towards our essential workers; pandemic or not. By definition, essential workers are individuals who perform services that are critical to maintaining the health, safety, economic, and community well-being of the population. Essential workers, including healthcare professionals, pharmacists, police officers, social workers, farmworkers, grocery store employees, delivery agents, and more have continued to go to work and serve the community. Hence, as members of society, it is our responsibility to support them by showing our appreciation for their continued efforts, as we rely on their hard work, sacrifice, and passion for their job to survive. When we are ill or injured, we are treated by healthcare professionals who help to increase our chances of survival. Pharmacists provide the medicine that prevent illnesses and diseases, while first-responders are the ones who provide assistance to emergency situations. Our social workers ensure our mental well-being, while our teachers educate us about life, and help us to achieve our goals. The farmers ensure that we have food, while grocery store workers and delivery agents work to ensure that the food is accessible to us. Evidently, even the simpler jobs such as a grocery store cashier are incredibly important and critical to our society and our daily life. Now you may be asking, how can I show gratitude to essential workers? Well, there are many ways we can do so:
Express your appreciation and gratitude whenever you see an essential worker. Even simple acknowledgements such as “thank you” will make a workers day!
Be kind and understanding. Their jobs are stressful, be patient and always thank them.
Design simple banners and posters to thank essential workers and put them up on your door, car, window, etc.
Call those essential workers who are close to you and let them know that they are doing a great job
Communicate with the families of essential workers you know and find out if they need anything
Join giving gratitude, an organization where you can volunteer to make thank you cards for essential workers!