November is commonly viewed as a season of gratitude and giving, with events such as American Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, World Kindness Day, and Giving Tuesday, a global movement dedicated to fostering acts of kindness and philanthropy. In this spirit, we took some time to ask 8x8 employees from around the world six questions related to gratitude and giving to others.

While we received a multitude of responses, here are some highlights from 8x8 Team8s that we hope will inspire.

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

1. How do you show gratitude for your friends, family and colleagues?

  • Giving others your attention is the best way to show gratitude. This includes going out to see kids’ games or making time to invite friends and family over for dinner. Your time is the most valuable resource when it comes to showing gratitude.
  • By being available and also empathetic, as the holiday season is not always a happy season for everyone.
  • I show gratitude to my friends, family and colleagues by sharing with them—by giving them my time, cooking for them, giving them gifts, complimenting them, and just being there for them. As the saying goes, "Life is too short to not make time for those people in your life who deserve it."

2. Do you volunteer in your community, and if so, how?

  • Every Christmas, I join donation drives to help communities in need. It makes my heart full whenever I see those in need smile. I also support an Animal Rescue Shelter "Casa Lui Patrocle," and have adopted (via distance) a disabled dog. Her name is Pipa, and every month I send support for her daily needs. She is very lovely and so energetic despite her disability, you can see her shine. I'm so grateful to the organization for taking care of these lovely souls and supporting them is the best thing to do. I go by the words "We are blessed to be a blessing to others."
  • I'm an active member in the Credo Community Choir. Credo's mission is rooted not only in the power of music, but also in community, learning, equality, and in sharing one's fortunes with others. The music we sing, the places we sing, are designed to raise people up.
  • I am a volunteer for my hometown’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The event in my hometown of Romney, WV was founded by my mother, a two-time cancer survivor, and my aunt, who lost her second battle during the pandemic when her cancer returned after more than 30 years. Fundraising from the event goes to the American Cancer Society to help find new treatments, fund the treatments and well-being of those currently battling cancer, to help with prevention, and to ultimately to find a cure for cancer in our lifetime. The small-town event has raised more than $1 million to celebrate, remember, and fight back for those who have battled cancer, those currently battling, and those who will face cancer in the future.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward

3. Are there any special traditions you celebrate this time of year and what do you do to make them extra meaningful?

  • I make this time extra meaningful by going on trips together and visiting most of my relatives to have bonding time with them. As my parents and grandparents get older, just the thought of being able to go on trips with them is really something I am thankful for. These are core memories I will always cherish in this lifetime.
  • We enjoy the season with friends and family, help others locally when and where we can, and spend time reflecting on the meaning of each holiday as individuals and as a family.
  • We try to include the 5K turkey trot in with Thanksgiving when we can. We also enjoy covering our Thanksgiving table with a paper tablecloth so that we can use markers to write down all that we are thankful for.

4. How do you plan to make an impact in 2024?

  • I plan to make an impact by staying positive even during challenging times. We all know that each day doesn’t always bring rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes life throws us unexpected situations, but staying positive and encouraging others—especially during tough times can help them be on track, and stay focused and resilient. Mindset is what really matters.
  • I've learned that even the tiniest thing that no one else noticed or cared enough to do anything about can make an impact, so what I want for myself is to live my life with a heightened awareness, which I believe is something that inherently holds the potential for making an impact.
  • Spreading a joyful attitude and lots of smiles and laughter!
“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.” - Jefferson Bethke

5. What do you appreciate about 8x8?

  • Work life balance. So many companies promote this, but truly 8x8 is the best company I've worked at that actually encourages employees to maintain work life balance. 8x8 understands that if they invest in their employees, they will make the company better.
  • The opportunity to work with incredibly positive, smart, and inspiring people. Corporations really do have personalities, and I'm glad ours is transparent, empowering, and motivating. I'm also grateful for my role that allows me to make friends with our amazing customers.
  • I have been at 8x8 for many years. I have found a place where I feel listened to and respected. I am grateful for the superb managers, and I am grateful for teams that are fun and are respectful to each other as well.

6. What are you grateful for in your personal life?

  • My family, and the fact that most are very close by. I'm grateful for a roof over my head, books to read, and yarn to crochet.
  • I am most grateful for my partner. I feel he's the first person that truly sees me. As a partner, he truly helps me grow, encouraging me to be me. I am grateful every day to be surrounded by good people. I am grateful that my experiences in life can be used to help those who need it. I am also grateful for how far I've come in becoming a better me through counseling and self reflection.
  • My little family. We just had our third baby, and even with all the craziness, it has added to our daily lives, and we are extremely grateful for all of it.

At 8x8, we practice gratitude in many ways, and it comes from the top down. Watch the video below where our CEO, Sam Wilson, expresses his gratitude to 8x8’s incredible customers. Read more on three customers that practice giving in different ways here.