Applied Gratitude Business Awards
Celebrating Gratitude in the Workplace
Every year, in honor of World Gratitude Day, September 21st, Thnks commends those who contribute to enhancing our workplaces through the Applied Gratitude™ Business Awards!
How the Winners Are Determined
Anyone can nominate an individual or company using the link on the Thnks website. Each submitter may nominate up to five individuals and five companies for award consideration and can edit entries until nominations close.
After the submission period ends, a Thnks executive panel will review all entries and select the individual and company finalists.
The winners will then be determined by a public vote. Each person may cast one vote per day during the voting period.
Award Timeline
Past Winners
Zero Company is a digital marketing agency founded in 2002 in Southern California. At Zero Company, our philosophy is built on the acronym BLISS – Building Love Into Scalable Systems. This focus impacts co-worker relationships as well as relationships with clients. Our goal is to always address client meetings and issues with empathy, seeking to forge deeper relationships with clients.
The team at Zero Company uses Thnks to connect with clients on a more personal level. Often, we will send out a THNKS if a client has had a baby or perhaps is going through a difficult life experience. This has been much appreciated by our clients, and while the tangible gift is always welcome, the gesture is often the most appreciated aspect of the THNKS.
THNKS are also often sent from co-worker to co-worker in appreciation for various acts of service. Zero Company is a hybrid office, so forging connections when we are often remote can be tricky. During our weekly staff meeting, each person shares their goals and tasks for the week, but typically, the first step is to share some gratitude for other co-workers. This is a great way to recognize the contributions of the whole team and it’s a great way to start the work week.
Additionally, we present a bi-weekly podcast, The Bliss Business Podcast, where we talk with business leaders and innovators seeking to transform the workplace as well as interactions with customers into a more empathy-driven direction. Empathy is at the forefront of every interaction at Zero Company, and THNKS has been a big help, allowing us to better connect with clients and co-workers.
Christine Dunham
Christine Durham lives and leads with gratitude in everything she does. As a key leader in People and Culture at Kantata, she has transformed appreciation into a daily practice that shapes how we work, connect, and succeed together. Her impact is not just visible — it’s contagious.
Christine is often referred to as our “Chief Energy Officer,” and for good reason. She brings boundless energy, optimism, and joy into every interaction. Whether she’s celebrating a teammate with her signature orange kazoo or lighting up a room with encouragement, Christine makes people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
She is the champion of our Good Vibes program, an everyday peer recognition platform that encourages teammates to show appreciation for one another. Thanks to her leadership, it has become a core part of our culture. Christine doesn’t just promote the program — she ensures it thrives. She keeps engagement high, amplifies recognition across the company, and continuously reminds us why gratitude matters.
At our most recent Sales Kickoff, Christine played a critical role in fostering authentic connection. She was not just an MC, but the emotional anchor of the event, reminding everyone that success is rooted in how we support one another. She created space for team members to connect in real, meaningful ways that lasted beyond the event itself.
Christine is also the voice of empathy in times of change or challenge. She frequently reminds us that people are people, and that every business decision or conflict is ultimately about humans. Her approach inspires us to slow down, listen, and respond with care. This philosophy has helped create a workplace where psychological safety and mutual respect are the norm.
Working with Christine is energizing. Her enthusiasm is unmatched, and her presence lifts the entire team. She sets the tone for how we treat each other, and others follow her lead. Her influence is a ripple effect that touches every corner of our organization. Earlier this year, Christine was surprised with a special Flare Award in recognition of her impact. As one colleague shared, “Christine truly embodies the spirit of putting people first through her consistent enthusiasm and exceptionally personable approach. She is a cheerleader for everyone in the organization — a true rock star.” Another noted, “She is instrumental in building a positive and vibrant team culture. Her unwavering commitment to cultivating Kantata’s values truly sets her apart.”
Without Christine, our culture would not be what it is today. She is the embodiment of gratitude in action and a shining example of how appreciation can drive real business results. She makes work more human, more joyful, and more connected.
Christine Durham doesn’t just practice gratitude. She leads with it, builds with it, and inspires it in everyone around her.
Prize Details
Company Category Winner
$5,000
in Thnks credits