Make year-end messages meaningful by being inclusive

Year-end messages to your team should emphasize tangible successes, recognize teamwork and be inclusive of all employees, not just a few who may have stood out during the year, say experts. "In addition to business wins, showcase examples of strong team collaboration or highlight a non-business win that boosted morale and brought the organization together," says Melissa Kanter, head of communications and brand experience, Americas for ING.

Put it into practice: Timing is crucial for year-end messages to ensure they stand out and engage employees. Karen Testa of Bell Flight recommends sending messages at the start of the new year to avoid the holiday rush and information overload, which gives your words more impact and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

A study reveals that adding a one-hour walk to your daily routine could extend your lifespan by six hours, particularly benefiting the least active 25% of people in the US. The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, used fitness tracker data to assess the impact of exercise on longevity.

The iconic house from "Home Alone," located in Winnetka, Ill., has sold for more than $5 million. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom home gained national attention when listed in May for $5.25 million. "We're thrilled with the way this home captured everyone's attention and hearts due to its well-deserved place in cinematic history and the timeless holiday memories it evokes," listing agents Dawn McKenna and Katie Moor said.

If you're composing an end-of-year message to your team, take the time to think through how each employee has played a role in the success of your business throughout the year. If your company has had a rough year, point out areas of growth and ways that your teams have overcome challenges and united in a common mission.

Include a personal reflection on how your teams have inspired you and lay out your vision for the future, focusing on specific projects or opportunities. Overall, encourage your people to use holiday time to rest and recharge.

"Speak to employees' hearts and minds, not just their roles. Show you value their input," says Kerry O'Grady, instructor of business communications at Fordham University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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