Two weeks of Doodles to thank essential workers

Essential workers keeping our world safe and running during this global pandemic deserve a standing ovation. To show our appreciation, we created a two week Google Doodle series to honor and recognize all who have stepped up in unprecedented ways— including putting their own lives at risk—to provide services that keep our society moving forward.

Google Doodles usually take months (sometimes years!) of planning and development. This one came together in a matter of days. Though in the past we’ve moved quickly to create a Doodle in response to a major world—or even outer world—event, this is our first real-time Doodle series focusing on one theme. 

In this series of animated GIF Doodles, the big "G" represents communities around the world sending our love to the other letters, which represent the essential workers. Fun fact: we purposely used the first and last letters of our logo to ensure characters in every Doodle were practicing social distancing.

• Thank you Public Health Workers

  Public health workers and researchers in the scientific community are working around the clock.

• Thank you Doctors

  Doctors, nurses and medical workers stay at work, so everyone else can stay at home.

  
  

• Thank you Emergency Services Workers

  Emergency service workers have dedicated their days to keep people safe.

• Thank you Custodial Workers

  Custodial and sanitation workers’ efforts are crucial for those on the frontline, and those staying at home.

• Thank you Farmers

  Farm workers and farmers are working tirelessly to make sure food isn’t lacking.

• Thank you Grocery Workers

  Grocery workers haven’t stopped helping people get the supplies they need.

• Thank you Public Transportation Workers

  Public transportation workers make sure cities and towns keep running.
  

• Thank you Packaging Workers

  With every delivery, packaging, shipping and delivery workers put smiles on the faces of families.

• Thank you Food Service Workers

  Food service workers encourage people to keep going with a good meal.

  
  

• Thank you Teachers

  Teachers and childcare workers keep finding new ways to look after kids in every corner of the world.

Beyond the efforts of essential workers, “help” has become more than a concept, a desire or an unusual action. Help has become part of our day-to-day lives. We notice it in small actions—like going to the supermarket for your elderly neighbor, or donating homemade face masks to healthcare workers—and in what people are searching for around the world. One thing has become clear: people want to help.

As with all of our Doodles, we hope the series allows for helpers everywhere to feel seen, heard, and valued and for everyone to remember there will be a light at the end of what could feel like a long tunnel. Because where there’s help, there’s hope.

by Jessica Yu via The Keyword