Why Gratitude Matters at Work

Just say Thank You!

What are the elements that matter most when creating an organization that works together as a team?  As you know, there are many elements to building a great team.  But one that stands out and is often forgotten in the workplace is gratitude. When management is grateful for the work their employees are doing, the employee recognizes the acknowledgment and a positive impact is made.  When you truly understand the importance that gratitude plays in the workplace, your team and all levels of the organization work with passion and improved performance.

Showing gratitude is about showing appreciation to someone for a job that they have done. It is honoring the individual for putting the time and effort into the task at hand.  Ask yourself, how often do you hear the word, "thank you" in the workplace? Does your management express it freely?

Research has shown that when you express gratitude people listen and pay attention. The missing link in many organizations today is engagement. Only 30% of the US workforce is engaged, 70% disengaged.  Employees don't feel that there voice is heard and that they are valued for the work they do.

Studies have shown the numerous benefits of showing gratitude. From social, psychological and physical benefits.  It can improve and strengthen relationships, which is key in the workplace. When gratitude is present, low levels of resentment and envy exist. Consider how productive a team could be when envy and resentment are void from the work environment.  The employees self worth increases as they recognize the value they bring to others.

The John Templeton Foundation showed that many Americans find work to be the last place where they either give or receive thanks.  There is often the feeling that you don't need to be thankful to people at work.  But it has been proven that gratitude at work, improves productivity and happiness at work. Employees feel valued and bosses are perceived as more successful.

When someone feels unappreciated for the job they are doing, the chances are greater that they will do the bare minimum.  Just enough to keep their job than someone who feels appreciated.

The greatest thing about gratitude is that the benefits can be enormous, while the cost is minimal. It takes little time and effort to let someone know that they are appreciated. In fact, we all know how to do it, we just need to remember to do it. Like most culture change within organizations, gratitude needs to start at the top. Lack of appreciation from above will show up at all levels within the organization.

Try it!  It is simple enough to do and only requires you to remember to say Thank You!

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