Gratitude In The Workplace
People want to belong and feel appreciated by their employer. When shown gratitude at work, employees:
- Are Happier
- Feel appreciated
- Take pride in what they do
- Are more creative
- Have increased company loyalty
- Give their all for their employer
This generates contentment, which results in a healthier mental and physical state as shown by studies done by Robert Emmons and Michael McCollough. People who are happier work harder, are healthier and stay with a company longer.
“The difference between mere management and leadership is communication.” ~Winston Churchill
Leadership Isn’t Something You Can Do on Your Own
It requires a team. Great leaders inspire, motivate and help their employees to become better. They express appreciation.
Effectively applied in the workplace gratitude may positively impact:
- Job satisfaction
- Loyalty
- Citizenship behavior
- Employee retention
- Organizational profitability and productivity
How have you been shown appreciation at work by your leaders?
Gratitude at work is about building your team, about strengthening your relationship with coworkers . It is something that should be given freely to show respect for an individual’s efforts and hard work. If a person is shown appreciation at work, they are much more apt to continue to do their best.
When someone works hard every day for their employer doing what is “expected and anticipated” at their job, it is at this moment when gratitude will have its greatest impact, its greatest power.
Gratitude isn’t the reward; the feeling a person gets when shown gratitude is the reward.
It is equally important to have an attitude of gratitude toward your employer and for the job you hold.
Your approach toward your work is crucial. Appreciate that someone values your skills and experience, be thankful that you are able to support yourself and your family. Even if you are in a job you don’t like, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
Being grateful leads to:
- Productivity
- Better health
- A more positive, creative outlook
- Better problem solving skills
- So much more
It’s important to show your appreciation toward your boss or manager. More often than not, the only things the boss hears are:
- Problems
- Complaints
- Frustrations
- Annoyances
A sincere expression of gratitude is sure to be welcomed.
Because this is a business relationship, be mindful about how you express your appreciation.
Overdoing it, especially in a larger company, could be construed as “looking for points.” Most of the time, a heartfelt verbal or written,“thank you!” will suffice.
If your office or workplace is smaller and you enjoy closer relationships, letting your boss know you’re grateful for your job because it has made a positive difference in your life is appropriate and may be appreciated.
