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Writer's pictureDesirée Leikin

Gratitude in the Workplace: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation for a Thriving Team

Did you know that 81% of employees say they would work harder for a grateful boss? According to recent research, it's true! Keeping employees happy is essential for a thriving team and company. By prioritizing gratitude, you foster a culture of appreciation that uplifts the entire organization.


But how can managers cultivate this culture? And what are the benefits for everyone involved?


Join us as we explore these questions and uncover how gratitude drives team success and organizational greatness. Plus, we’ll share 9 simple ways to show appreciation in the workplace. 


Let’s get started, shall we? 


What is Gratitude About?

Gratitude is a state of thankfulness or appreciation, encompassing an acknowledgment of what is valuable and meaningful in life.


It comes in various forms: dispositional gratitude, where one naturally sees the good in the world; collective gratitude, felt together in groups; and relational gratitude, arising from the kindness of others.


Each type of gratitude fosters motivation and positivity, contributing to individuals’ overall well-being.



Illustration of diverse hands holding a speech bubble with the words 'Thank You' in the center.


The Importance of Showing Gratitude in the Workplace

There are numerous benefits of gratitude in the workplace. A study by Gallup and Workhuman, released in early 2023, revealed that a 10,000-person company fostering a culture of gratitude could see a productivity boost worth almost $92 million. The tech and finance sectors stand to benefit even more. 


According to the study, such companies could save $16.1 million by retaining employees better and reducing turnover.


At its core, gratitude fulfills our need for meaningful connections and validation. When it is exchanged among colleagues, it enhances relationships and fosters a sense of community. 


But workplace gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice – it’s also good for business. Being appreciated and appreciating others contributes to a positive work environment. 


Positive feedback cultivates better attitudes and inclusivity, making employees feel valued and respected. Specifically, statistics show that 81.9% employees feel that receiving recognition for their contributions enhances their engagement at work.



Reduced Employee Turnover in Younger Generations


A casual meeting in an office with four colleagues laughing and talking in a relaxed atmosphere.


Recent research reveals that a significant portion of Gen Z and millennial employees feel undervalued and dispensable by their employers compared to older generations. Specifically, 47% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials express these sentiments, contrasting with 28% of Gen X and 32% of baby boomers.


In other words: younger employees are less likely to feel appreciated, leading to potential ramifications for both employee retention and workplace productivity. 


Several factors contribute to this disparity:


  1. Automation of lower-level roles: Technological advancements have led to the partial automation of many entry-level positions. Consequently, younger employees may feel sidelined or replaceable as companies prioritize efficiency over individual contributions.


  1. Preference for experienced candidates: Some managers may prioritize experience over potential, inadvertently overlooking younger employees' capabilities and contributions. This bias favors long-tenured employees, leaving newer talent feeling undervalued.


  1. Disparity in compensation: Many younger employees perceive a discrepancy in pay, with higher-level managers often commanding significantly larger salaries. This disparity can foster feelings of resentment and underappreciation among younger workers.


  1. Lack of recognition in project work: In collaborative projects, younger employees may find their contributions overshadowed by higher-level contributors. Despite executing crucial tasks, they often go unrecognized, further exacerbating feelings of insignificance.


By acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of all employees, regardless of age, you can enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and overall performance.




9 Ways to Show Gratitude in the Workplace

Gratitude is an essential ingredient in cultivating a positive workplace environment. As we’ve established, it not only fosters a sense of care, warmth, and empathy among colleagues but also plays a significant role in enhancing employee engagement with their work.


Recognizing the importance of gratitude in the employee experience, it’s crucial to actively practice and encourage expressions of gratitude in the workplace. By doing so, you can create a culture where appreciation is not only commonplace but also deeply ingrained in everyday interactions.


Here are some practical tips to help incorporate gratitude into the workplace and nurture a culture of appreciation.



A woman leading a business meeting, smiling at her colleagues seated around a conference table.


1. Give Recognition – Even When Things Go Wrong

When things don’t go as planned, it’s important that you still highlight the efforts of your team. Recognizing their hard work and emphasizing the positive aspects of their contributions goes a long way in showing appreciation for their dedication. 


Plus, by encouraging their input, you’re giving them a chance to share valuable insights that can help avoid similar challenges in the future. This creates an environment of openness, learning, and teamwork, where employees feel valued and motivated to keep striving for improvement together.



2. Foster Public Appreciation and Recognition

By dedicating a few minutes at the start of each meeting to express cheers or kudos, team members can publicly recognize and appreciate each other's contributions.


This practice not only fosters a culture of gratitude but also encourages continuous improvement and motivation. Whether it's acknowledging a successful project completion or praising a team member's creativity, these moments of recognition can have a profound impact on morale and team dynamics.


Managers and employees alike can use this time to highlight achievements from the past week, reinforcing the value of individual and collective efforts.



3. Say “Thank You”

One of the simplest ways to show gratitude in the workplace is to simply say “thank you”. Research by Deloitte shows that acknowledging employees' efforts can go a long way. In fact, 84% of employees claim that they would be satisfied with a “thank you” as recognition of their work – whether it’s spoken or written.


While appreciation from managers and leaders holds significant weight, peer-to-peer recognition also serves as a powerful motivator. When gratitude becomes a routine part of managerial behavior, it sets a precedent for widespread adoption throughout the organizational culture. 


By incorporating regular expressions of thanks into everyday interactions, you can cultivate a culture of appreciation and boost employee morale.



A thank you card on a work desk, next to a keyboard and notebook


4. Share Team Success

Sharing team successes with leaders is key to fostering trust and confidence among your team members. It demonstrates your belief in their abilities and contributions, making them feel valued and integral to the company's goals. 


Encourage team members to share their wins and lessons learned as well. For instance, if a team member has played a vital role in a project's success, make sure to inform management. 


This highlights individual achievements and helps leaders understand what's working effectively within the organization.



5. Implement a “No Meeting” Day

Designating one day per week as a “no meeting” day demonstrates care for employees. By reserving this time for them to focus on their tasks and to-do lists without interruption, you communicate appreciation and respect for their time. 


You can also encourage employees to incorporate brief breaks between tasks. Even a moment to refill their water glass and take a few deep breaths can make a significant difference. This helps support their well-being and prevents burnout, leading to a happier and more motivated team.



6. Add a Weekly Block On Your Calendar for 15 Minutes

Set aside a weekly 15-minute time block on your calendar dedicated to expressing gratitude. By scheduling this time, you demonstrate the importance of gratitude and serve as a role model for your team. Consistently showing appreciation fosters a culture of gratitude among team members.


This regular practice reinforces the value of gratitude and helps integrate it into the team's routine, making it a natural part of interactions. Over time, this simple gesture can significantly enhance morale and teamwork within the workplace.



A group of colleagues celebrating, two of them high-fiving and smiling



7. Perform Acts of Kindness in the Office

Performing random acts of kindness is an excellent way to infuse gratitude into the workplace – and it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or break the bank. 


Simple gestures like cleaning up shared spaces, making coffee for colleagues, treating them for lunch, or even offering assistance with tasks can make a big difference. By showing care and consideration in small ways, you contribute to a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.



8. Recognise Milestones and Achievements

Take the time to celebrate important milestones, such as project completions, successful events, or employee promotions. Acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of individuals as they progress within the organization, highlighting their contributions and how they positively impact the company as a whole. 


This not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of appreciation and recognition, motivating employees to continue their valuable contributions. Consider going the extra mile by giving a thoughtful gift card or token of appreciation to show your gratitude.



A hand placing a final wooden block with a target symbol at the top of a stack of blocks with arrows.



9. Provide Personal Development Opportunities

Employees thrive in environments where growth is encouraged, and offering such opportunities demonstrates appreciation for their efforts. According to research, 76% of employees look for opportunities to expand their careers – so this also helps with employee retention.


These opportunities can include access to courses, participation in networking events or conferences, involvement in special projects that facilitate career advancement, and opportunities to shadow colleagues in different roles. 


By investing in their professional development, you not only show appreciation but also empower employees to reach their full potential.




Key Points to Consider When Showing Gratitude at Work

When it comes to showing gratitude at work, it's important to keep these key points in mind:


  • Lead by example: As a manager, demonstrating gratitude towards your team members sets a positive tone and encourages other managers to follow suit.


  • Timeliness matters: Recognize and appreciate your team's efforts promptly after a job is completed. Timely gratitude reinforces the value of their contributions and boosts morale.


  • Use diverse methods: Employ various ways to show appreciation, tailored to the specific project, individual preferences, and organizational culture.


  • Understand individual preferences: Recognize that different employees may prefer different forms of acknowledgment. Some may thrive on public recognition, while others prefer it in private.


  • Consistency is key: Integrate gratitude into the company's culture consistently. Encourage daily expressions of appreciation, and ensure that other managers do the same.


  • Be genuine and empathetic: Authenticity is crucial in expressing gratitude. Employees need to feel that your appreciation is sincere and heartfelt, fostering a sense of trust and connection within the workplace.




 



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About GoGift


GoGift, a leading global provider of gift card solutions, specializes in offering innovative and versatile gift card services to over 15.000 corporate clients worldwide. With a commitment to simplifying the gift-giving process, GoGift provides a broad range of gift card options from numerous popular brands, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. Their services are designed to enhance the gifting experience, making it more convenient, personal, and enjoyable for both the giver and the recipient.


For more detailed information about GoGift, please visit their official website: https://www.global.gogift.com/







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