The Secret to Cultivating Gratitude at Work

If you like how gratitude makes you feel, you might want to bring those habits with you to work. Some big companies are experimenting with the idea. Recent studies show that employee appreciation programs can increase team spirit, morale, productivity and in return a more positive work place.

On the other hand, the workplace can be a difficult environment for cultivating gratitude. How can thankfulness coexist with competition and ambition? Do you feel comfortable expressing emotions in front of your colleagues? Cultivating gratitude at work may require taking some risks, but the results are worth it.

You control your attitude and experiences. Regardless of your job, position or industry, there are many things you can do to feel more grateful. Start with these ideas to help you find more opportunities to say thank you at work.

1. Pay attention. Appreciating your coworkers starts with getting to know them. Make time for small talk and follow up to see how things turn out when they have a sick child or buying a new house.
2. Remember special occasions. Congratulate others on birthdays and work anniversaries. Wish your colleagues Happy Holidays, Happy New Year or any holiday.
3. Communicate in person. Thanking others in person makes a deeper impression than sending an email. Drop by their office or invite them out to lunch.
4. Be inclusive. Reach out to employees who tend to be less visible. Acknowledge the cleaning crew and think about how their efforts make your life more pleasant.
5. Personalize your approach. Each of us has our own preferences for how we like to be thanked. You may enjoy public praise while your colleague would rather receive a pat on the back in private or be offered an afternoon off.
6. Positive Energy. Think about when you are walking down the street and you pass someone smiling. Typically, you start smiling as well. Smile more! Use positive energy to change that colleague’s complaining for the 5^th time about how bad the coffee is. Try it. You will be surprised.

By your showing up differently with more gratitude, that helps your direct reports, colleagues, managers, department start behaving differently and helping create a culture of gratitude. Do your part to help yourself and others feel more appreciated. Focus on the positive aspects of your job and let your coworkers know how they brighten up your working life. Experiencing more gratitude at work will increase your job satisfaction, and may even help you to advance in your career.

Please reach out if you would like help creating a cultue of gratitude at your work, happy to help!