Gratitude in the Workplace
It’s November and because our Office Manager comes from the US, we have celebrated Thanksgiving as a company for the past 15 years. So, for this month’s blog, we are focussing on “Gratitude in the Workplace”. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can change the way we work and live. It has been shown to have many benefits in the workplace like increased efficiency, happiness and improved relationships.
Here are 6 ways gratitude influences workplace behaviour:
1) Gratitude in the workplace improves your mood and reduces stress levels.
Gratitude at work will make you happier and less stressed. In studies of exit interviews, employees often state that their reasons for leaving include not feeling appreciated for the work they’ve done. In fact, one of the greatest things they’re looking for from their employer is a simple “thank you” for a job well done. In cases where the employee otherwise enjoys their job, those two words said often and earnestly can lower cases of stress and burnout.
2) It makes you more likely to help others and be more helpful in general.
Gratitude is shown to increase social support for others. This carries over into feelings of empathy and connection with other people. This of course, goes both ways. Think of the people you work with who you are most happy to help out with an issue. How do they respond to your help? Are they grateful? Say thanks? Keep this in mind when you’re looking for help from someone else. Again, two small words – thank you – can make a huge difference and ensure people are more likely to help you when you need it.
3) It creates a sense of belonging, which leads to greater productivity in the workplace.
Gratitude makes people feel more connected and less isolated. It helps improve mental health and reduces feelings of envy, resentment, or loneliness. Our mood affects our productivity. When we feel good, we’re more productive and happier. One way to feel better is to focus on what we appreciate and to be grateful for the things that make our lives better. Organizations from small non-profits to giant multinational corporations have started introducing gratitude practices which have shown employees feeling greater levels of appreciation for their work environment, leading to increased job satisfaction and greater productivity.
4) Gratitude boosts self-esteem, which can lead to better performance reviews and promotions.
Both showing and receiving gratitude at work is shown to boost an employee’s self-esteem by showing that employees are not just cogs in some giant machine, but individuals whose contributions to the team are making a difference. A healthy self-esteem can produce confidence. When you feel good about yourself and have confidence in the work you do, you’re more likely to stand out in your performance reviews leaving you first in the queue for company promotions.
5) Gratitude increases motivation, which leads to greater creativity at work.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions to experience. It has been shown to make people happier, healthier, and more motivated in a range of different contexts. Gratitude can positively impact your work life. A recent study found that when people practiced gratitude, they were more content and had a higher level of creativity. The reason for this is that feelings of gratitude are nearly opposite to feelings of anxiety or fear. When you’re feeling positive emotions, you brain is in a much better position to problem solve and come up with creative solutions to everyday problems.
6) It helps you sleep better at night, which means you’ll feel well rested during the day!
Writing 3 things you were grateful for during the day before you go to bed can positively impact your quality of sleep. A good night’s sleep directly impacts your mood at work the next day. If you want to sleep better, be less stressed and improve the quality of your work, start practicing gratitude. Want to be more successful? Seek and give thanks daily.
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