A Thankful Spirit Will Make You (and Your Entire Office) Happier

Thanksgiving is not only a great time to catch up on parades, football, and turkey cravings, it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on what we’re grateful for in life. But intentional gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to special holidays. And it doesn’t have to be limited to our personal lives.

In fact, gratitude is the best kept secret for happy workplaces and happy careers.

A study by Glassdoor revealed that:

• 80 percent of employees would be willing to work harder for a boss that expresses gratitude and appreciation.
• 70 percent of employees say they would feel better about themselves and their efforts if their boss thanked them more regularly.
• 53 percent of employees admit they would stay longer at their company if they felt more appreciation from their boss.
• And four out of five employees report they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work.

In life and in work, gratitude combats feelings of stress, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, it can make you feel more optimistic and even help you sleep better. A spirit of thanksgiving will not only make you happier all year long, it has the potential to transform your company culture.

Internal and External Gratitude

Internal and external gratitude both have lasting benefits. Try implementing a gratitude practice by jotting down five things you’re grateful for each evening before bed.

And in the office, consider who you can write a quick note of thanks to today. Whose office could you poke your head into to let them know you saw that they went the extra mile and you appreciate it? What can you do to celebrate the wins of those you supervise? Consider penciling into your calendar a time each month to make a quick list of that month’s wins and choose a couple to celebrate in a public way, whether in a team, staff, or all company meeting.

A spirit of Thanksgiving has the potential to transform both your life and your workplace. Actively implementing expressions of gratitude could be an easy way to improve your own happiness and the culture of your company.

Recommended Reading

Crafting the Ultimate Job Description [Workbook]
6 Habits Every Telecommuter Should Implement to Build Rapport [Article]
5 Time Management Tips for Job Hunting While Employed [Article]
Request a Consultant