Why Showing Gratitude is Indispensable | Best HR Blog
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Why Showing Gratitude is Indispensable, and How it Contributes to Company Culture

Updated: Dec 14, 2022




It might not be high on your list of priorities to express gratitude to your team members. However, it has a long-lasting effect on how you interact with your coworkers, subordinates, or superiors.


A little "thank you" can make a big difference. Employees frequently quit their jobs when they don't feel valued for their hard work.





Professionals in human resources are currently seeking novel approaches to keep their exceptional personnel.


The most effective strategy to deal with labor shortages and win the war for the best talent is to express gratitude and appreciation to your current staff, whose commitment and hard work are the foundation of your company.


According to a survey on “workplace gratitude”, 60% of employees rarely or never express their gratitude at work, and 74% never or very rarely thank their managers. The survey also revealed that 81 percent of workers think being appreciated by their boss makes them more motivated to perform their duties.

According to Kerry Gibson and her fellow researchers at Babson College, companies that focus on new ways to show gratitude to their current employees instead of hiring new ones can retain talented employees more efficiently and save a lot of time and money.


Simply thanking your team members increases their productivity and engagement.




Why is gratitude important?




Because we are emotional beings, we all need a little boost of power to get through the day.


Workloads and other emotional pressures at work constantly drain employees' batteries. Your crew members will eventually run out of energy and leave the organization if you don't show them that you value and appreciate them.


Your company's Human Resources department should develop programs to engage with the managers and team members to make gratitude a part of the company culture.


Consider the appreciation shown to medical professionals in New York City for their care of COVID -19 patients during the pandemic. The hospitals and the community's expressions of thanks and respect for the nurses and other caregivers inspired others to follow suit.


Even while not everyone's job involves saving lives, they still deserve to be a part of a group that encourages one another and expresses gratitude by praising their efforts.




Gratitude has several important advantages, some of which are:

  • Higher employee engagement

  • Higher productivity

  • Lower turnover rate

  • Establishing deep and lasting connections

  • Higher organizational performance

 
 



Gratitude positively impacts company's long term success




According to Westover from Forbes, gratitude in the workplace has been shown to increase individual performance, positively impact team and organizational performance, and is a critical factor in a company's long-term market success.


The authors of a recent Inc. article claim that "the benefits of leaders expressing gratitude are two fold: They boost organizational performance and improve daily morale."


It's really quite simple: consistent, thoughtful, and genuine employee recognition increases employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity, which in turn increases innovation and organizational performance.


 
 



Below are some ways of showing gratitude in the workplace.



Saying "Thank-you" makes you powerful




An important lesson learned from research on employee appreciation is that an employee must first hear a “thank-you” from bosses.


Because expressing thanks makes someone unsafe, especially in a job with a history of ingratitude. The power is in the hands of the person saying “thank-you” in public and private spaces.


This effort is also translated into protocols or procedures.


When a person hires a colleague, they can ask: What would a person want to thank for their work?


When someone leaves, host goodbye parties with them and be grateful for the person that made a difference to your business.




Positive feedback



According to a Harvard study, prompt action and acknowledging workers' achievements have a beneficial effect on engagement.


Spend time routinely praising deserving workers and giving positive feedback to boost workplace satisfaction and lower turnover. Pay careful attention to any problems they may have.


Your attitude demonstrates them that you care for their feelings and general wellbeing as well as your dedication to finding a solution.


Proving frequent positive feedback to your team members boosts their self confidence and motivation. They will try their best to resolve problems, tackle challenges, feel belong and satisfied and provide services to the customers.




Discuss growth prospects with your employees


Everyone wants to feel secure in their lives to some extent.


What the corporation has intended for them in the future is something that interests employees.


Are there opportunities for advancement, or will they work the same position their entire lives?


Even those staff members who believe their supervisors value their efforts and hard work are expecting that their company should provide them with better and more exciting prospects.




Give authentic and consistent recognition




According to a Gallup survey, about 65 percent of people do not feel valued at work.


The majority of individuals work for more than just a wage. Actually, they go to work to succeed, improve their self-esteem, set a good example for their kids, and socialize.


It is impossible to overstate the value of gratitude, which should come naturally. When expressing appreciation for others, be authentic in what you say. Always be consistent and wait for the appropriate time to thank your coworkers.


Saying "thank you" to your staff is the ideal technique to accomplish this.


To express your gratitude for their work in person. This might be most impressive way, but you may also write them an email, a note in the Slack channel, a letter or a "Thank You" card.


You may design your own Thank You card at Canva.




Celebrate their successes by rewarding them with money or a gift




The best way to express your gratitude is to occasionally award a bonus based on accomplishments and results.


Additionally, you can provide a vacation, a personal gift, or some downtime during business hours.


Amazon gift cards are also great since almost everyone shops at Amazon.com.


There are also services to open accounts that your employees may shop whatever they want at the limits you set.


Receiving a gift for their best efforts, results or loyalty to the company will spark positive emotions in your team members.




Provide a healthy and thriving work environment




It's not always necessary to use words to express gratitude.


You can make simple adjustments to enhance the working environment for your staff.


You can occasionally provide benefits like parties, wholesome meals, and refreshments at work.


Even if they work from home, you may express your appreciation by giving them the best office equipment.


Considering the rising popularity of telecommuting, giving employees an appropriate workstation, desk, chair, laptop, and other office supplies they may use at home when necessary is one way to show your thanks.


 
 




Gratitude journals




You may also encourage employee gratitude by creating gratitude journals.


These techniques prove indispensable to psychologists. It isn't enough to feel thankful that it is there for you to write about.


This helps to develop a healthy attitude towards life, thankfully.


Psychologists suggest that journaling once to twice a week may be beneficial.


This is good since the action would be stale and routine if mandatory to everyone.




Thank the people who are never thanked


In all organizations there are employees whose work is central to the organization.


In a hospital, it is the doctor. In a college or public school, it is the faculty.


In all organizations, there are prominent people who usually take all the credit for the organization's accomplishments.


But what about the people who write checks, submit bills, and mop the floors?


It's important to thank them for their work, because it's a sign that everyone's contribution is valued and appreciated.




Express your appreciation in public




It is very important to publicly acknowledge your team members.


You can recognize their achievements and contributions to the company or their loyalty for a certain number of years of service with certificates or service pins at a company meeting.


Adding messages to Slack channels is an effective solution. A special channel could be set up for the employee being honored.


The most important thing is that the employee's efforts are recognized.


 

5 books and journals we recommend to help you create a culture of gratitude in your workplace:







 


Conclusion

You must set an example for others by expressing the gratitude you merit as soon as possible if you want to foster a culture of appreciation and support.


A culture of support and appreciation at all levels of the organization is greatly influenced by how your subordinates and employees feel when they earn recognition.


Creating a culture of gratitude raises morale, promotes production, and enhances employee loyalty.


 
 


Disclaimer: The links mentioned above are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission from them at no cost to you when you purchase from them. Regardless, I only recommend products I believe will tremendously help my readers.

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