How to Build Gratitude in the Workplace – 10 Tips to Get Started

Page Updated on January 30, 2024

In the busy workplace where deadlines loom and demands are ever-present, it’s easy to overlook the power of gratitude. Yet, fostering a culture of appreciation in the workplace can have profound effects on employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall team dynamics.

Statistics support the importance of gratitude in the workplace, with 59% of employees in a survey reporting that they never got praise from their manager or employer, or that 81% of employees in a survey stated that would work harder if their manager showed them more gratitude.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of expressing gratitude at work and delve into practical tips and practices that can transform your workplace into a hub of positivity and collaboration.

Benefits of Gratitude in the Workplace

Gratitude is not something that only happens in the moment but is also a catalyst for positive change in the professional sphere. When employees really feel appreciated and feel a part of the team, the benefits reverberate throughout the organization.

1. Enhanced Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction

Envision a work environment where every accomplishment, regardless of its scale, is acknowledged in some way, even if only with a verbal thank you.

The straightforward gesture of recognition has the potential to substantially elevate morale and foster heightened job satisfaction.

When employees feel their efforts are seen and valued, they are more likely to derive greater joy from their work.

2. Improved Employee Motivation and Participation

When people experience acknowledgment, they are inherently motivated to surpass expectations.

Acknowledging and honoring diligent efforts can cultivate a sense of purpose and determination, resulting in heightened levels of involvement and efficiency.

3. Enhanced Team Collaboration and Communication

The expression of gratitude also serves as a cohesive force uniting teams.

When team members openly show appreciation for each other’s contributions, it cultivates a positive team culture.

This positive atmosphere, in return, nurtures open communication, trust, and collaboration.

4. Positive Impact on Mental Health and Stress Reduction

Work environments often induce stress in individuals, but fostering a culture of gratitude can serve as a protective shield against the detrimental impacts of workplace stress.

When employees experience support and recognition, their mental well-being thrives, fostering a robust and resilient workforce.

10 Ways You Can Show Gratitude & Praise at Work

Fostering a culture of gratitude in the workplace is a transformative journey that demands intentional dedication and steadfast consistency. To instill this culture within your team, consider these actionable steps:

1. Verbal Recognition

Encourage supervisors and team members to express gratitude verbally.

Whether it’s during team meetings or one-on-one conversations, the act of acknowledging a job well done creates a positive atmosphere.

Specific and genuine compliments not only boost individual confidence but also contribute to a culture of mutual respect.

2. Gratitude Circles

Introduce gratitude circles as part of your team-building activities.

During these sessions, team members can express gratitude towards each other.

This can be done by sharing specific instances where a colleague’s contribution made a positive difference.

4. Appreciation Rituals

Consider incorporating regular appreciation rituals into your team’s routine.

Whether it’s a weekly “Gratitude Friday” or a monthly appreciation session, having a designated time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements fosters a positive and collaborative team spirit.

This ritual can be informal, allowing team members to share their gratitude in a relaxed setting.

5. 30-Day Gratitude Challenge

Challenge your team to embrace gratitude on a deeper level with a 30-day gratitude challenge.

Encourage participants to express gratitude daily, either verbally or in writing (such as an online MS teams group or whiteboard in the office).

This not only instills a habit of appreciation but also creates a shared commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Introduce regular gratitude rituals, such as brief acknowledgments during team meetings, creating a space for team members to express gratitude for specific actions or positive experiences.

6. Digital Appreciation Platforms

In the digital age, technology offers convenient ways to express gratitude. Explore online tools and platforms designed for workplace appreciation and do virtual shout-outs and badges etc.

Leveraging technology ensures that expressions of gratitude are visible and easily accessible to all team members, irrespective of physical location.

7. Leading by Example

Set the tone by leading with gratitude. Managers and leaders should be at the forefront, regularly expressing appreciation for the team’s efforts and achievements.

When leaders actively appreciate and recognize the efforts of their team members, it sets a precedent for the entire organization.

Leadership’s commitment to gratitude sends a powerful message that appreciation is a fundamental value within the workplace.

8. Cultivate a Positive Environment

Foster positivity through visual cues of gratitude, such as recognition boards, walls of appreciation, or digital displays showcasing employee accomplishments.

9. Seek Employee Feedback

Actively solicit feedback from employees to understand what makes them feel appreciated, tailoring gratitude initiatives to meet the team’s preferences.

10. Offer Tangible Rewards

Consider providing tangible rewards like gift cards or additional time off as a way to express gratitude for exceptional performance.

Remember, creating a culture of gratitude is an ongoing commitment.

Through consistent incorporation of these practices, you can nurture a workplace where appreciation and acknowledgment are not just valued but celebrated.

Overcoming Challenges When Implementing Gratitude Practices

When implementing gratitude practices in the workplace, you may face some challenges, but with strategic approaches, these obstacles can be overcome.

1. Resistance to Change

You will need to appreciate that introducing gratitude practices may face initial resistance given that some employees will resist any form of change, even when it’s about gratitude practices.

Rewarding an employee might be seen by another employee as favoritism for example.

Focus though on the long-term benefits for the team and company.

2. Consistency Issues

It is important to maintain consistency in gratitude practices to make them a habitual part of the workplace culture.

Encourage leaders and team members to integrate appreciation into their daily routines.

3. Perceived Insincerity

You might need also to address concerns about perceived insincerity by emphasizing the importance of genuine and specific expressions of gratitude.

Do be authentic in both the giving and receiving appreciation.

4. Time Constraints

We all face time constraints in the workplace.

You can though, introduce simple and time-efficient gratitude practices that seamlessly integrate into daily tasks.

Even getting into the habit, for example, of making sure that you say thank you more often can be a start!

Remote Working and Using Gratitude

Gratitude practices are valuable tools for fostering a positive work culture and enhancing well-being, even in remote or hybrid work environments. Here are some ways to adapt gratitude practices for remote and hybrid settings:

1. Virtual Appreciation Channels:

• Create virtual channels, such as Slack channels or dedicated spaces on collaboration platforms, where team members can express gratitude publicly.
• Encourage employees to share their appreciation for colleagues’ achievements, support, or contributions in these channels.

2. Virtual Recognition Programs:

• Set up a system whereby your staff can recommend someone for an award for outstanding work or achievements such as with a submittable form.
• Use online tools or platforms to facilitate these programs and announce winners during virtual meetings.

3. Virtual Gratitude Meetings:

• Incorporate gratitude practices into virtual team meetings. Set aside time for those you manage, to provide appreciation for each other’s efforts or accomplishments.
• Rotate the responsibility for leading these gratitude sessions to involve different team members.

4. Remote Team Building Activities:

• Integrate gratitude into remote team-building activities. For example, organize virtual events where team members can share things they are grateful for, both professionally and personally.
• Incorporate gratitude-themed icebreakers or discussions into team-building sessions.

5. Gratitude Challenges:

• Start gratitude challenges within the team.
• For example, for a set period, team members can actively look for and share moments of gratitude.

Adapting gratitude practices to remote or hybrid work environments requires creativity and a proactive approach to maintaining a positive and appreciative culture.

Workplace Well-being Programs & Integrating Gratitude Practices

Embedding gratitude practices within workplace well-being programs can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and overall organizational health.

By intertwining these elements, you foster a positive and supportive environment. Here’s a blueprint for seamlessly integrating gratitude practices into workplace well-being programs:

1. Support Work-Life Balance

Demonstrate gratitude for employee well-being by:

• promoting a healthy work-life balance
• encouraging breaks
• discouraging excessive overtime
• and supporting flexible work arrangements.

2. Acknowledge Challenging Times

Express gratitude during challenging periods, recognizing the extra effort put forth by the team during busy or stressful times.

Acknowledgment in tough situations can be particularly impactful.

3. Gratitude in Wellness Initiatives

Infuse gratitude into existing wellness programs by incorporating activities such as mindful gratitude exercises, where employees take a moment to express thanks for aspects of their personal and professional lives.

4. Well-being Challenges with Gratitude Themes

Design well-being challenges with gratitude themes, encouraging employees to participate in activities that promote both physical and mental health while fostering a sense of appreciation.

5. Mindfulness and Gratitude Workshops

Offer workshops that combine mindfulness practices with gratitude exercises.

This can include guided meditation sessions focusing on promoting emotional well-being.

6. Peer Support Groups with Gratitude Focus

Establish peer support groups within well-being programs where employees can share gratitude experiences, creating a supportive community that enhances both mental and emotional well-being.

7. Gratitude-themed Well-being Events

Organize well-being events with a gratitude theme, combining activities such as fitness challenges with expressions of appreciation, fostering a holistic approach to employee health.

8. Gratitude Feedback Loops

Establish feedback loops where employees can share how gratitude practices within well-being programs have positively influenced their work and personal lives, encouraging continuous improvement.

9. Well-being Surveys with Gratitude Metrics

Include gratitude-related metrics in well-being surveys to gauge the effectiveness of these practices and understand their impact on overall employee satisfaction.

Examples and Case Studies of Gratitude in the Workplace

Example 1: Symonds Healthcare

Scenario

The nursing and support staff at Symonds Healthcare had been working tirelessly during a particularly challenging period, managing an increased patient load and navigating unforeseen circumstances.

Dr. Hall, the head of the healthcare unit, wanted to express gratitude for their collective dedication.

Solution

Dr. Hall arranged a surprise appreciation day at the healthcare facility.

The entire team was treated to a catered breakfast, followed by a team-building activity.

Each team member received a personalized certificate of appreciation, recognizing their commitment to patient care during challenging times.

Result

The team felt a sense of unity and appreciation, which positively impacted their morale and collaboration.

The recognition event served as a morale booster, reinforcing the importance of teamwork during demanding situations.

Example 2: PromInski Innovations

Scenario

The Research and Development Team at PromInski Innovations successfully launched a groundbreaking product that garnered positive reviews from both clients and industry experts.

Brian, the team manager, recognized the collective effort of the entire R&D team in achieving this technological milestone.

Solution

Brian organized a team appreciation luncheon at the company headquarters.

During the event, he expressed gratitude to each team member, emphasizing how their collaborative efforts had elevated the company’s standing in the market.

The team received gift vouchers, and their achievements were prominently featured in the company newsletter.

Result

The R&D team felt a sense of pride and recognition for their collective achievement.

The appreciation luncheon became a recurring tradition after major project milestones, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation within the Research and Development department.

Example 3: LoIacono Solutions

Scenario

The Sustainability Implementation Team at LoIacono Solutions successfully implemented a series of eco-friendly initiatives that significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint.

Jennifer, the team lead, recognized the dedication and innovation displayed by the entire team throughout this sustainability campaign.

Solution

Jennifer organized a team retreat to an eco-friendly destination, combining relaxation with team-building activities.

During the retreat, she facilitated a gratitude ceremony where each team member received a personalized “Green Champion” award.

Result

The Sustainability Implementation Team felt appreciated for their collective efforts, leading to increased motivation to continue promoting eco-friendly practices within the company.

The team retreat and awards ceremony became an annual tradition, reinforcing the team’s commitment to sustainability.

Example 3: StoriaHall Solutions

Scenario

The Customer Support and Service Team at StoriaHall Solutions consistently provided exceptional support to clients, resulting in high customer satisfaction ratings.

Michelle, the team manager, wanted to express gratitude for the team’s dedication to delivering outstanding customer service.

Solution

Michelle organized a surprise “Customer Appreciation Day” at the office.

The team was treated to a catered lunch, and each member received a personalized thank-you card from the company’s CEO, expressing gratitude for their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Result

The Customer Support and Service Team felt recognized and valued for their customer-centric approach.

The “Customer Appreciation Day” became a recurring event, fostering a culture of excellence and dedication within the team and contributing to sustained high levels of customer satisfaction.

Resources for Further Reading

Here are a couple of books specifically tailored for managers or business owners who are looking to implement gratitude practices in the workplace:

1. “The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity” by Catherine A. Sanderson

Catherine A. Sanderson’s book emphasizes the positive impact of mindset on workplace success.

It offers insights for managers on how fostering a culture of gratitude can lead to improved employee well-being, performance, and overall business outcomes.

2. “Building a Positive Team: Strategies for Promoting Employee Well-Being and Performance” by Ellen R. Girden

Ellen focuses on practical strategies for building a positive team, with a specific emphasis on gratitude practices.

It provides managers with tools to enhance team dynamics, boost morale, and increase overall productivity.

3. “The Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: For Leaders of Change” by David L. Cooperrider and Diana Whitney

Geared toward business leaders and managers, this book introduces the concept of Appreciative Inquiry as a powerful tool for organizational change.

It guides managers in leveraging gratitude and positive perspectives to drive transformation and innovation.