According to a survey of 2,000 Americans people are less likely to express gratitude at work than anyplace else. But why wouldn’t we thank the people we work with day in and day out?
It’s ironic that while 60% of respondents stated they “either never express gratitude at work or do so once a year,” almost all respondents said that saying “thank you” to colleagues makes them feel happier and more fulfilled. Yet on any given day, only 10% do so. Most full-time workers spend a majority of their waking hours at work, so wouldn’t it make sense to make it as fulfilling as possible?
A culture of gratitude in the workplace can increase engagement and productivity. Yes, we all work for a paycheck, but one can get that anyplace. It’s the feeling that your work matters and that its making a difference that keeps employees in place.
There was another interesting study by psychologists Adam Grant and Francesca Gino that discovered that a simple “thank you” from a supervisor gave people a strong sense of both self-worth and self-efficacy. The study also revealed that the expression of gratitude has a spillover effect: colleagues become more trusting with each other and are more likely to help each other out. Take for example an employee that goes above and beyond on a project. Will they continue to go above and beyond if no gratitude is expressed? Likely not. However, when that employee is thanked, they feel rewarded for doing so and are likely to do so again in the future.
Studies have shown that grateful people are happier. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Greater Good Science Center Science Director, analyzed data from the interactive gratitude journal Thnx4.org. She found the greater the number of gratitude experiences people had on a given day, the better they felt. People who kept at it for at least two weeks showed significantly increased happiness, greater satisfaction with life, and higher resilience to stress. In addition, they reported fewer headaches and illnesses.
Bryan Miles, CEO and co-founder of eaHELP, insists that “gratitude” be featured prominently in his company’s values. Here are his suggestions for all leaders and employees to consider this week and all year long:
1. Don’t wait to be grateful. Regardless of your position in an organization, cultivate gratitude as a core part of your work. Make sure those around you understand that you’re grateful for the many ways they help you each and every day.
2. Be humble. "You need to be grateful for the team that powers the engine of your business,” stated Miles. Be grateful for everyone around you, and don’t be shy about expressing appreciation.
3. Acknowledge that your success depends on others. Being a grateful employee will make you a smarter employee. “Being grateful for those from whom you’ve learned is essential if you want to stay humble and teachable and will actually propel you forward in your career,” Miles says.
4. Be sincere. “Genuine gratitude is pretty rare in today’s society, which is a shame, but expressing real gratitude sets people apart,” Miles says. “Grateful leaders have stronger, more effective, more loyal teams,” he says. As an employee, demonstrating gratitude can help set you apart from others in your organization.
Gratitude should be a part of both your personal and professional life. It’s human nature to want to be thanked for your hard work. If you appreciate someone, let them know. You’ll both feel the positive effects from it.
During this Thanksgiving week, we at ASE celebrated Thanksgiving with a traditional feast over lunch and shared what we are grateful for:
“I am thankful for my husband, family and friends that are there through the good times and the bad times; my son who is a constant reminder that miracles do happen; for another year of good health; and for a home when so many lost theirs in hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria this year.” – Kristen Cifolelli, Director, Research Services & Event Planning
“I am thankful for the work life balance ASE offers me and for my son, who is my everything.” – Heather Nezich, Manager, Communications
"As I saw once before and it resonates with me….I am blessed with everything I need; I am working hard towards everything I want. And most of all I appreciate and thank God for what I have." – Mary E. Corrado, President & CEO
“I’m thankful for my family, friends, and great colleagues (some of whom are really good bakers). Also, to live in a nation that is blessed with such freedom, opportunity and abundance. We really do “have it good” here.” – Dan Van Slambrook, Director, Talent Acquisition Services
“For me it comes down to Faith, Sandy (my wife), family (immediate and extended), so many great workmates and friends over the years, and health. On the fun side, I’m thankful that I get to curl with my oldest son and play hockey with my youngest son one night a week!” – George Brown, Senior Vice President
“I am thankful for all of the wonderful people who have come into my life. I was reminded a couple of times recently that God puts angels, in the form of friends, in our path when we need them the most. Even through some of the most unfortunate times/experiences in my life, I have gained great friends. Things such as a well-timed phone call, or a knitted scarf may seem simple, but coming from the heart, they mean the world!” – Susan Chance, Manager, Pre-Employment Services
“I am thankful to my wife and two children who keep my grounded and focused.” – Dan Olivi, Manager, Business Development
“I am thankful for my health, family and friends and a job that allows me to help others and pay my bills.” – Linda Yesh-McMaster, Director, Talent Development
“I am thankful that my mom at 84 is in good health and can still recite every poem she memorized as a child in Ireland. I am thankful to be part of a large loving family especially during the holidays! I am thankful my children appreciate the blessing they have been given and realize how fortunate they are. I am thankful that all of us are healthy. I am thankful for my husband and the amazing father he is.” – Loretta Van Antwerp, Verification Specialist Coordinator
We at ASE wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.
