What is gratitude at work?
Gratitude at work is the act of appreciating an employee’s efforts and thanking them for their input. Often, gratitude is expressed when an employee has gone above and beyond their job description or saved the company from a problem, such as correcting an error that would have had significant financial consequences. Your organisation can benefit as much from expressing gratitude to employees for more everyday achievements or for simply doing their job well. Creating a culture of gratitude in the workplace means these benefits can be sustained over time and help your organisation to flourish.
Implementing gratitude in the workplace not only improves morale but also promotes a sense of community and teamwork among employees. When staff members see their peers being recognised, it encourages a culture of mutual respect and support. The four A’s of gratitude is a framework that employers can use to express gratitude. The four A’s stand for the words Attention, Appreciation, Acknowledgement and Action. Employers can follow the framework by recognising the good or positive efforts being made by employees and appreciating their worth to the organisation. Then, they acknowledge such efforts and feel thankful for them, and, ultimately, take tangible steps to express their gratitude to employees.
The effect of gratitude on workplace culture
A good workplace culture helps employers to retain the best talent, and gratitude can help develop that culture in several ways. Additionally, fostering an environment where appreciation is regularly expressed can help create a more harmonious and collaborative atmosphere.
Fosters positive relationships
Giving thanks helps people to feel appreciated and valued, while also improving their mood and feelings towards other people. When an employee understands that their manager or co-worker has liked or respected their contribution, they are more likely to have positive feelings about that person.
When an employee knows that they have done their job or a task well, they are motivated to put in the same effort next time, which increases positivity towards them from co-workers, managers and employers.
Employees may also be more willing to go beyond expectations, such as staying behind after hours to finish a project or resolving a problem, when they know their efforts will be appreciated.
This sense of connectedness can also lead to increased collaboration, better communication and a stronger team dynamic, all of which are key to organisational success.
Improves employee wellbeing
When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are generally less stressed and their morale improves. When their efforts are valued, employees worry less about whether they are doing their jobs well, and are more willing to tackle the tasks assigned to them. They are also more likely to enjoy their work and feel happier to be in the workplace. This, in turn, can have positive effects on employee health. Stress can take a physical toll, leading to illness and absenteeism, while being happier improves mental health, which can enhance attendance and result in lower turnover. Additionally, a grateful work environment can foster resilience among employees, helping them better cope with workplace challenges and setbacks.
Enhances engagement and motivation
When a culture of gratitude is implemented in a workplace, teamwork is encouraged as employees understand their co-workers and managers will appreciate what they can bring to the table. Individual performance also is boosted, as employees want to continue doing a good job or are inspired to do better or improve their skills and output.
Employees also typically would rather stay working for an employer that recognises their abilities than one that does not explicitly acknowledge their efforts, which helps with job satisfaction and retention. This heightened motivation can lead to increased innovation and initiative, as employees feel more empowered and committed to the organisation’s success.
Stimulates communication
Open communication is a key part of a good workplace culture, as it ensures problems can be addressed or new ways of thinking are raised that can help the business perform well.
Employees may fear admitting mistakes or suggesting new ideas if they are not heard and do not receive recognition for their efforts. Showing gratitude encourages employees to come forward with concerns or suggestions. Even if their ideas are not taken on board, thanking employees for making the effort to speak up can go a long way to keeping the lines of communication open. This ongoing dialogue can lead to continuous improvement and innovation, as well as a more inclusive and transparent work environment.
When to show gratitude at work?
Whenever an employee completes a task that brings value to the organisation – big or small – an employer may choose to express their gratitude for their effort.
Rather than waiting until there is a reason to show gratitude to your employees, consider the benefits of being proactive and expressing your thanks for those daily tasks, done well, or for those extra efforts from your employees.
For example, if you realise early in the workday that your employees will be required to stay back after hours to finish a project, address them well before the end of their shift. In addition, thank them in advance for putting in overtime.
Employees may be more willing to accept the extra hours when they know it is already appreciated, and may also be more productive and get the job done quickly. If they feel that their efforts will not be valued, they may make excuses as to why they cannot do the work and may put in a half-hearted effort. Consistent recognition, whether spontaneous or planned, can help build a positive feedback loop that encourages ongoing effort and commitment.
Also, consider expressing gratitude for everyday achievements that have progressively helped the business over time. For example, constantly meeting deadlines may not be a difficult task for your team, but may certainly be an achievement that ensures the client remains with the company.
Employers can also show gratitude at any time during the year rather than use a work holiday function or an internal awards night to say thanks to their staff or highlight circumstances in which employees excelled. For example, you may record immediate positive boosts to productivity by hosting an impromptu morning tea on a Thursday morning or calling a snap team meeting on a Tuesday to quickly and publicly recognise the hard work being undertaken and to thank the staff. Flexibility in timing allows recognition to feel more genuine and spontaneous, reinforcing the message that employee efforts are valued at all times, not just during scheduled occasions.
Examples of how to show gratitude in the workplace
There are many ways employers can show gratitude to their employees, depending on the size and type of business. These are some ideas that may suit your workplace.
Say thank you
The simple act of saying ‘thank you’ goes a long way to expressing your gratitude, whether it’s expressed privately, such as a ‘thank you note’, or in a one-on-one meeting, or publicly, such as during a team meeting or in an all-staff email.
You may want to adapt the way you give your thanks depending on the situation. For example, showing gratitude for a significant solo achievement may warrant a public thank you to that employee, while a nod to their continual steady work ethic may involve a private, personal thank you note.
Express your thanks in actions, not just words
While speaking or writing your thanks is appreciated, ensure your actions complement your words. For example, you may thank your employees for working late to finish a project but do not expect that they will do so every day or for every project.
Moreover, consider ensuring these employees are provided with opportunities for promotion, a pay rise or professional development to show them that you value their contributions.
Start a rewards program
Gifts and rewards are not only used by many employers to recognise an employee’s achievement during a project or meeting a business goal, but are also used to show gratitude. For example, a gift card can be included in a ‘thank you’ note or an extra day of annual leave may be provided to employees who find a solution to a difficult problem.
Implement a staff nomination process
Often it is an employee’s co-worker who recognises that they deserve an extra ‘thanks’, as colleagues tend to work closely with each other. In this case, a staff nomination process can be an effective way to ensure employers express gratitude when required. It also fosters a gratitude culture within your workforce, which can be as beneficial to your organisation as an employer showing gratitude. You may call for nominations to be made to you direct, with employees emailing you, or you may wish to set up an online nomination form for employees to complete.
Host a special event
Consider what the employee or your workforce will appreciate as a gesture of gratitude when planning an event. For some workforces, a special meal provided during the workday may be appreciated, while for others, a party held at a local hotel may be enjoyed most. A team-bonding afternoon at the local mini-golf course may be a special treat for some employees if you can provide them with time away from work, while others may relish the opportunity to wear casual clothes on a Friday.
Long-term measures to show gratitude
If your workforce has been performing particularly well for a sustained period, you may want to consider changing a workforce policy as a sign of enduring gratitude. For example, you may decide to change your flexible working hour arrangements, increase work-from-home entitlements or implement biannual salary evaluations. It’s important to inform your employees that the changes are being made in response to your gratitude towards them. Building on these initiatives, some organisations establish mentorship programs or professional development workshops as ongoing ways to show appreciation and invest in employee growth.
It’s also important to be genuine when expressing your gratitude, as employees are likely to sense when ‘thanks’ is given half-heartedly or haphazardly. On the contrary, being overly enthusiastic may also come across as being insincere, so avoid repeating your thanks too much in the same speech or overemphasising your gratitude.
Creating a culture of gratitude can have a powerfully positive influence on your organisation. When gratitude is incorporated into your day-to-day business activities, it can inspire employees and encourage them to work effectively with each other. It is simple to implement in any workplace and does not have to be a drain on resources.
Recognising employee personal milestones
Another meaningful way to show gratitude is by acknowledging employees’ personal milestones and life events. Celebrating birthdays, work anniversaries or significant personal achievements demonstrates that your organisation values employees not only for their work but also as individuals. For example, sending a personalised card or organising a small celebration can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation. Recognising these milestones helps build emotional connections and shows that the company cares about employees’ overall well-being beyond their professional contributions.
In practice, a manager might remember an employee’s 5-year work anniversary and organise a team lunch or give a thoughtful gift. Similarly, acknowledging a personal achievement, such as completing a degree, overcoming a health challenge or celebrating a child’s graduation, can significantly boost morale. These gestures can contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture, reinforcing loyalty and engagement. When employees feel their personal lives are recognised and valued, they are more likely to feel committed to their organisation, leading to increased satisfaction and retention. Such recognition can be simple yet powerful, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and mutual respect within the workplace community.
