Gratitude in the Workplace: A Recipe for Happier, Healthier, and More Productive Teams
In a world full of Monday memes and coworkers addicted to coffee, we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of workplace grumbles and negativity. Our brains are wired to remember the annoying hum of the AC more than a friendly "hello" from a colleague. Like literally wired. Blame it on a mental process called "loss aversion" – our brains are quirky (and Debbie Downers) like that. But your brain can be tamed! The antidote to negative feelings towards your workplace - gratitude and appreciation!
Let's be real, work isn't always rainbows and unicorns. I wish it were, but it's not. However, even in the darkest cubicle corners coworker scowls, there's a glimmer of positivity waiting to be noticed. Practicing gratitude at work is like putting on appreciation goggles. Suddenly, the irritating hum of the AC is drowned out by the appreciation that, “hey, I’m so glad we've got AC” (even if it feels like the Arctic sometimes).
Gratitude isn't just a buzzword; it's a cultural shift toward appreciating the whole person, not just the employee. According to Steve Foran, the brains behind Gratitude at Work, it's not just about making your business more profitable; it's about genuinely wanting the best for your people. But everyone's appreciation language is different. Don't assume a card, coffee, or public praise works for everyone – you might end up with a confused and resentful team.
Even the American Psychological Association agrees – valued employees aren’t just happier; they're healthier, more motivated, and stick around longer than free pizza at a team meeting. Expressing gratitude leads to better sleep, lower stress, improved mental health, increased employee engagement, and fewer physical aches and pains. So, flex that gratitude muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. But as easy as it is to get to the gym to work on those muscles (is it really easy), creating a gratitude utopia at work isn't as easy as hitting the Keurig button.
Here's how to pump up your gratitude muscle in the workplace, as a leader, and an individual:
For the Workplace
Let your team know you're looking out for them. Aim for a supportive, honest, and safe work environment. Create opportunities for team relationship building – it sets the stage for creativity and teamwork. And don't overwork your team; burnout is not in the secret sauce recipe for gratitude. Support their well-being to boost retention and engagement.
How Leaders Can Level Up
Appreciate your team, quirks and all. Show them love with meaningful conversation and free food – a well-fed team is a happy team. Establish a kudos-sharing space to foster appreciation, respect, and teamwork. Pay attention to the details - remember to ask about that trip they went on or how their kid did at their soccer tournament; it's like finding Easter eggs in the office routine.
As an Individual
Sure, venting is okay sometimes, but constant complaining is a relationship, mental health, and reputation killer. Focus on the positive. Listen to your colleagues, celebrate their wins, and even find ways to be grateful for accounting asking you for details about your expense reimbursements. You can appreciate them doing their job thoroughly, even if you’ll have to find those receipts.
Ready to turn your workplace into a gratitude-filled blockbuster? Let's chat! Book a call with me and let's sprinkle some positivity into your office drama. Because in the workplace movie of your life, gratitude should be the star.