Going Without Recognition? Why You Should Expect Gratitude in the Workplace

With Thanksgiving already just around the corner, one thing is cutting through all of the noise of travel plans, meal preparations, and Black Friday shopping: gratitude. 

While this time of year offers frequent reminders to express our thanks to the most important people in our lives, we recognize that the workplace is an area in which we aren’t always eager to show the same amount of love. In this article, Team Leadology weighs in on why providing recognition to your employees is so crucial, and just how to go about it!

You might be thinking, “Well, why should I expect thanks for doing the job that I’m paid to do?” This great– and potentially divisive question– has multiple answers.

Gratitude is less likely to be given in the workplace compared to any other place. Here’s why that’s a problem

We think the Greater Good Magazine, an online publication produced by the University of California, Berkeley, offers some valuable insight on this reservation to cultivate gratitude at work: 

“Elsewhere in American life, we say ‘thank you’ to acknowledge the good things we get from other people, especially when they give out of the goodness of their hearts… But not at work. According to a survey of 2,000 Americans released earlier this year by the John Templeton Foundation, people are less likely to feel or express gratitude at work than anyplace else. And they’re not thankful for their current jobs, ranking them dead last in a list of things they’re grateful for.”

But here’s the thing: people still crave the giving and receiving of gratitude at work. The Greater Good Magazine also states that 93 percent of those surveyed agreed that grateful bosses are more likely to succeed, whereas a mere 18 percent thought that gratitude made bosses “weak.” 

Overall, most employees reaffirmed the fact that hearing “thank you” at work made them feel good and motivated. And, like we’ve previously discussed, authentic recognition in the workplace actually reduces turnover and boosts overall productivity.

3 ways you can infuse gratitude into your workplace this Thanksgiving season

So, where’s the disconnect between this apparent desire for more gratitude in the workplace, yet a demonstrated lack of it? After all, though almost all survey respondents reported that giving thanks to colleagues makes them feel happier and more fulfilled, only about 10 percent ever act on that impulse. Instead, approximately 60 percent of employees claimed they “either never express gratitude at work or do so perhaps once a year.” Bizarre right?

From personal experience and documented research, we all know the intrinsic value of gratitude in any area of our lives. That’s why today, we’re so excited to be sharing some of our ways into normalizing the exchange of thanks in the workplace: 

• Start with those who never get thanked 
  While your instinct may be to offer thanks to your office’s resident rockstars, consider the ways that you can practice gratitude among those who are responsible for seemingly thankless work. I mean when was the last time you called your IT support to say you’re grateful that all your technology is working efficiently today? Sounds silly, but you might delight them. Not only can you begin to set a precedent for the practice of gratitude in every area of the office, but you can play an instrumental role in increasing universal morale and trust among employees.
  
  Add to your reading list: Strategies to Avoid Burnout and Support Your Employees

• Through all challenges, make gratitude a priority
  Our trusty source also shares that cultivating a company culture founded on gratitude may be the best way to help a team prepare for conflict. Psychologist Robert Emmons even states that “there is scientific evidence that grateful people are more resilient to stress, whether minor everyday hassles or major personal upheavals.” 

  
  In all, frequent and authentic gratitude empowers teams to look beyond their current challenges and recognize their long-term, collective gains. Hint: make it a part of your regular team meetings and one-on-ones.

• Above all, aim for authenticity 

  Lastly, when integrating gratitude as a tenet of company culture, it’s important to understand that forced, meaningless exercises of giving thanks can actually diminish your overall efforts. Greater Good also tells us that “the key [to normalizing giving thanks in the office] is to create times and spaces that foster the voluntary, spontaneous expression of gratitude,” as opposed to simply going through the motions.

  Looking for tips on authentic recognition? Add this article to your reading list: Employee Recognition and Appreciation Tips That Actually Work

Increase gratitude at work by furthering your learning and development in these key areas

Like any other emotional intelligence skill, integrating gratitude into your company culture won’t happen overnight; but you can start this journey by having a better appreciation of your own strengths and the strengths of your team. Want to lead with more gratitude, decisiveness, and connection? Learn more about Activate: Leadology’s influential communication program for managers.

Grateful for you…

Carrie & Team Leadology