Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, connection, and expressing gratitude. While this cherished tradition often centers around family and friends, the values it celebrates—gratitude and togetherness—can work wonders in professional settings too. Showing gratitude in the workplace isn’t just about spreading holiday cheer; it’s a proven way to boost morale, strengthen teams, and even drive business results.
Let’s dive into how the simple act of giving thanks can create ripple effects in workplaces—not just during the holidays but all year long.
The Science Behind Gratitude in the Workplace
Gratitude in the workplace isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s backed by science. When employees feel appreciated, they perform better, engage more deeply, and stay longer.
According to Gallup, when employees feel appreciated at work, they’re 73% less likely to get burned out, four times as likely to be engaged at work, and five times more likely to feel connected to their company culture.
Gratitude’s benefits extend beyond professional performance to include personal well-being. According to The Journal of Positive Psychology, individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience lower stress levels and increased resilience. These traits are crucial in helping employees navigate challenges and contribute positively to their teams.
Why Gratitude in the Workplace Pays Off
Gratitude in the workplace has tangible benefits for organizations, including financial ones. Here’s how:
- Reduced Turnover Costs
Employee turnover is costly, with estimated costs ranging from 33% up to 200% of an employee’s annual salary. Gallup’s study data found that an organization of 10,000 people with an already engaged workforce can save up to $16.1M in turnover annually when they make recognition an important part of their culture. - Enhanced Individual & Team Performance
Gratitude not only boosts individual performance but also strengthens team dynamics, enhancing overall workplace success. According to survey conducted by Glassdoor, 81% of employees reported being motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their efforts. Additionally, research shows that when team members feel supported and appreciated by one another, they are more likely to support each other, share knowledge, and collaborate more effectively. - Increased profitability
There is a strong link between “gratitude” and profitability. One 200,000-person study conducted by a research partner for Gostick & Elton, IP, revealed that teams led by grateful managers achieved superior business outcomes, including up to two times greater profitability than their peers.
Gratitude isn’t just feel-good fluff; it’s a strategic advantage.
Practical Ways to Show Gratitude in the Workplace
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to introduce or reinforce gratitude in the workplace. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Host a Gratitude Event
Organize a Thanksgiving potluck or virtual gathering where team members share what they’re thankful for. It’s a great way to foster connection and create positive memories. - Send Handwritten Notes
Stand out from the sea of emails with a handwritten thank-you note. Personalizing your appreciation shows employees how much their unique contributions matter. - Offer Tokens of Appreciation
From gift cards to wellness perks or even extra time off, thoughtful gestures can leave a lasting impression. Tie them to individual or team accomplishments for added impact. - Recognize Employees Publicly
Whether your workforce is in-person, hybrid, or fully remote, public recognition can make a significant impact. Use meetings, newsletters, or your company’s communication platforms—such as an intranet or virtual message boards—to spotlight employee achievements. Acknowledging contributions in a visible way boosts morale and motivates others to go the extra mile - Create a Gratitude Board
Set up a physical or digital board where employees can post what they’re grateful for. It’s a simple way to encourage mutual appreciation and reinforce positivity.
Real-Life Examples of Gratitude in the Workplace
Gratitude practices aren’t limited to theory. Several companies have successfully implemented these strategies to create thriving, appreciative workplace cultures:
- Salesforce: During the holiday season, Salesforce encourages managers to share personalized “thank-you” messages with employees. This initiative has significantly boosted morale and deepened connections across teams.
- Zappos: Gratitude is a cornerstone of Zappos’ culture. Their traditions, such as thank-you card exchanges and surprise team celebrations, foster a deep sense of appreciation among employees.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn celebrates an annual Gratitude Day, encouraging employees to reflect on and express appreciation for their colleagues. This initiative has strengthened workplace relationships and reinforced the company’s supportive culture.
These companies prove that gratitude in the workplace is more than a seasonal gesture—it’s a driver of engagement and success.
Making Gratitude a Year-Round Practice
While Thanksgiving is a natural time to express gratitude, its power shouldn’t be limited to one season. When practiced consistently, gratitude in the workplace can:
- Strengthen Teams Regular expressions of gratitude build trust and strengthen relationships within teams, fostering collaboration and creativity.
- Increase Retention Employees who feel valued are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, reducing turnover and preserving organizational knowledge
- Drive Long-Term Success: A culture of appreciation creates an environment where employees are motivated to excel, driving long-term growth and profitability.
Leaders can embed gratitude into their organizations by making it a core component of their management philosophy. This could include implementing structured recognition programs, training managers in effective appreciation techniques, and regularly soliciting feedback to ensure employees feel acknowledged.
Gratitude doesn’t require a big budget or dramatic changes—just a commitment to authenticity and consistency. When leaders prioritize gratitude, it becomes second nature, transforming workplace culture in lasting ways.
The Ripple Effect of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the power of gratitude in the workplace. From boosting morale to driving financial success, gratitude is a simple yet transformative tool for teams and organizations alike. By making it a year-round practice, you can create a culture where employees feel appreciated, teams thrive, and your business achieves sustained success.
