Expressing Appreciation in the Workplace

Smart managers know that expressing gratitude to their employees is a powerful way to keep them engaged. It’s especially important during these trying times when employees are likely to be more isolated and feeling more stressed as a result of the pandemic. 

Research reveals that workers thrive when they know they are appreciated. In fact, the feeling of gratitude is connected with a number of health benefits, as well. Your team will benefit both mentally and physically if they feel appreciated in the workplace.

So, how happy are your employees? Do they like their work? Do they feel recognized and appreciated?

Expressing Appreciation in the Workplace

In one study, college students were grouped up into 3 different camps. One camp expressed 5 things they were grateful for that week; another wrote about 5 hassles; and the third listed 5 events, positive or negative, that had happened to them in the past week. After ten weeks, researched found the students who has listed things for which they were grateful for felt healthier, more optimistic and more positive about their lives. Additionally, those students exercise more and slept better than the other camps.

More Research

Another example is a study that looked at fundraisers who were thanked for their efforts. Fundraisers that got thanked made 50% more fundraising calls that those who received no such messages of gratitude. To add to this, other research show that employees who felt grateful were more likely to help others in the office and participate in “prosocial” behaviors. This could mean an increase in collaboration and output in your office.

Also, expressing appreciation in the office can improve engagement of your employees. Studies show that 7 in 10 workers whose bosses recognized their efforts described themselves as happy with their jobs. Other research agrees that providing team members with positive and specific feedback can improve motivation, productivity and participation.

For More Information

For more information on this topic, please check out the graphic below.  It covers how managers and leaders can display gratitude in the workplace, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.