According to a study by the John Templeton Foundation, people are less likely to feel or express gratitude at work than anywhere else. That same study indicated that saying thank you to colleagues made them feel happier and more fulfilled, but here’s the rub: only 10% of respondents go out of their way to thank coworkers.
That’s a crying shame.
Most people spend the bulk of their days at work. Dozens of studies show that employees feel underappreciated and undervalued at work, which in turn results in lower productivity, lack of motivation, and, worst of all, grumpy colleagues. Often, the simple act of showing genuine appreciation is a bigger motivator than power or money.
The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no time like now to pause for a moment and take the time to thank your colleagues, leaders, and team members. You don’t have to buy people flashy presents or make a grandiose public service announcement – though I think most people would think that’s pretty cool. Simple acts like a nice email, handwritten note or quick thank you in the hallway can have a profound impact on someone’s day. We’re all working hard and pausing to acknowledge a job well done should always be front of mind. Gratitude is easy to practice and once it’s embedded in your company culture, it is contagious.