How often do you take a breath and truly appreciate the blessings in your life or the people around you?
Research suggests that a correlation exists between gratitude and our happiness. Studies have found that, when expressed either verbally or through written word either with a card or letter, displays of gratitude boost happiness levels in us and encourage “pro – social” behavior (the kind that triggers empathy and is strongly linked to sharing, donating, and volunteering).
Lauren Eisenhauer of Best Employees Surveys notes that:
Grateful employees tend to be more socially responsible. Translated to the workplace, this might mean an employee is more willing to engage in “organizational citizenship” behaviors, such as welcoming new hires, going above and beyond their prescribed job duties; taking initiatives.
Amit Amin of Happier Human writes “A one–time act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10 percent increase in happiness, and 35 percent reduction in depressive symptoms that lasts for months”.
So how do you create a workplace culture of gratitude? Lauren suggests implementing some or all of the following:
Starts with the Leadership Team: Cultural shifts in the workplace often happen at the top first. Many companies have long embraced a mindset of appreciation. The Campbell Soup Company’s former CEO, Douglas Conant, penned 30,000 thank you notes to his individual employees, during his time in leadership. That is why it is imperative to consider this is a long-term effort, with no measurable end date.
Create outlets for Recognition: We may feel reluctant to admit that we rely heavily on each other at work, or to point out someone else’s strengths. Establish recognition programs for employees to nominate each other’s acts of kindness and exceptional work. Create a “wall of gratitude” for employees to hand-write genuine praise of co- workers.
Weave gratitude into Your Corporate Culture: Give credit when you experience “wins”. At executive team meetings, have VP’s list outstanding team members by name who contributed to a project.
These are just a few strategies for increasing employee happiness with gratitude. Next week I will delve a little deeper into this and provide some more strategies.