There is ample research on the topic of gratitude in the workplace and how it will transform your organization. In fact, a 2012 study from the American Psychological Association found that over half of all workers leave one job to search for another because they felt unappreciated or undervalued. Facts like this just confirm the need to foster a culture of gratitude in your organization, but how do you create one? Here are three great tips to start you on your way to creating a culture of gratitude in your workplace.
Say Thank You
Sometimes the most impactful things are the simplest. Take a moment and think. When was the last time you said thank you to someone in your organization for doing a good job? Maybe you do this often, in which case you should encourage others to do it as well. If you don’t then this is the first thing you need to correct. Taking a moment to offer thanks for the efforts of others makes them feel valued, and it takes very little on your part. It’s also a contagious behavior and soon all of the people in the room will do the same thing. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
Invest in Others
Taking a moment to invest in the success of others is another great way to show them they are valued and you care. Take them out to lunch or carve some time out for a one on one meeting with them to help answer their questions and offer some guidance. If there is a great opportunity for them to learn some valuable skills, consider getting them to it. These gestures suggest that you not only see their current value, but their value in the future.
Eat Last
Simon Sinek observed the tradition within the U.S. Marine Corps of higher-ranking members eating after junior ranking members. Within the Marines, this simple process creates a culture of leadership as a responsibility, not a perk. It also shows that you care more about others than about your convenience. You are a leader. The essence of gratitude is genuine care for others and the appreciation of how valuable they are. Simple things like eating last help to put the best punctuation on that point.
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