It’s not surprising to hear that every employee would desire to work in an environment where they feel valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute their best. What if we told you that such a workplace isn’t a mere fantasy but an achievable reality? Yes, that’s right!
Understanding the culture of gratitude and how to incorporate it can help you build a workplace where employees stay happier and longer. Let’s walk you through the what, why, and how to build this awesome culture.
What Is a Culture of Gratitude, and Why Is It Important?
A culture of gratitude paints a picture of a workplace where showing appreciation and thankfulness is a widely cherished tradition. It’s all about giving nods and accolades to people’s contributions, kindness, and hard work while nurturing a feeling of being woven together and radiating positivity.
Employees don’t always mention it, but they have a secret wish—for their bosses to sprinkle some appreciation fairy dust on them. About 53 percent of respondents in Glassdoor’s survey expressed the intention to remain with their current company for an extended duration if they experience a heightened sense of recognition and value from their supervisor.¹
Showing gratitude isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s for a greater good that boosts employee engagement, enhances productivity, and fosters a sense of belonging. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to give their best and stay committed to their organizations.
Related article: Workplace Culture: It’s a Reflection of Who You Are
Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Appreciation
In line with the recent celebration of Labor Day, this is a timely reminder that cultivating a culture of gratitude requires intention, consistency, and a dash of creativity. Here are ways you can make it happen:
1. Set a Golden Standard
Calling on managers and leaders in every capacity! You are the trailblazers of change. Employees take cues from the top, and when your team sees you being thankful, chances are they’ll follow suit.
- Incorporate gratitude as you lead your teams and subordinates.
- Start meetings with shoutouts to commend accomplishments, both big and small.
- Highlight the efforts that drive the company forward.
Related article: Appreciation: A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way
2. Specificity Goes a Long Way
Saying generic “thank you’s” through emails or company speeches can fall flat. Instead, be specific in your appreciation and put a personal touch on how you want to show appreciation among employees. Recognize individuals for their unique contributions. Tell them why their work matters.
You can leave a personal note on their table or simply visit them at their station and say something like, “Jane, your innovative approach to problem-solving on the Smith project helped us secure a new client. You rock!”
3. Ask Your Team How They Want It to Be Done
Gratitude goes hand in hand with feedback. Create a system where employees can provide feedback on their experiences with the gratitude initiatives. Listen to your team’s feedback and adapt your strategies based on what resonates with them.
The goal is to make gratitude an integral part of your organization’s DNA, which requires continuous learning and evolution. Let’s face it: not all employees enjoy big company events and gatherings. By providing an avenue where they can share their opinions, you allow them to genuinely express how they feel—and in turn, they’ll thank you for it!
4. Embrace Diversity
An authentic gratitude culture is inclusive. Recognize and celebrate your team’s diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Tailor your expressions of gratitude to respect individual preferences and cultural nuances. Fostering inclusivity reinforces that every team member’s efforts contribute to the organization’s success.
5. Make It a Habit, Then a Culture
Consistency builds culture. It doesn’t have to be scheduled weekly or monthly—and certainly doesn’t have to be a big company event.
Fostering a culture of gratitude comes from within the core of an organization. Regularly congratulate or commend your employees when they accomplish tasks for the team or when they give in more time and effort in solving unexpected problems.
6. Make It Fun
Inject some fun into your gratitude journey with challenges. Saying thank you doesn’t have to be a formal event. Spice it up with creative ideas that foster a culture of gratitude and allow them to enjoy the process as well.
People look forward to having fun and enjoying their time. One way you can reinforce the culture you want to achieve is by associating gratitude with happiness.
8 Great Ideas on How to Nurture a Culture of Gratitude and Appreciation in the Workplace
It can be through art, writing, or random acts of kindness. These activities infuse excitement and creativity into your culture-building efforts. There are many ways you can be creative in how you want to show appreciation, and here are eight ways you can incorporate a culture of gratitude into your team.
1. Foster Employee Recognition and Reward Your Team
Words are powerful, but tangible gestures amplify gratitude. Consider personalized notes, small gifts, or even a “Gratitude Wall” where employees can display tokens of appreciation. These physical reminders serve as lasting testaments to your commitment to fostering a gratitude culture.
2. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Kudos
Gratitude isn’t a one-way street. Encourage employees to appreciate each other. Implement a “Kudos Board” where team members can post shoutouts for their colleagues. It’s a simple way to foster a collaborative atmosphere and boost camaraderie. Plus, the joy of showing appreciation is infectious!
3. Organize Training Sessions
How about spicing things up with some gratitude flair? Think about throwing workshops or training sessions that dive deep into the importance of gratitude. You can bring in the gratitude gurus, the masters of good vibes, to share insight on how to spread thankfulness in their everyday lives.
These sessions? Oh, they’re not just knowledge nuggets—they’re your golden ticket to showing everyone how serious you are about cooking up a culture of high-fives and heartfelt thanks!
4. Reverse Gratitude Can Make Building a Culture of Gratitude Even More Fun
Flip the script by inviting team members to share about their own growth and learning experiences. This “reverse gratitude” exercise encourages self-reflection, boosts self-esteem, and helps individuals acknowledge their achievements—a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
5. Tap into the Power of Random Acts
Encourage a culture of surprise and delight by promoting “Random Acts of Gratitude.” This could be leaving a favorite snack on their desk, sending a heartfelt note, or arranging a virtual surprise party.
6. Organize Outdoor Retreats
Step outside the office for an “Appreciation Retreat.” Choose a serene outdoor location and spend a day in nature, engaging in team-building activities, mindfulness practices, and heartfelt conversations. Disconnecting from the usual environment allows for a deeper connection and appreciation, revitalizing your gratitude culture.
7. Give Back to the Society
Extend gratitude beyond the office walls. Engage in community service or charitable initiatives as a team. Not only does this create a sense of purpose, but it also reminds everyone of the privilege they have and the impact they can make. Giving back adds depth and meaning to your efforts.
8. Celebrate Milestones
Big wins, birthdays, work anniversaries—celebrate them all! Milestones are perfect opportunities for expressing gratitude. Host team parties, acknowledge achievements publicly, and make everyone feel like the rockstar they are.
Remember, acknowledging milestones isn’t just about celebrating the individual; it’s about celebrating the team’s collective efforts.
BUILD A GRATITUDE CULTURE WITH PORTFOLIO CREATIVE
As we end this conversation, we want to thank every company that has worked with us for trusting our expertise in providing the right candidate for them. So, whether you’re seeking a design guru, a top-notch content writer, or any other creative professional, we’re here to help you, too!
Contact us today, and let’s build your team together. We also appreciate you reading this blog. Thank you!
References
“Employers To Retain Half Of Their Employees Longer If Bosses Showed More Appreciation” Glassdoor Survey, 13 November 2013, https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/employers-to-retain-half-of-their-employees-longer-if-bosses-showed-more-appreciation-glassdoor-survey/
