Four Simple Strategies for Showing Gratitude in the Workplace

Building and supporting your team has never been more important. A key component of a positive and successful work environment is showing gratitude to supervisors, employees and coworkers. However, 60% of employees seldom express gratitude at work and 74% rarely express thanks to their employer. Yet the same study shows that 81% of employees said a communicative manager would drive them to work harder.

Taking the time to show gratitude is a small gesture that can produce big results. A positive attitude has the power to increase morale, productivity and connection amongst your team. Expressing gratitude promotes success, regardless of your position. 

Not everyone gives and receives appreciation the same way. A language of appreciation is an integral part of employee recognition. We’ve put together four of the most common ways successful leaders show gratitude. Set the precedent of a positive and productive environment by implementing these tips for showing your team the gratitude they deserve.

Words of Affirmation

One of the easiest ways to show your appreciation for others is with positive feedback, encouragement and other words of affirmation. One survey found that 45% of employees enjoy verbal praise as one of the primary ways they like to receive appreciation. Even if you are operating in a virtual environment, utilizing your organization’s messaging system is an effective way to support your team.  Words of affirmation have the power to make remote workers feel connected in virtual workplace culture.

Sending an uplifting message before a big presentation or congratulating peers on a job well done will set your team up for more success. Your words can empower those around you and ultimately shape a more supportive work environment. 

Make Time for your Team

Don’t underestimate the value of giving coworkers your undivided attention. Work environments can be fast-paced and stressful. By spending quality time with a coworker and giving them your undivided attention, you demonstrate their importance to you and your team. It also creates the opportunity to show your appreciation for their recent contributions. Quality time has become even more valuable in a virtual work environment, and making a point to designate time with your team will make them feel appreciated. 

Give a Thoughtful Present

Don’t wait until the holidays to consider giving your team a gift!  Gifts are a great way to show gratitude and make team members feel noticed. To ensure you’re making everyone feel seen and included, try to give gifts to those who would value them. It can be as simple as a coffee for the “idea of the week”, or a gift card to all those who made a meeting particularly successful. Be thoughtful with your token of appreciation to make it count.

Acts of Service

In the workplace, acts of service are gestures that show rather than tell, coworkers that you care about them. You can express your appreciation with more than a helping hand. This could mean bringing in a tasty treat to share, offering to grab their lunch for them on a particularly busy day or volunteering to stay after hours to help with a project. Make it a point to check in regularly to ask “how can I help you?”, and then use their input to inspire a new idea. 

No matter how you express it, showing gratitude will enhance your team’s morale and productivity from the inside out. As you continue to sharpen your leadership and teamwork skills, don’t underestimate the power of gratitude.