We understand work stressors can sometimes cause tension, but making gratitude and appreciation in the workplace a priority is important. Know why?

Because it will benefit E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E.

Hey come on, it’s the time for giving thanks (happy Thanksgiving by the way!).

So let’s talk about the role gratitude and appreciation play in our workplaces... And how both need to stick around ALL year long.

STATISTICS ON APPRECIATION IN THE WORKPLACE

If you’re in a leadership role, you need to understand the impact appreciation and gratitude – and lack of – can have in the workplace.

According to Gratitude at Work’s website:

• 70% of people would feel better about themselves if their boss was grateful
• 81% of people would work harder for a grateful boss
• Receiving a “thank you” from a supervisor boosted productivity by more than 50%
• The #1 reason people leave their jobs is because they don’t feel appreciated
• Complacency and entitlement are costing employers $2,650 per employee every year

Building a culture of gratitude and appreciation in the workplace will not only cause deeper connections among employees but also to the work they’re doing.

And while this culture should start in leadership, it can also start at the bottom and work its way up to the top. It might take longer that way, but it’s totally doable.

You should never underestimate the power of influence. Truth is, regardless of your position, your positive [or negative] energy has the power to influence others.

For this reason, I encourage you to be the light wherever you go. As a result, you’ll notice the darkness around you begin to fade. Not to mention, you will generally feel better.

And no, we are not suggesting this is an overnight thing. And yes, it will require effort on your part.

EXPRESSING APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE

Do you know how many people express gratitude at work?

• Only 10% of people express gratitude at work, and
• 60% of people NEVER or rarely express gratitude at work

The results are heartbreaking. Especially considering that 88% of people say that expressing gratitude to colleagues makes them feel happier and more fulfilled.

Um... did you catch that?

The results show that it's not just about RECEIVING appreciation from someone who is grateful in the workplace. It's about actually BEING grateful and SHOWING [GIVING] appreciation.

Given these points, I want to challenge you this holiday season.

I'm going to share a very simple idea that you can easily implement in order to start working out the gratitude muscles in everyone at your workplace.

THE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE

Ok... ready?!

When you go back to the office next week, set up a "Gratitude Wall." Simple, right?

But don't just set it up, be the first person to write on it!

A "Gratitude Wall" is a dedicated space where everyone takes time to reflect on the things they are thankful for and remember them visually.

It could simply be a wall space, but it can also be a cork board, white board, chalkboard, refrigerator, door, window, etc. You can use post-its, note cards with tape, erasable markers, chalk, whatever!

Get creative and use what you have. This shouldn't be complicated, and on that note, let me offer one little quote that could change your life:

"Done, is better than perfect."

GRATITUDE WALL IDEAS

Below are some "Gratitude Wall" ideas from around the web to get you inspired:

APPRECIATION IS A GAME-CHANGER

Before we close this out, one little tip:

Ultimately, it’s easy to be grateful for STUFF, like coffee and working vehicles… but let's make this holiday season about PEOPLE, more than STUFF.

Be grateful for your colleagues, employees, bosses, and TELL THEM SO.

Basically, if you appreciate someone, or something someone does, tell them. Or if you struggle to verbally express yourself, then write it down and let them read it.

Whichever method you choose, I promise you they’ll be glad you communicated your gratitude for them. Everyone is energized by appreciation, especially in the workplace.

Besides, if you only keep it to yourself, what good does that do? People can't read your mind.

On a final note, in case you're a quote person, here are some to inspire you even more: