World Gratitude Day

September 21st is celebrated as World Gratitude Day. The pandemic has made us worn out, and while it might be cathartic to make a list of all that we have lost, all we are tired of and all we want to get rid of, expressing Gratitude is a better idea.

Gratitude is a strong positive emotion that entails being thankful and appreciative. It has real impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, motivation and engagement. While many of us are active gratitude practitioners, today gives us an opportunity to pause and appreciate the transformative power gratitude has to energize teammates, positively influence people’s lives, and drive cultural change in the workplace. Gratitude lifts us up and gives us the strength to face many of the challenges we face today. The pandemic has forced companies, to move from their offices into a remote environment. The feelings of anxiety and being disconnected with our peers and the work environment may continue to linger but our capability to find joy and gratitude in everyday tasks positively impacts our mental and physical health.

What are the benefits of expressing Gratitude at work?

• Improves our physical and psychological health.
• Boosts employee management.
• Enhances team relationships.
• Improves professional and social skills.
• Increases confidence and builds resilience to stress.

While gratitude means being inclusive and empathetic in the moments of success and crisis, here is how leaders and employees can play a vital role in cultivating a more engaging work culture:

• Those in power must practice expressing thanks to colleagues which will positively impact the performance of their employees. This could be as simple as giving an encouraging greeting every morning.
• To not limit appreciation to company’s tasks and goals, but to also acknowledge the person by appreciating their skills which will help bring authenticity and humility.
• To approach failures/setbacks with gratitude which may transform obstacles into opportunities.

While gratitude has the ability to improve organizational productivity, it should not be the only reason why we practice it. Rather, it is about creating a warm, inviting, and safe workplace, where employee’s efforts are consistently valued. It is about respecting the most basic human need to feel appreciated.

And when employees feel respected and appreciated, we provide a healthier and more sustainable workplace for teammates to thrive both professionally and personally.

For wellbeing, happiness, performance and patience, cultivate GRATITUDE. If you want to read more articles then check out our blogs