Work-Related Gratitude: Practical Tools and Techniques

Maintaining a sense of fulfillment and motivation in today's fast-paced and demanding work environments can be quite challenging. The struggle often leads to burnout, disengagement, and poor work performance. But what if there was a simple yet powerful tool that could transform your work experience and reignite your passion? Welcome to the world of work-related gratitude and appreciation. In this article, we delve into the research of Youseff-Morgan, Van Zyl (me), and Ahrens (2022) to explore the transformative potential of work-related gratitude.

What is Work-Related Gratitude?

Appreciation comes in various forms, but according to Youseff-Morgan, Van Zyl, and Ahrens (2022), work-related gratitude plays a crucial role in cultivating this experience. Work-related gratitude refers to “the intentional choice to engage in positive appraisals and feelings of thankfulness and appreciation toward the characteristics, situations, and people currently present in one’s work context.” In effect, work-related gratitude involves:

• Grateful appraisals of work (positive, cognitive appraisals of work characteristics and situations)
• Gratitude toward others at work (social appreciation toward the contributions of others at one’s work)
• Adopting an intentional attitude of gratitude (purposefully enumerating, enjoying, and being mindful of positive aspects of work)

Gratitude involves noticing the positive actions and efforts of people at work and expressing appreciation for their contributions. By practising gratitude, we foster a sense of community and highlight the significance of each individual's role in the workplace. Managers can view gratitude as a valuable currency that not only rewards current performance but also stimulates extra-role behaviors, commitment, and motivation among employees. Embracing gratitude not only cultivates a sense of unity but also underscores the value of individuals contributions, which buffers against the effect high job demands and limited resources have on individual well-being and job performance.

Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude at Work: Practical Tips and Tricks

But how do we develop a culture of appreciation and gratitude at work? Research suggests a number of evidence-based strategies that managers and employees can use to cultivate appreciation and gratitude at work.

Managers can employ the following means to show gratitude with their teams:

1. Clarify expectations: Managers and employees should communicate expectations not only regarding work-related tasks but also about the nature of their working relationship.
2. Articulate how gratitude is shown and experienced: Gratitude and appreciation are shown, shared, and perceived differently by different people. Gratitude can be expressed through (a) words of affirmation (i.e., telling a person they are appreciated; praise), (b) spending quality time (i.e., providing undivided attention in conversations or personal meetings), (c) acts of service (i.e., providing supper and assistance when and where needed; helping to get resources), and (d) tangible rewards (i.e., rewarding people with physical artefacts). It’s important for employees and managers to know how they show appreciation and to ensure that that appreciation is shown in a way that matches the employee’s needs.
3. Provide balanced feedback: Managers should provide balanced feedback in performance meetings where the focus should be on “what went well” and “what can be done differently”. Balanced feedback shows appreciation for what was done well, acknowledges past performance, and creates a positive climate to discuss performance improvement targets.
4. Authentic expressions of appreciation: Although showing appreciation and gratitude doesn’t come naturally to most of us, it’s important to express appreciation authentically. Just saying, “Thank you, great job!” with no meaning behind it does more damage to morale than good. Managers should therefore attempt to express gratitude more authentically through ways and means that feel natural to them.
5. Show appreciation regularly and in a timely fashion: Appreciation is also not a “one-off” deal. To establish feelings of appreciation, gratitude should be expressed regularly. Further, gratitude should be shown in a timely fashion. If something extraordinary happens, appreciation should be shown immediately and not six months down the line. This not only communicates genuine appreciation but also reinforces the positive effects of gratitude.
6. Create gratitude rituals: Managers should consider incorporating gratitude rituals into team meetings or weekly routines. Simple strategies like ending staff meetings by asking everyone to share something they're grateful for, either personally or professionally, could create a more positive work climate. Managers could also consider holding circles of appreciation. Here, people could show appreciation and gratitude to each other for their contribution to our personal working lives.

For employees, the following evidence-based strategies can be considered:

1. Start a gratitude journal: Keep a gratitude journal at work to document positive aspects, relationships, and things you are grateful for. Reflect on these regularly to enhance your appreciation for your work context.
2. Express gratitude to colleagues: Initiate expressing gratitude to colleagues for their support, guidance, or collaboration. A simple thank-you email or heartfelt appreciation can make a significant impact.
3. Act as a mentor or offer support: Offer mentorship and support to new employees or colleagues in need. Helping others cultivates a sense of gratitude and fulfillment while building positive relationships.
4. Practice mindfulness: Stay present at work to extend the positive aspects of your work life. Mindfulness helps you become more aware of moments of gratitude and enhances their impact over time.

Creating a culture of appreciation and gratitude has powerful implications for individuals and organisations. Understanding its dimensions and employing evidence-based strategies to cultivate gratitude can create unity, buffer against the negative impact of high job demands on well-being and performance, and can reignite motivation at work. By infusing gratitude into every aspect of work, organizations can create positive and fulfilling environments where individuals feel valued and teams can thrive.