Photograph: Adobe Stock
Thank Teams With Tangible Tokens of Recognition
Gifts, gift cards, celebrations and experiences
are tried-and-true ways to show individuals and teams that they are appreciated
for their hard work and loyalty. Need inspiration? Check out Northstar's
Corporate
Gift Guide for Holiday 2024.
The holiday season is the perfect time to consider how grateful we are for our jobs and for the people we work with. Follow these tips for practicing greater gratitude in the workplace to make employees and coworkers feel recognized and appreciated.
1. Start a culture of gratitude. Gratitude is a rare behavior in the workplace. Most people say they don't express it enough, but these same people are pleased when colleagues and bosses tell them they are appreciated.
2. Show gratitude for the little things. Thank people who hold the door open for you or buy you your favorite drink. Share how grateful you are to the colleagues who help you with work issues and projects.
3. Gratitude is good for you, as well as others. Expressing gratitude makes you feel good, and many people say they express gratitude to make other people feel better, too.
4. Being more grateful leads to greater psychological well-being. Gratitude can make you happier and improve relationships, and can help assuage negative thoughts.
5. Thank people for their overall work contributions. Studies show it is more effective for managers to express general thanks to employees for their overall contributions, rather than for thanking them for specific projects or actions.
6. Keep track of how often you experience gratitude. Count the number of times you observe yourself feeling grateful. Studies show that the more times you experience gratitude, the higher positive emotions you'll encounter.
7. Have your team share gratitude. Consider asking everyone to share at least one thing they are grateful for about working with individuals or the team.
8. When problems happen or things go wrong, focus on gratitude. Even in times of change or turmoil in the workplace, take time to consider everything you are grateful for. Look to learn from negative experiences.
9. Allow gratitude make you a better colleague. Look for ways to help others with their work problems. Be courteous and civil to everyone you work with and help new employees feel welcome as they settle into their positions.
Roy Saunderson is the retired chief learning officer at Engage2Excel.