In the middle of a pandemic, with so many preoccupations about health and economic hardship, it can be hard to think about gratitude. While 2020 has been a difficult year, it’s important, as a leader, to cultivate a culture of gratitude in your work place. It’s easy to look at gratitude as something that, yeah, it’s nice to have but really doesn’t make a difference in your work place. Well, it’s time to think again…

Showing gratitude and being thankful are more than just a good qualities to have. Gratitude has a positive effect in mental health, reduces stress, and can help a person sleep better. Besides being important for each person individually, gratitude also has great benefits in the professional world. The benefits of creating a culture of gratitude in the work place include:

• Greater job satisfaction
• Higher productivity
• Better employee retention
• More team motivation
• Closer employee relationships
• Increased collaboration

As a leader, the culture starts with you. If you are quick to show gratitude and how thankful you are, it becomes part of the culture. Your example as a leader invites others to follow your example of gratitude. Start by implementing small habits in your life to show gratitude. Sometimes simple gestures like always saying “thank you” are the best way to bring gratitude into your work place.

It’s important to recognize the efforts of your employees. Go the extra mile and show your thanks for your employees’ efforts. Thank them one-on-one and make it a company-wide occasion to recognize the achievements of your employees. Host holiday parties or offer other gifts/perks to show your appreciation for your team.

Make it easy for your employees to show gratitude. For example, give employees a chance to nominate one member of your team each month to recognize their efforts. This could be an award for their performance or for exemplifying one of your company’s core values.

Sometimes the easiest way to feel gratitude is to slow down and take time to reflect on all that is good in your life. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and life in general. Take a moment to reflect on all the things you have in your life. Once you are able to do that, invite your team to do the same.