Receiving and expressing gratitude makes people feel happy and fulfilled. It’s a reciprocal act that serves as the basis of any strong, healthy relationship – personal or professional.
In the words of business mogul Sir Richard Branson, founder of more than 400 companies, “I have always believed that the way you treat your employees is the way they will treat your customers and that people flourish when they are praised.”
Expressing gratitude at work:
Enhances Employee Performance
Gratitude is a highly effective way to build a team of top performers who will stay with your organization. According to the Journal of Psychological Science, gratitude has a positive influence on the relationship between managers and their direct reports.
- Not surprisingly, when employees feel their work is appreciated and that they’re bosses trust them, they become more loyal to their company. As a result, they’re more motivated and much less likely to quit.
- When asked, “What is the most important thing your manager or company does that causes you to produce great work?” 33 percent of employees surveyed said more personal recognition would encourage them to consistently deliver high performance.
Builds Job Satisfaction
Additional research has shown that employees who feel part of a workplace culture that promotes gratitude experience greater levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being.
- Gratitude is contagious. When people get in the habit of expressing it to one another, such toxic, disruptive behaviors as covert infighting and passive-aggressiveness decrease. Rather than retaliating when given negative feedback, employees choose to cooperate to solve problems.
- A study reported in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that when you express gratitude to your employees, they perceive you as more responsive and caring. This, in turn, leads them to express greater concern both for you and your organization.
Is Good for Business
Last but not least, this all adds up to better business outcomes. In a study called Make Recognition Count, Bersin by Deloitte found that companies with well-established recognition programs are 12 percent more likely to realize stronger results.
How to Do It
If your company doesn’t have a formal employee recognition program, start one. Make it a priority, and don’t let it slip to the back burner. Whether it’s a monthly award, a quarterly staff appreciation event, or an ongoing “caught you in the act” process, keep it going strong – at the basis of your winning organizational culture.
For more tips on building recognition program, improving your culture, and growing and developing your industry-leading workforce, contact the talent management experts at PrideStaff Modesto today.
