Sarah DeGrace, Author at Feldman Daxon Partners Inc.

In a world where deadlines, data, and constant change dominate the workplace, gratitude is a powerful practice that can be overlooked.

Often, gratitude is expressed during the holidays and on special occasions, but what if gratitude were more than an occasional nice-to-have?

What if it were the catalyst for building stronger teams, boosting resilience, and driving sustainable success?

Research shows that workplaces that practice gratitude experience:

Higher employee engagement: a 2024 study found that employees who feel recognized are 56% less likely to seek new opportunities and show 73% lower burnout rates.
Increased productivity: A thank-you from a manager can boost productivity by over 50%, according to research from Harvard and Wharton.
Improved mental well-being: gratitude practices have been linked to better sleep quality and lower risk of depression.

When leaders model appreciation, it encourages others to do the same and it becomes contagious.

This ripple effect strengthens relationships and creates a culture where employees feel valued.

They know what they do matters and who they are matters. Other benefits of practicing gratitude include:

Feeling appreciated boosts psychological safety and emotional strength.

Teams that regularly express gratitude are better equipped to navigate change because they experience a stronger sense of support and connection.

Genuine appreciation signals that contributions are recognized and valued.

This creates an environment where trust is high, teams communicate openly, share ideas, and recover from setbacks faster.

Expressions of gratitude shift the focus from individual wins to collective success.

When team members recognize each other’s contributions, it strengthens cohesion and reinforces shared purpose.

Employees who feel valued are more engaged, productive, and committed.

Gratitude creates positive momentum that fuels performance.

Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Practical ways to show appreciation include:

Specific, Genuine Praise: Go beyond ‘great job’ by highlighting specific actions that made a difference.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize progress, effort and actions along the way to the final goal; it’s a motivation booster.
Balance Public and Private Recognition: Mix up gestures of appreciation based on employees’ preferences. Team meeting shout-outs, individual messages, and even handwritten personal notes are all options. Balance ensures everyone receives the appreciation they deserve.
Create Rituals: Add gratitude to regular meetings or project reviews and create routines to express appreciation; consistency keeps gratitude alive year-round.
Back Words with Action: Action-focused appreciation combined with words is powerful; be attuned to team members’ needs by providing practical support and resources and by being an advocate for their growth and visibility.
Practice Self-Gratitude: Encourage team members to acknowledge their efforts and celebrate personal wins by regularly reflecting on progress and recognizing times of perseverance and going the extra mile. Self-gratitude boosts confidence, and confident employees boost the entire team.

Gratitude is more than making people feel good; it’s a proven performance driver.

When employees feel valued, they’re more engaged, collaborative, and motivated.

Especially during times of uncertainty or change, appreciation can be a stabilizing force that helps organizations thrive.

It creates a sense of belonging, reminding employees that their contributions matter.

Is there a team member who comes to mind while reading this? Why not send a quick message of appreciation right now?

A small action can have a lasting impact.