Imagine a workplace where employees feel appreciated, valued and motivated to contribute their best every day. The power of gratitude can make this vision a reality.
Tramaine EL-Amin
Vice President, Mental Health First Aid
At its core, gratitude refers to a “state of thankfulness” or a “state of being grateful.” Research shows that practicing gratitude for 15 minutes a day, five days a week, for at least six weeks can enhance mental well-being and may promote a lasting change in perspective.
Practicing gratitude can also act as a protective factor against the impact of mental health challenges. The Mental Health First Aid curriculum defines a protective factor as “something that decreases the chances of a person being adversely affected by a circumstance or disorder.”
In the workplace, where stress and deadlines can weigh heavily, gratitude acts as a buffer, reducing the impact of mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness, and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms.
Why gratitude matters at work
In a survey of 2,000 employees, 70% reported that they would feel better about themselves if their boss were more grateful, and 81% said that they would work harder for a grateful boss. The research also shows that while employees wish for more gratitude at work, they are more likely to receive gratitude almost anywhere else.
Gratitude in the workplace fosters a culture of appreciation among colleagues and strengthens relationships, while equipping teams to better navigate challenges when they arise. In the workplace, it can:
- Enhance team morale, collaboration and engagement
- Reduce stress and burnout
- Boost productivity and creativity
- Cultivate a sense of belonging and psychological safety
Tips for practicing gratitude at work
- Be intentional and specific: Throughout the day, many of us mechanically say, “thank you.” The next time you go to say, “thank you,” communicate exactly what you are thankful for. For example, if a colleague provided you with meaningful feedback on a draft of your work, you could say, “Thank you for dedicating time to review my work and provide me with thoughtful feedback to improve my draft.”
- Incorporate gratitude into daily routines: Simple gestures like starting meetings with positive acknowledgements of your colleagues’ contributions to the workplace can make a difference. Recognize milestones — big and small — and make time to celebrate them, whether it’s a birthday, a work anniversary or a promotion.
- Model gratitude as a leader: Leaders set the tone for workplace dynamics and culture. An acknowledgement of thanks from senior leaders and managers can set off a chain reaction, making other colleagues more likely to pass on appreciation to others.
- Prioritize well-being: Boost employee well-being and enhance team dynamics by promoting mental health resources. Programs like Mental Health First Aid at Work help organizations integrate gratitude and mental health awareness into their cultures. By fostering psychological safety and reducing stigma, they empower employees to show up as their full selves and seek support when they need it.
By integrating gratitude and mental health awareness into workplace culture, organizations can create environments where employees thrive. Start small — say a heartfelt, specific “thank you” today and watch the ripple effects of positivity. For more information on implementing gratitude and supporting mental health in the workplace, you can view Turning Challenges into Triumphs, a recent webinar hosted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
