In the workplace, practicing the miracle of gratitude year-round can transform the atmosphere and inspire employees. “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see,” says Dr. Robert Holden. Want to foster a grateful workplace? Here are four ways to get started.
Be grateful for each other.
Never underestimate the power of “thank you.” You don’t need to reserve your gratitude for only the big things. Take the time to thank the coworker who changed the water cooler jug or filled the paper in the copy machine. No one is immune to the power of a heartfelt thank you. You can thank your boss, your subordinate or your teammate. The whole office will reap the results of a positive atmosphere of appreciation.
Lend a helping hand.
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day office tasks. We all have a job to do, but you can lend a hand to a coworker who is struggling. Knowing you are there to help can go a long way to someone who is stressed out. If you’ve got that down, how about reaching outside of your workplace to help? Get involved with your community through service projects or pro bono work that will add perspective to your typical work days. At Fresh, we work with a number of nonprofits to keep us grounded and grateful.
Practice thankfulness for your customers.
Your clients and customers could have chosen anyone, but they chose you. Whether together or individually, take time out to list what you enjoy about them. Include the opportunities for growth presented and the feedback gleaned from your diverse clientele. The next time you’re dealing with miscommunications or missteps, pull out that list and remember your job exists because they do.
Maintain a positive work-life balance.
Creating an atmosphere of thankfulness in the workplace often depends on finding a positive balance between work and life outside of the office. When you encourage and celebrate non-work-related hobbies, like we do when SEO Manager Aaron runs another marathon or IT and Assets Manager Scott returns from an Elvis festival, you are showing you appreciate your coworkers beyond what they do in the office. The spirit of gratitude flows easily in a workplace full of well-rounded employees who have found a positive work-life balance.
Gratitude has the power to transform workplaces and employees, allowing people to enjoy their jobs in a deeper, more authentic way. By following these tips, you’ll see marked improvements in your workplace’s atmosphere and productivity. We’d love to hear how it goes for you. Contact us here to let us know.
