NEW YORK — As she begins each day, Alison C. Jones, an organizational development consultant, has made it a tradition to identify three things she’s grateful for. This daily ritual, which can be as straightforward as appreciating the coolness from a fan or as significant as cherishing a friend’s emotional support, has been a source of strength for her during challenging times and the anxiety of venturing into entrepreneurship as a single mother.
Jones emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude on one’s perception and experience, stating, “By practicing gratitude, you condition your brain to recognize the positive aspects in every situation. This change in mindset allows you to perceive growth in adversity and beauty even amidst trials.” In a period marked by layoffs and economic instability, fostering and practicing gratitude can serve as a morale booster, alleviating stress and anxiety. It has been observed that employees who experience acknowledgment and appreciation are more engaged and likely to assist colleagues, according to some workplace studies.
Despite its advantages, many organizations overlook gratitude’s role in managing resources and time. Experts in organizational change are advocating for more gratitude-driven practices within the workforce.
For newcomers to gratitude, starting at home with simple routines, like Jones’ habit of articulating gratitude upon waking, is recommended. She intentionally avoids repetition, challenging herself to identify new blessings daily. Finding a “gratitude buddy” at work or within social circles, with whom one can share reflections through various mediums, can enhance the gratitude experience. Journaling one’s thanks is another effective method.
Incorporating gratitude into the workplace can be straightforward. Peter Bonanno, a consultant specializing in mindfulness-based company programs, suggests that leaders open meetings by acknowledging the successes of the prior week. This adjustment in focus can help shift natural human tendencies toward negativity to a more constructive mindset, enhancing interpersonal connections and engagement. Gratitude’s effects are often quickly noticeable.
O.C. Tanner Institute aids companies in recognizing employees’ contributions, such as through handwritten notes of thanks from managers. American Airlines, with their assistance, created a system where employees can earn recognition points, redeemable in a catalog. Similarly, Amway celebrates staff successes and personal milestones with gift boxes. “Effective recognition connects individuals to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning,” said Meghan Stettler, a director at O.C. Tanner.
Some companies extend gratitude to health workers, law enforcement, and emergency personnel by donating products. Frontline Builders, a nonprofit born during the pandemic, provides snacks, drinks, and care items to these community servants. Jason Lalak of Frontline Builders highlights that gratitude is invaluable, yet it should not be a rare commodity.
Registered nurse Denise Wittsell fondly remembers receiving community-sent tokens—snacks and child-made cards—during the pandemic’s silence-filled days at Denver Health, which had limited visitors. She appreciated these spontaneous gestures as they provided a comforting sense of support.
Wittsell is a volunteer with Denver Health’s RESTORE program, created to maintain the emotional health of its staff by linking them with trained peer responders for confidential support. According to program director Tia Henry, volunteers are available 24/7 to support colleagues dealing with difficult situations, such as losing patients or experiencing workplace violence. Gratitude is a recurring sentiment expressed for the program’s existence.
This initiative also educates employees on managing stress, preventing burnout, and handling violence. RESTORE doesn’t offer counseling but employs psychological first-aid principles to stabilize distressed workers, allowing them to either resume their duties or take needed time off.
Meanwhile, the Indy Public Safety Foundation in Indianapolis recognizes frontline workers like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics with awards, training sessions, and by personally acknowledging their efforts post-crisis. They further provide these workers with practical tools, like e-bikes for police patrols. Despite initial pandemic-era applause, continued support remains vital, as indicated by Dane Nutty, the organization’s president and CEO.
Still, while gratitude can enhance the work environment, it cannot replace the necessity for better working conditions. Jones advises balancing gratitude with advocacy for fair treatment, such as the right to regular breaks and other basic needs. “Gratitude should not equate to accepting subpar conditions or passivity,” she explains.