Introduction to Gratitude
The first thing Alison C. Jones does when she wakes up is to name three things she’s grateful for. It can be as simple as the breeze from a fan or as meaningful as the way a friend showed up for her emotionally. Jones, an organizational development consultant, said the daily practice has helped her through hardships and the anxiety and vulnerability of starting her own business as a single mom.
The Power of Gratitude
“When you practice gratitude, you train your brain to always look for the positive in anything. It just completely shifts everything you’re going through,” she said. “You start to see the lessons in the pain. You start to see the beauty in the very difficult times because you realize, ‘Hey, I’m growing stronger.’” Practicing and encouraging gratitude can be a simple way to boost morale at a time when layoffs and economic uncertainty are causing stress and anxiety. Some employers have found that workers who receive expressions of gratitude show more engagement and willingness to help others.
Benefits of Gratitude
Other proponents say expressing and receiving appreciation can help reduce stress, as well as improve a person’s mood and outlook. But despite its benefits, promoting gratefulness is often overlooked as a valuable way to spend time and resources in the workplace. Experts in organizational change shared ways to incorporate more gratitude into the workday.
Starting Small
If you’re new to practicing gratitude, you can start at home with a routine such as Jones’ custom of expressing gratitude before getting out of bed. She made her gratitude practice easy so it would become a sustainable habit. Her one rule is avoiding repetition and stretching her mind to find new things to be grateful for each day. Jones also recommends finding a “gratitude buddy” to share with. A buddy may be a friend from work or your social circles, and ideas can be exchanged in person, by text or email, or during a phone call. Many people find it helpful to list what they’re grateful for in a journal.
Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace
At work, a team leader can begin a staff meeting by expressing gratitude for what went well in the last week, suggested Peter Bonanno, a consultant who helps companies design mindfulness-based programs. As humans, we often have a bias toward negativity, but gratitude “just does an enormous amount to shift people’s mindsets and the way they engage with each other,” he said. “Gratitude is especially powerful in that way. It doesn’t take a long time for people to notice an impact.” O.C. Tanner Institute, a software and service company, helps organizations find effective ways to show appreciation to their employees, such as managers giving handwritten notes of thanks.
Taking it Further
The company helped American Airlines develop a system for managers and colleagues to recognize good work with points that can be applied to a catalog order. It also helped Amway create gift boxes to celebrate workers’ accomplishments and important personal milestones, such as buying a home or adopting a child. “Recognition impacts so many facets of the employee experience. And when you do it well, it connects people back to a deep sense of purpose and meaning,” said Meghan Stettler, a director at O.C. Tanner. Some companies donate their own products to thank nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters and other workers who serve their communities. Frontline Builders, a nonprofit organization launched during the pandemic, connects donors of snacks, drinks and personal care items with recipients.
Work for Change
While practicing gratitude may make for a more pleasant on-the-job environment, it’s not a replacement for better working conditions. It’s good to be grateful to have a job that pays the bills. It’s also important to ask for what’s fair. “Being grateful absolutely doesn’t mean that we accept anything subpar or inappropriate,” Jones said, adding that people should advocate for basic needs such as meal breaks. “It’s important not to confuse gratitude with being passive.”
Conclusion
Expressing gratitude can have a profound impact on both personal and professional life. By incorporating gratitude practices into daily routines, individuals can shift their mindset, improve their mood, and increase their resilience. Organizations can also benefit from promoting gratitude, as it can lead to increased employee engagement, improved morale, and a more positive work environment. Whether it’s through simple practices like journaling or more structured programs like employee recognition initiatives, gratitude can be a powerful tool for transforming work and life.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of practicing gratitude?
A: Practicing gratitude can help reduce stress, improve mood and outlook, and increase resilience. It can also lead to increased employee engagement and improved morale in the workplace.
Q: How can I start practicing gratitude?
A: Start by expressing gratitude for three things each day, either in a journal or to a friend or family member. You can also find a "gratitude buddy" to share with and exchange ideas.
Q: Can gratitude be used in the workplace?
A: Yes, gratitude can be used in the workplace to improve morale, increase employee engagement, and promote a positive work environment. Team leaders can express gratitude for what went well in the last week, and organizations can implement employee recognition initiatives to show appreciation for employees’ hard work.
Q: Is gratitude a replacement for better working conditions?
A: No, gratitude is not a replacement for better working conditions. It’s important to advocate for fair treatment and basic needs such as meal breaks, while also practicing gratitude for what you have.
By CATHY BUSSEWITZ
NEW YORK (AP) —
Originally Published: June 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM EDT
