Cultivating Gratitude is Good for Business (And You)

The science of gratitude and its impact on well-being and business performance is settled. Take time each day to cultivate gratitude for better engagement, performance, and overall well-being.

I’m writing this on the eve of November, a month well-known in the U.S. for Thanksgiving: a day of giving thanks and gratitude. The business community has embraced gratitude as a key action for improving everything from job satisfaction to overall productivity. Many of us have a gratitude practice or have been meaning to reboot an ongoing practice. I hope this article inspires you to cultivate gratitude in the workplace and at home.

The Science of Gratitude

Author Tracy Brower writes in Forbes about the science of gratitude. Consider these data points on the power of gratitude:

• A study published in Psychological Science found when people focused on being thankful, they were more able to demonstrate patience. (Patience is something we can all benefit from experiencing more of!)
• A study published in the Review of Communication found gratitude positively impacts our mental and emotional states (optimism is an example) as well as physical health.
• A study by Portland State University found that when people received more expressions of gratitude at work, they reported better sleep, fewer headaches, healthier eating, and more satisfaction with their jobs.

I don’t need to tell you that many of your employees suffer from depression, anxiety, and overall stress. We’ve been through a pandemic and all its side effects. Our work environments can be challenging to our mindset and well-being. Though we love remote work at Inspiring HR, it can be challenging for your employees. A recent article highlighted how remote workers are experiencing isolation and mental health dilemmas. Gratitude is not a panacea, but demonstrating gratitude to your team members can be a difference-maker on challenging days.

Cultivating Gratitude: One Thankful Moment at a Time

Our “icon” for Cultivating Gratitude at Inspiring HR is a gratitude jar. Try writing one thing you are grateful for daily, and place it in a jar. At the end of the month, read your gratitude notes. You’ll be amazed at how you feel.

Or, simply take a moment to reflect on one thing or person for whom you are grateful. Name what you are grateful for. (Don’t you feel better already?)

It’s easy to miss the good things in our business lives. After all, we’re paid to solve problems and create value: two things that are often hard to do! But don’t let the problems and what’s not working distract you from remembering what is working for you. Giving thanks and cultivating gratitude invites you to think and act with more patience, presence, and power.

Now that’s something to be grateful for!

Interested in other current employment trends? Click the link to view the recent blog: Drive Small Business Results with Six Simple Gratitude Practices or check back for more on human resources, payroll, insurance, and benefits.