Daily Gratitude Improves Work Culture
I think for many success seems like a far away dream, something they want so badly, but don't truly believe it can be achieved. But the truth is success is available for everyone, if you decide you truly want it.
Right now I'm sure you are saying, what is she talking about, of course I want to be successful! Yes, you want it, but do you truly believe you can have whatever it is that you want? Our minds are an amazing thing and once we make a connection to what we want, believe it is ours, nothing can stop it from happening.
But how can I connect to what I want? It starts with gratitude. Being thankful for all that is happening in your life, the good and the bad, is the first step to freeing you from negative thoughts. In a recent Harvard article about gratitude, the author noted, "Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power." When we are grateful we expand what is possible and we believe anything is possible, effectively changing the way our brain thinks and functions.
Gratitude as Part of Business Culture
Traditionally gratitude has not played a large role in business. It is an overlooked and inexpensive way to make a work environment feel closer and build solid engagement. One study showed that the simple act of gratitude created more feelings of belonging - a critical component to workplace satisfaction.
In the article "How Gratitude Can Transform Your Workplace" it shares that studies link workplace gratitude to more positive emotions, less stress and fewer health complaints, a greater sense that we can achieve our goals, fewer sick days, and higher satisfaction with our jobs and our coworkers. When employees feel better about their workplace, they show up more, they are more focused and are excited about their work - improving productivity and business performance.
Four Ways to Incorporate Gratitude Into Your Teams Today
Start/end meetings with gratitude moments
Give your team time each day to practice 10 minutes of mindfulness and breathing
Use a visibility wall to log appreciation moments by the team each week and chat about them during daily huddles and team meetings
Build opportunities for teams to recognize other team members for their contributions
