Melody Beattie once said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
In the ebb and flow of business life, it’s easy to reserve gratitude for the holiday season—the time of year traditionally earmarked for giving thanks. But what if we were to extend this spirit of gratitude throughout the year, making it a cornerstone of our daily work culture?
Showing appreciation to employees transcends the confines of calendar dates. It is a year-round commitment that nurtures not only the individuals within the company but also the company itself. Here’s why gratitude is integral to organizational success and how we can effectively convey it to our employees at any time of the year.
1. Acknowledge Accomplishments Promptly
When a job is well done, immediate recognition is the most authentic response. It shows that leaders are attentive and genuinely value the efforts of their employees. A global software company exemplified this by starting each week with a shout-out in their company-wide meeting, celebrating team members who made significant contributions the previous week. This timely acknowledgment confirms that excellence is not just noticed; it is celebrated, thereby reinforcing a positive impact.
2. Write a Thank-You Note
In an age where communication is often fleeting and transient, a written thank-you note can have a lasting effect. When employees at a well-known retail chain reached their annual targets, each received a handwritten note from their store manager expressing genuine thanks for their hard work and dedication. This personal touch did more than any bonus ever could—it made employees feel seen, valued, and truly part of a team.
3. Thank Your Team Publicly
Public recognition can amplify an employee’s sense of achievement. A healthcare corporation utilizes its monthly newsletter to highlight employees who have gone the extra mile. This not only fosters a sense of pride among employees but also demonstrates to the entire organization that their efforts can and will be placed front and center. In addition, featuring employee accomplishments on social media brings recognition beyond the organization, enhancing their professional reputation.
4. Celebrate Traditions
Celebrating company traditions helps create a sense of belonging and camaraderie. An international consulting firm hosts an annual ‘Legacy Day,’ where they honor long-serving employees and celebrate the milestones achieved throughout the year. This tradition not only recognizes the commitment and loyalty of their employees but also serves as an inspiration to newer team members.
5. Treat the Team
Sometimes, a simple gesture of providing a meal or a coffee break can be a powerful way to show gratitude. A tech startup made waves when it introduced ‘Waffle Wednesdays,’ a day when the leadership team would serve breakfast to the staff. This small but regular treat became a weekly highlight for the employees, giving them something to look forward to and a casual setting to engage with senior management.
Conclusion
Why is it so important to show appreciation outside of the holidays? Because gratitude should not be limited to a season; it’s a culture. Gratitude is the lens through which you can view your daily operations, turning routine into recognition, challenges into triumphs, and a collection of individuals into a cohesive, thriving community.
Gratitude is not just about saying thank you; it’s about demonstrating that every member of the team is valued and integral to the success of the organization. It’s a way to turn every day into an opportunity to make an employee feel as if they truly belong to something greater than themselves.
As you navigate the complexities of business, remember that gratitude is the glue that binds you all together. It is the recognition that every role is significant, every contribution matters, and every person is worth celebrating. By incorporating gratitude into your organizational fabric, you not only create a positive work environment but also construct a vision for a future built on the foundation of mutual appreciation and respect.
Commit to fostering an enduring culture of gratitude, where you turn our collective efforts into a symphony of shared success. It is through gratitude that you find clarity in your mission, peace in your day-to-day interactions, and a vision that propels you toward a brighter, more cohesive tomorrow.
We Can Help
LaMarsh Global’s change management model is designed to guide organizations through this complex process, ensuring that change is implemented and embraced by those it impacts.
Check out LaMarsh’s transformation management training and certification opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact us for more information.
