The Benefits of Gratitude in the Workplace

By Julian Hayes II

Thanksgiving serves as a seasonal reminder to appreciate the good in our lives and extend gratitude to those around us. During the holiday season, people tend to be more pleasant, smiles are more abundant, and there’s often a noticeable boost in morale in the office. However, this uplifted mood can sometimes lead to a loss of focus. While Thanksgiving evokes gratitude, this mindset shouldn’t be reserved for just one season. Gratitude deserves a permanent place in our lives—especially concerning gratitude in the workplace.

Why Gratitude In The Workplace Matters

Gratitude isn’t hardwired into human nature or an innate part of most organizational cultures. However, research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience shows that gratitude is shapeable and moldable, meaning it can be cultivated at both individual and organizational levels. In today’s hyper-competitive business landscape, leaders seeking a competitive edge must prioritize optimizing their people. Gratitude is a powerful yet highly underutilized tool for achieving this.

Gratitude might be the workplace superpower leaders often overlook. Consider this: a study by Blueboard and Wakefield Research revealed that 67% of U.S. employees don’t feel appreciated at work. Further, a poll of 2,000 employees found that 59% have never had a manager who “truly appreciated” their efforts. While many organizations pour ample amounts of resources into perks and tools to improve culture, they often neglect the basics: ensuring their teams feel seen, heard, and valued. With that in mind, here are three key benefits of instilling gratitude in the workplace.

1. Gratitude Helps Recruiting and Retention

Competitive pay may attract top talent, but the intangibles—like feeling valued—often keep them. According to a Gallup and Workhuman study of more than 3,400 employees, those who received high-quality recognition were 45% less likely to leave their jobs over a two-year span. Gratitude, especially when personalized and consistent, signals to employees that their contributions are seen and appreciated. Chevron CEO Mike Wirth’s practice of writing handwritten notes to team members is an example of a simple yet meaningful small gesture that can further cement loyalty and strengthen organizational culture.

2. Gratitude Improves Employee Well-Being

Gratitude cascades overall well-being, influencing physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health. It amplifies positive emotions, which can lead to tangible health benefits such as reduced stress and improved sleep quality. Workplace fatigue is pervasive, but constructing a more grateful environment can help mitigate its impact. Research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found a positive link between gratitude and better sleep, highlighting yet another way gratitude supports employee health.

3. Gratitude Builds Team Resilience

Challenging goals often come with adversity and unexpected hurdles. Gratitude strengthens internal resilience by encouraging a focus on possibilities rather than problems. In teams, practicing gratitude during challenging times forges unity, improves dynamics, and builds connectivity. These stronger bonds translate into higher performance and a shared sense of purpose.

Gratitude Is A Year-Round Necessity

Gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition—it’s a cultural amplifier that impacts employee morale, loyalty, collaboration, productivity, and even conflict resolution. Leaders can start building more gratitude in the workplace today by consistently saying “thank you,” giving public recognition for achievements, offering personalized feedback, and showing genuine care for employees’ personal and professional lives. Most importantly, leaders must lead by example. Gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.

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