Top 5 Benefits Of Gratitude On Workplace Wellness

The benefits of gratitude are qualitative in nature. Human emotions, behaviors, desires, etc., are immaterial spirits. Deciphering them from our regular or day-to-day life will essentially reduce the essence of humankind.

The word ‘gratitude’ comes from the Latin word gratia, which means graciousness or gratefulness. Being grateful is a reciprocal behavior to something or someone's help, achievement, or hard work. It encourages one to deeply acknowledge the goodness in one's life by also leaving a deep impression on the other person.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
- William Arthur Ward.

Gratitude fosters humility and develops a sense of care and appreciation amongst employees. It infuses a sense of behavior that is imperative in today's workplace culture.

Benefits of Gratitude on Employees

The benefits of gratitude are wide-ranging from physical to mental or spiritual levels. The act of kindness is like a cycle that can develop better intellectual, cognitive behavioral health and techniques.

Showing gratitude in the workplace does not have to be a huge gesture like a promotion but a little affirmation for their daily efforts or work. Sometimes it can be as simple as making time to say thanks face-to-face.

In other words, it eradicates communication gaps and enhances employee productivity resulting in improved well-being at work. By making someone feel valued with a "Thank you"; is a sign of a positive work environment.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.
- John F. Kennedy.

Here are some listed benefits of gratitude on both individual and group levels:

• Improves prosocial behaviors
• Strengthens relationships and bonds at work
• Increases happiness and positive thoughts
• Enhances effectiveness at work
• Increases job satisfaction
• Improves sleep quality
• Control emotional regulation
• Reduce stress, burnout, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Resiliency, etc

How can Gratitude improve your Behavioral Health?

According to Robert A. Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California Davis, gratitude "blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret and depression, which can destroy our happiness. […] It's impossible to feel envious and grateful at the same time."

Your appreciation adds value to your co-worker's life. It bestows a sense of satisfaction at both ends and also helps to set a positive example for others at the office. Indirectly, kindness and gratitude boost employee morale and positivity.

There are many ways of saying thank you. It can even be by making a cup of coffee or putting up a thank-you message on a sticky note on their desk.

But, two best ways for employers to show gratitude and benefits to their employees includes:

1. Employee Rewards and Recognition

Rewards and recognition are an important part of modern-day company culture. They have been the driving factor behind a company's success and greater employee experience.

According to Cicero, 69% of employees work harder if they feel that their efforts are being recognized at the office. Through rewards and recognition platforms, one can be appreciated or rewarded publicly for their best works. Moreover, it creates an employee-centric work culture that values individual work and advocacy.

2. Employee health and wellness

Another way of saying thank you to your employee can be simply introducing corporate wellness programs. It will help employees lead a healthier lifestyle for better productivity and increased motivation at work.

Employees can be shown gratitude by taking care of their well-being and wellness. And by complementing on their health and wellness with monetary and non-monetary rewards.

Vantage Fit offers a great solution for the corporate world by providing a cost-effective alternative to onsite wellness facilities. It incorporates physical health and well-being solutions for employees and mental, behavioral, and spiritual wellness as well.

5 Benefits Of Gratitude on Wellness and Wellbeing at Work

An active culture of appreciation tends to improve mental health and wellness at work.

The American Psychological Association (APA) in "2016 Work and Well-Being Survey." suggests, "Workers who say their employer makes them feel valued are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and motivated to do their best," according to the report.
But the benefits go beyond general engagement, improving health and wellness outcomes: "Those who feel valued are also more likely to say they regularly participate in their employer's wellness programs … and less likely to report chronic work stress or intent to leave the organization in the next year."

Here are the 5 great of benefits of gratitude at the workplace :

1.Expressing gratitude can improve mental health at work

People who regularly express gratitude lead a positive life. They are usually more happy both physically and mentally. Besides, they chuck out stress, overcome depression and manage anger easily.

2. Gratitude improves positive thinking at work

Showing gratitude is a sign of good behavioral health. It improvises positive thinking and a new outlook towards both personal and professional life.
Positive thinking helps individuals unleash their tremendous potential inside the mind. It broadens one’s perspective and helps improve behaviors.

Read our blog on: 21 Positive Thinking Ideas For A Workplace To Encourage

3. Sharing gratitude removes social challenges at work

There can be different kinds of social challenges that can hamper the work environment. Moreover, it leads to a negative work environment affecting your employee's progress and mental health.

But, one of the greatest benefits of gratitude is that it makes one feel more loved and more connected. It creates a work environment of sensibility along with dignity in inclusiveness, and diversity.

4. Practicing gratitude can improve your physical health

People who are active and outwardly are likely to be engaged in good physical health activities. They have higher energy levels, fewer behavioral health issues, and a stronger immune system for which they are physically and mentally more agile.

5. Sign of being mindful at work

In positive psychology research, gratitude is associated with mindfulness. Gratitude helps people cultivate positive emotions, relish good experiences or build strong relationships.

Expressing gratitude is a sign of mindfulness. And, mindfulness is one great element of workplace wellness. In fact, mindfulness meditation helps employees focus on the present moment and perform better at work.

Related: 105 Mindfulness Quotes For Employees Health And Wellness

Conclusion

The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.
- William James.

Gratitude is a spirit that we need to cultivate in our everyday life. It is a feeling that must come from within.

Acknowledgments largely disconnects a workplace from toxic or negative environments. Hence, it helps employees to share happiness explicitly; also creates an accomplished and more satisfied work-life.

The practice of appreciation trains the brain to be more in tune with positive emotions, success, retention, and productivity at work. Thus, by knowing the benefits of gratitude, a normal workplace can truly evolve into a great workplace.