Practicing positivity and gratitude at work can be beneficial to your mental health and your work itself. Research on gratitude has exploded over the past two decades; results so far link it 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.
It can feel strange and uncomfortable to practice positivity and gratitude, especially during a tumultuous time like a pandemic, but doing so can build a culture of gratitude and appreciation that can transform our work lives, leading to deeper connections to each other and to the work we’re doing. One study, for example, found that gratitude journaling for as little as 15 minutes was enough to boost positive emotions.
It’s important to understand that these practices must be understood by the work culture. Meaning that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and the company should be aware that not every displays positivity and gratitude in the same ways. It’s also important that the company itself integrates these practices into the work culture itself. It should start at the top and trickle down so that even the leaders are embracing these practices.
Here are some ways you can practice positivity and gratitude at work:
- write thank you notes and emails
- compliment a colleague or report
- create a digital gratitude folder of things you are proud of or nice emails you’ve gotten
- spend a little time each morning jotting down the things you like about your job
- recognize (publicly or privately) your employee’s work
- surprise your team with lunch or a special treat
- recognize efforts even if things don’t go as planned
- be respectful of everyone’s time, including your own
- talk to your supervisor about implementing a more positive and grateful company culture
