By Larry Moliterno
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – How often do you pause to thank the people who keep your company running?
It’s no secret that today’s workforce has different expectations compared to previous generations. The old assumption of loyalty between employer and employee is fading, ultimately affecting staff retention. In the face of these challenges, it’s easy for business leaders to get frustrated, distracted, or lose sight of the gratitude they feel for the team members driving the business forward.
During stressful times especially, we tend to overlook what we’re grateful for and focus on the negative.
But gratitude is a powerful aspect of leadership that is often neglected. As a Vietnamese proverb says, “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” This simple wisdom reminds us to cultivate gratitude not just in our personal lives but in the workplace as well.
Here are practical ways to create a culture of gratitude in your organization.
Keep a Gratitude Journal or List
Take the time to write down three things you’re grateful for each day (or each week). Change starts at the top. So when you’re more mindful of the good things in your life, that positivity naturally flows down to your employees and, ultimately, to your clients.
Write Thank-You Cards
Handwritten notes feel more personal and meaningful than emails or texts. While a digital thank-you is still valuable (acknowledgment of any kind is still better than none), there’s something special about holding a card someone took the time to write out. But don’t just write anything – be specific. “Thanks for working hard” doesn’t have the same ring as “Thank you for taking the lead during our quarterly meeting. I was truly impressed with how prepared you were. Not only did it run smoothly, but the wins you listed at the beginning really helped to set the tone and motivate everyone. Your hard work is appreciated and noticed.” That extra effort goes quite a long way.
Employee Appreciation Team
Form a dedicated team that works with leadership to create opportunities for expressing gratitude and strengthening workplace culture. This team can bridge the gap between leadership and the broader staff, gather feedback, and understand what makes employees feel valued.
Make Space for Gratitude
Whether it’s a virtual platform or physical space where employees can share praise, or starting meetings by asking everyone to share “something good,” you can set the tone that gratitude is encouraged. Public displays of appreciation help foster a supportive, positive environment.
The benefits of embedding gratitude into the workplace culture go beyond a happier workforce. Employees who feel appreciated tend to have better mental health, reduced stress and a clearer understanding of their value to the company. This, in turn, leads to stronger relationships with supervisors and colleagues, boosting employee retention by fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment.
A culture of gratitude extends to your customers. When employees feel valued, it’s reflected in interactions with clients, leading to better customer service and greater customer loyalty.
Don’t forget that gratitude applies to your personal life, too. Take a moment to acknowledge those who have supported you through life’s challenges. Send a note or make a call to that friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. Reach out to the mentors who guided you on your career path.
When you enjoy the fruits of your success – whether personal or professional – take a moment to remember who planted the tree.
Larry Moliterno is CEO of Meridian Healthcare.