Don’t we all love to be appreciated and recognized for the hard work we do? Whether it be in our personal lives or at work, it always feels good to be seen and heard. Building a workplace culture with gratitude does not have to be difficult! In our blog below, we cover why culture with gratitude is crucial in the workplace. 🤝🏼

Why Workplace Culture is Important

A strong culture sets the workplace tone and influences every element of an organization’s success. It can help build the identity of a brand or business, and can directly influence a sense of purpose, mission, and belonging across employees. We know that a strong culture motivates employees to do better work, but it is also important because it can allow employees to: 

• Feel more engaged with the team
• Focus on the large collective goal and mission
• Feel more motivated in their role
• Maintain a more positive mindset
• Maintain better mental and physical well-being
• Bounce back from a challenge or obstacle quickly

3 Reasons Why Workplace Gratitude is Beneficial 

Why should we appreciate our employees? The answer is that everyone wants to feel noticed and appreciated for their hard work, employees included! The best part about employee appreciation is that it is completely free and you can give it whenever you’d like! Below, we have 3 additional reasons why employee recognition is needed for your company. 

1. Employee Retention

The happier the employees are, the more they will want to stay at their jobs! Talent retention is important for a good company environment. 

2. Strong Company Culture 

We all want to work for a company that has good vibes and high energy! Employee engagement makes the culture of a company and appreciation for your employees appreciation can help boost company vibes. 

3. Increase in Inspiration: 

When employees are acknowledged, they will feel more motivated to keep up with their work ethic. Employee appreciation will push them to feel inspired and be more productive! 

Tips for Showing Gratitude in the Workplace

For many of us, writing an appreciation message is not always easy. Here are 3 tips to help guide you in writing your message!

1. Be professional 

Keep in mind that your message is still workplace-related, while humour is always appreciated, 

keep it professional! 

2. Personalize the message!

No one wants a cookie-cutter thank-you message - it is obvious and not always effective! Make sure to use specific examples and customize the message to the person. 

‍3. Add detail

To make your message more meaningful, reflect on the examples you used and explain how is has made an impact on you.

10 Ways to Show Gratitude to Employees

Celebrations can be hard to plan, but we got you! Here are 10 ideas for you to show your gratitude to your employees: 

1. Kudos Channel in Slack: 

Dedicate a channel in your team Slack for acknowledging employees and their work throughout the year!

2. Gratitude Email Train:

‍Start a gratitude email to someone and CC the entire team. Encourage them to keep the email train going by paying it forward to someone CC-ed that they appreciate.

‍3. Throw a Small Company Party!

What better way to celebrate than good food and happy vibes? Throw a small company lunch party for your employees!

‍4. Promote Work-Life Balance:

‍Demonstrate gratitude for employees' commitment and hard work by providing flexible work arrangements. This flexibility shows appreciation for their personal needs and fosters a culture of trust.

‍5. Employee Happy Hour

What is the best hour? Happy hour! Go celebrate Employee Appreciation Day by grabbing a couple of drinks with your employees after work. 

‍6. Company Swag Box

From gift cards to company merch, giving a small gift to your employees is a great way to show a token of appreciation. 

7. Handwritten note or eCard

A handwritten note can go a long way when showing appreciation, write one for your employees to show gratitude!‍

8. Virtual Happy Hour

With many companies working remotely, having a virtual team bonding can help strengthen team synergy and build employee engagement.

9. Lead by Example:

When we model the spirit of gratitude, it encourages others to do the same. We can demonstrate gratitude by expressing appreciation for employees' efforts and contributions openly, especially in front of others.

10. Share Stories of Appreciation:

Regularly share stories that highlight employees' achievements and how their efforts contribute to the organization's success in team or company-wide meetings. 

One-Sentence Employee Appreciation Quotes

Who doesn’t love a short and sweet compliment? Send a one-sentence appreciation quote to your employees to instantly boost their mood!

1. Thank you for everything you do.
2. We value your contributions to the team.
3. All your hard work does not go unnoticed. 
4. Your work speaks for itself.
5. Your unique skillset sets you apart.
6. You’ve been so helpful on this project, thanks!
7. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
8. Your commitment inspires us all.
9. You make a difference every day.
10. Your professionalism is commendable.

Employees are the backbone of any good company, so make sure you are showing gratitude to your employees! Follow the 3 tips we have included in our blog to ensure you are using the best practices when showing appreciation. If you’re stuck on how to show gratitude, use one of the 10 ideas we have listed above. Have fun fostering a fun workplace culture with gratitude! 🎁