Creating a Culture with Gratitude

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 supportive culture can help set the workplace tone. It can help build the identity of a brand or business and support a sense of purpose, mission, and belonging across employees. It may also help 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

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! A sincere spoken or written thank-you needs no gift budget; optional gifts and organised events take resources and planning. Below, we have 3 additional reasons why employee recognition is needed for your company. 

1. Employee Retention

Feeling appreciated may be one reason employees 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! Showing appreciation can be one way to make support for colleagues part of everyday work. 

3. Increase in Inspiration: 

Acknowledging a specific contribution can offer encouragement and show employees what you value. 

CIPD’s engagement guidance notes that most engagement studies show correlation, not causation. This is not proof that appreciation guarantees retention, wellbeing or performance. Thanks should complement fair pay, manageable workloads and action on harmful behaviour—not replace them.

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 your message workplace-related and professional. Use humour only if it suits the recipient, and focus on work rather than personal details.

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. Ask whether they prefer private thanks or public recognition. 

‍3. Add detail

To make your message more meaningful, describe the contribution and explain the impact it had on you.

Illustrative message: “Thank you for updating the project handover notes; your clear next steps helped me pick up the work without missing a deadline.”

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! Check that the recipient is happy with a public mention first.

2. Gratitude Email Train:

Start a gratitude email to someone who wants to take part, and CC only colleagues who opt in. Invite them to pay it forward, with no pressure to reply or offer thanks in return.

‍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! Make attendance optional.

‍4. Promote Work-Life Balance:

Demonstrate gratitude for employees' commitment and hard work by offering flexible work arrangements where feasible. Discuss options with each employee rather than assuming what they need.

‍5. Employee Happy Hour

What is the best hour? Happy hour! Invite employees to an optional after-work get-together for Employee Appreciation Day, with alcohol-free drinks available. 

‍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

For remote teams, offer an optional virtual happy hour where colleagues can chat together.

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 in a way that suits the recipient. Ask permission before praising someone publicly.

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. Ask their permission before sharing a story. 

One-Sentence Employee Appreciation Messages

Who doesn’t love a short and sweet compliment? Use these 10 one-sentence appreciation messages as starters, adding a specific contribution and its impact.

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. CIPD’s recognition review emphasises that reward schemes and how they’re run should be seen as fair. As a quick check, review whose work you’ve recognised, including less-visible contributions. Ask privately which approaches people prefer, then adjust your next round of thanks. Have fun fostering a fun workplace culture with gratitude! 🎁