The power of a simple “thank you” can often be underestimated, especially in the workplace. While we readily express gratitude to loved ones, a sincere thank you to a colleague can have a surprisingly positive impact.
Studies show that being appreciated is a major motivator. A 2013 survey of 2,000 Americans on gratitude by the polling firm Penn, Schoen, Berland and overseen by Janice Kaplan found that 80% agreed that being thanked makes them work harder, but only 10% regularly expressed gratitude to others.
Acknowledging your coworkers’ and subordinates contributions fosters a more positive and supportive work environment. An angle that is often overlooked is the benefit of expressing genuine gratitude to managers.
Making Your Thanks Count: A heartfelt “thank you” is more impactful than a generic one. Here are some tips:
- Be Specific: Highlight what someone did for you and how it helped.
- Public Praise: Thank colleagues publicly for their contributions, while keeping any criticism private.
- Timely Gratitude: Express thanks promptly, while it’s still fresh in everyone’s mind.
- Written Recognition: Consider sending a thank you email, especially for significant contributions.
- Include Everyone: Acknowledge all involved in a project or task.
- Sincerity is Key: Most importantly, let your appreciation be genuine and heartfelt.
By incorporating these tips, you can turn a simple “thank you” into a powerful tool for boosting morale, motivation, and creating a positive work environment for everyone. Try it and see how good it feels to appreciate and be appreciated!
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/magic-thank-you-workplace-cathy-a-reilly/
