Take our Gratitude Test

Find a therapist near me

Gratitude can help people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Gratitude matters in creating a workplace where people can do their best work.

Small, intentional acts of appreciation and gratitude practices can make a lasting difference.

We spend a significant portion of our waking hours at work. Beyond productivity and performance, our experience of those hours matters, too. Most of us know what it feels like to be appreciated and what it feels like when our efforts go unnoticed. When expressed genuinely, gratitude can help people feel seen, valued, and connected. It is a relational emotion that helps us recognize the contributions, kindness, and support we receive from others and gives us an opportunity to let them know that what they do matters. It’s also mutually beneficial! Expressing gratitude benefits both the giver and the receiver. Research suggests it can also:

Encourage helping: People who receive genuine thanks may be more likely to help others.

Support workplace well-being: Research reviews link gratitude with positive relationships, social support, and a healthier organizational climate.

Nurture individual well-being: Gratitude practices have been associated with improvements in well-being and positive emotions.

In our workplaces, moments of appreciation can strengthen our sense of value and belonging and contribute to a culture of respect where people may feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. Gratitude is not the only ingredient in psychological safety, but it can help create an environment where people feel supported. This makes a difference in our everyday work experience, and for organizations looking to retain talent and build teams that navigate challenges together.

Why Gratitude Matters, Especially When Things Are Changing

Many people find it easier to express and practice gratitude when things are going well. If your team is celebrating a big win,........

© Psychology Today