The Gift of Gratitude
Written by Dr. Holly Ward, PhD
This Thanksgiving, put gratitude to work… at work.
Every year on the last Thursday in November across the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving: a time set aside for food, family, reflection, and gratitude. It is a holiday that truly connects all, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity; no matter what any household’s individual celebration may look like or the dishes served, all share a focus of taking this time near the year’s end to reflect on all that we are thankful for.
Not only is it one of my personal favorite holidays, but I think Thanksgiving serves as an excellent reminder of the many benefits of intentionally practicing gratitude. In the busyness of daily business, we frequently miss opportunities to express gratitude as often as we should, both in our personal and professional lives.
A 2012 survey of 2,000 Americans released by the John Templeton Foundation found that people are the least likely to feel or express gratitude at work than any place else. Does that feel familiar? Bosses in particular rated very low at giving thanks to their employees; however, the power of giving thanks ranks very high. When you rank the things you’re grateful for in your life, where does your job fall on the list? If it’s dead last, you’re not alone. But rather than dwelling on the negatives you may usually associate with your occupation, consider taking some time this Thanksgiving (and beyond) to think of what your job gives you.
What am I grateful for in my work? I am deeply thankful for my job as a coach. It is one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. I get to meet and work with amazing individuals, who enrich my life and teach me something new every day. What about you? Is there a colleague, a boss, or an employee to whom you could express some gratitude?
As we take the time to pause and consider all that we are thankful for this year, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to express gratitude in your workplace. Failing to give thanks when we can is a missed opportunity for at least two reasons:
First, feeling grateful has several beneficial effects on us: gratitude enables us to value positive experiences, cope with stressful circumstances, be more resilient in the face of challenges, and strengthen our social relationships.
Second, even simple expressions of gratitude can have powerful and long-lasting effects on those who receive them. What might seem like a simple gesture of thanks has the potential to enrich someone’s life in an extraordinary way.
And so I thank you, each of you, for how hard you work and how dedicated you are to growing and being your best. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Happy Thanksgiving!