13 Dec Gratitude in the workplace
Steal this gratitude exercise for your next team gathering
As we enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all we have to be grateful for.
And gratitude isn’t just a feel-good emotion; abundant research shows that practicing gratitude has a profound positive effect on our well-being, both personally and professionally. Given that work occupies a significant chunk of our lives, the workplace is not only the ideal place–it is an essential place–to practice gratitude.
At Talent Suite, we recently hosted our inaugural Gratitude Gathering for Good, bringing together clients and influential members of our community for a morning of gratitude. The event was a resounding success, and we’re excited to share the powerful exercise we used so you can implement it in your own team gatherings.
Why gratitude?
A growing body of research finds that creating a culture of gratitude at a workplace can improve individual well-being, increase trust, and boost employee engagement. In fact, a study called The Grateful Workplace examined the benefits of gratitude at work and how organizational practices can embed gratitude into workplace culture.
The findings are compelling:
- Less stress and more positive emotions: Employees who practice gratitude experience reduced stress levels and a more positive outlook.
- Fewer sick days: A grateful mindset contributes to better overall health, leading to decreased absenteeism.
- Higher job satisfaction: Gratitude increases satisfaction by creating a supportive and appreciative work environment.
- Increased trust and teamwork: Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and encourages collaboration.
Many leaders ask us, “How can I build better team morale, trust, and strong relationships in my remote and hybrid teams?” One effective answer is starting a team gratitude practice—a simple yet powerful exercise that can shift your team’s whole dynamic.
Introducing our first-ever gratitude event
Did you know that although 90% of people report being grateful, only 40-50% actually express it? Inspired by this insight and our desire to show appreciation in a meaningful way, we hosted our first ever Gratitude Gathering for Good. This event wasn’t just about expressing our own gratitude; it was about equipping others with the tools to foster gratitude within their own circles.
We were so grateful for such an amazing turnout and for the energy and connection in the room. Attendees left with a tangible form of gratitude to give to someone in their personal, work, or home life that creates meaning for them.
The response was overwhelming, and the impact was immediate. One attendee shared:
“Thank you for breathing positivity, gratitude, energy, and enthusiasm into all of us—it was truly a joy. When I count the things I’m most thankful for from this year, you are at the top of my list! The work you do is putting important tools in all our toolkits and creating positive ripples across our community.”
This event marked the beginning of an annual tradition rooted in our mission: To fuel company transformation by building community and helping people be better people.
Steal this gratitude exercise for your next team gathering
Are you ready to make gratitude a centerpiece of your organization? Here’s the simple exercise we used during our event that you can replicate at your next team function:
Ask each team member to share gratitude in the following three areas:
- Something they are grateful for at work: This could be personal and professional development opportunities, excitement about a current project, or the positive impact their work has on others.
- Someone on the team they are grateful for, and why:Encourage team members to acknowledge colleagues who have supported them, whether through significant assistance on a project or small acts of kindness like adjusting schedules.
- Something in their life outside of work they are grateful for: Sharing personal gratitudes helps remind everyone of the importance of work-life balance and allows team members to see each other in a fuller light.
Why this exercise matters
When you give this gratitude exercise a shot, you’ll notice a real difference in your team and organization. It’s not just about spreading good vibes—it’s a smart way to build a positive work environment and see meaningful results.
So, what’s so great about this practice? This exercise will help your team:
Builds stronger connections: By openly expressing gratitude, team members strengthen their relationships and foster a supportive environment.
Enhance well-being: Regularly practicing gratitude can reduce stress and increase overall happiness.
Cultivate a growth mindset: Focusing on gratitude helps teams keep their eyes on the big picture, promoting a positive and forward-thinking culture.
Making gratitude a regular practice
This exercise isn’t meant to be a one-time activity but something to be practiced on a regular cadence with your team. Incorporating it into your regular team meetings or gatherings shows your team that you see gratitude as an essential part of your organizational culture. Doing so builds their gratitude muscle and encourages team members to adopt a gratitude mindset that actively looks for and welcomes things to be thankful for.
Over time, this practice will strengthen team cohesion, encourage mindfulness, and boost morale and engagement.
Join Talent Suite in building a culture of gratitude
Our first-ever gratitude event is paving the way for a more connected and appreciative community. We invite you to join us in fostering a culture of gratitude within your own organizations. By implementing this simple exercise, you can create meaningful connections and enhance the well-being of your team.
Remember, gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful—it’s about expressing it. Let’s make gratitude a habit that transforms our workplaces and communities for the better.
Thank you to everyone who made our first Gratitude Gathering for Good a success. A special thanks to Venturity and Deanna Corbo Walker for hosting us in such a beautiful, interactive space. We are deeply grateful for our clients and referral partners who enable us to live our mission every day.