Gratitude Research Reveals Why Saying “Thank You” Can Help Win The Talent War
Posted 1st December 2021 • Written by Mark C. Perna on forbes.com • • • • •
According to a recent study, employees who are appreciated for their work are far less likely to jump ship for an opportunity somewhere else.
The numbers tell the story
While it might seem like an oversimplification, giving thanks can be a great way to positively impact someone’s day and work, says Rosette Cataldo, Vice President, Performance and Talent Strategy at Workhuman. In fact, according to her firm’s survey of some 3,500 global workers, how recently they received thanks can be an impactful indicator of a person’s willingness to stay at their current company.
The study found that:
Workers thanked and recognized for their work are half as likely to be looking for a new job (26% versus 49%)
Thanked employees are twice as likely to be highly engaged at work (60% versus 32%)
Employees who feel recognized are three times as likely to think their work has meaning and purpose (53% versus 18%)
And employees who feel recognized also report being happier at work (47% versus 11%)
“You can show gratitude for anything that a person has done that you value and appreciate,” says Cataldo.
Keeping it real
Of course, saying thank you must be more than just a box to check. “Gratitude is something that you truly feel,” says Cataldo. Authentic gratitude has the biggest impact on those around us. According to Dr. Robert A. Emmons, a Workhuman speaker and leading gratitude expert, gratitude can be defined as:
An affirmation of goodness
A recognition that the source of goodness is outside of ourselves
Giving thanks
While it might be tempting to thank employees only for performance-based accomplishments—like hitting a sales target—it shouldn’t start or stop there.
Cataldo points to examples like thanking someone for lending a hand on a project, providing a different perspective in a brainstorm or meeting, being a positive influence in the workplace or even for remaining dedicated and committed to your organization through the difficult events we’ve all faced over the past year.
Tackling burnout
The events of the past year have no doubt been difficult for everyone. In fact, according to Workhuman’s report, 64% of people reported that they’ve experienced burnout in their career. Alarmingly, 41% of workers said that burnout happened in the past few months.
Regularly expressing gratitude and giving recognition is a great place to start working on morale, but unless steps are taken to ease the pressure workers are feeling, it could be perceived as insincere and even manipulative. Companies should listen when employees share how supported they feel in the workplace—as well as their ideas about how to improve those conditions.
Then, of course, be sure to thank them for their insights—and give them serious consideration.
A new thankful routine
Finally, expressing gratitude should never be treated as a one-off transaction. Rather, embrace the idea that there are moments to celebrate and reinforce on a daily basis. The key is to keep your eyes open for positives and then share those moments back to your employees.
If you can make gratitude a part of your routine, you’ll build morale, trust and stronger personal connections across the organization.
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