Seay Management Consultants - November 2025
Employers are always looking for the “silver bullet” that will keep their workers engaged and motivated. Companies may offer perks such as pizza Fridays, bonuses or flexible schedules to increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.
It’s National Gratitude Month and, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a good time to think about gratitude and explore how building a culture of gratitude can be a powerful way to increase employee satisfaction, improve productivity and increase loyalty. In a study by the American Psychological Association, researchers found that 93 percent of employees who reported feeling valued were more motivated to do their best at work and 88 percent reported feeling engaged. Only 21 percent of employees in this group said they planned to look for a new job in the coming year.
A culture of gratitude in the workplace is one where appreciation, recognition and positive reinforcement are a part of the workday. This looks like managers, leaders and employees openly expressing appreciation for each other’s work, which creates a positive work environment. In a workplace that centers around gratitude, employees don’t simply work for a paycheck: they know they are valued for their contributions and understand how their work helps the business achieve its broader goals and mission.
But there’s more to gratitude in the workplace than saying “thank you” once in a while. It’s an intentional practice of recognizing efforts, appreciating each team member’s role and celebrating accomplishments. When leaders model gratitude, it trickles down, encouraging every employee to contribute to the environment in a positive way.
Building a culture of gratitude in the workplace is good for both employees and businesses. When leaders consistently express appreciation, they are demonstrating humility and empathy, which increases trust and respect. This approach fosters open communication, leading to a harmonious and supportive workplace. Employees who feel valued derive a stronger sense of purpose and meaning from their job, which increases motivation and commitment, ultimately leading to higher productivity and reduced turnover.
A gratitude-driven culture increases performance and engagement because employees are motivated to exceed expectations. When employees know that their efforts will be acknowledged, they become more committed and invested in the company’s success. Ultimately, by reducing turnover and boosting productivity, gratitude helps businesses grow and succeed.
Companies can’t build a culture of gratitude overnight but there are some steps leaders can take to incorporate gratitude into their company’s DNA. Here are some tips for showing gratitude to employees:
1. Give Specific, Personalized Praise
Rather than simply saying “great job,” take time to point out specific individual contributions. For example, sharing how a team member’s attention to detail helped meet a project deadline or how their problem-solving skills resolved a client issue. Specific praise reinforces positive behaviors and lets employees know that you notice and appreciate their strengths.
2. Praise the Little Things
Employees shouldn’t need to achieve something huge in order to receive praise. Managers can use small achievements and milestones to keep morale high and emphasize the importance of the work completed each day. This can be as simple as recognizing effort during a team meeting or sending an encouraging email.
3. Facilitate Peer Recognition
Give workers the opportunity to acknowledge each other’s work. You can use a “shout-out” feature or set up a shared platform where employees can recognize each other. Peer recognition creates camaraderie and a stronger sense of community within teams.
4. Don’t Neglect Professional Growth
Showing gratitude also means supporting employee growth and development. If you want to keep employees loyal and engaged, leaders must provide training, skill development and job advancement opportunities. When people know that the company cares about their success, they feel valued and inspired to give their best.
5. Listen to Employee Feedback and Take Action
Thankfulness isn’t just about what you say but also how you listen. Ask your employees for feedback on a regular basis and show you care by acting on their feedback. If you respond to their issues and implement their ideas, it shows that you value their input, which builds trust and respect.
6. Time Off and Flexibility
Sometimes, the most effective way to say “thank you” is to let workers have a break. Flexible work schedules, mental health days or an afternoon off after they have finished a large project shows you care about their well-being.
7. Team Building Exercises that Focus on Gratitude
Host teambuilding exercises that emphasize gratitude and appreciation. For example, you could organize a gratitude-themed lunch where employees take turns sharing what they’re grateful for at work. Activities like this help to build a positive team environment and foster a culture of respect.
Creating a culture of gratitude is a powerful strategy that benefits everyone in the workplace. As we celebrate National Gratitude Month and approach Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the power of gratitude and how it can transform your organization. Start implementing the tips above and see how it motivates your team.
Seay HR provides a broad range of HR services designed to support your business’ growth and ensure compliance with all state and federal employer regulations. From severance packages, to wage and employee handbook development, to onsite training and consultation, Seay HR is here to help you in every aspect of human resources so you can get on with running your business.