Becoming a Great Boss is Simple: It Starts With Gratitude

When you express gratitude, it makes people feel good. But did you know that it literally changes your brain? In fact, according to UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center, regularly expressing gratitude changes the molecular structure of the brain, keeps gray matter functioning, and makes people healthier and happier.

As a boss, that’s just one reason to express gratitude to your team. But it also has power in so many other areas relating to your employees, including by:

• Improving productivity. As employees feel more valued and appreciated by your show of gratitude, they’re more likely to work harder and stay motivated on the job.

 

• Strengthening relationships. When you recognize the contributions that employees make, it helps you to build stronger relationships with them. This improves loyalty and retention, too.

 

• Boosting employee satisfaction. Gratitude makes employees feel good. In fact, it increases dopamine production, leading to higher well-being, fewer sick days and a more positive attitude.

 

Clearly, there’s really no downside to giving gratitude aside from investing a little time and effort on your part. It costs next to nothing, all while reaping some important advantages for you and your employees. Some ways you can give it include by:

Being specific.

Don’t just generally thank your team for a job well done. Thank them individually and get specific when you do. What about their work made a difference for you or for the company?

Sending a thank you note.

It sounds so simple, yet it’s so effective. When you write a thank you note or email, your employee will feel instantly recognized and gratified.

Giving them a reward.

For instance, bring in lunch for your team when they hit a tight deadline or complete a project under budget. Or, if one employee really goes above and beyond, give them an extra day off.

Take it public.

Express your gratitude online on social media or through the company newsletter. Not only will your employees feel appreciated, but it will encourage others to follow suit.

There are many different ways to demonstrate to your team that you’re grateful for their work. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show your people just how much you care.

Want to show your gratitude by lightening your workers’ load?

If your employees are stretched too thin, they’ll grow unhappy, burned out and eventually disengaged. Don’t let this happen. Instead, turn to the team at Gill Staffing for the extra manpower you need. As one of West Michigan's leading staffing agencies, we can fill a wide variety of roles on a temporary, temp-to-hire and full-time basis. Contact us today to learn more or get started.