The first full week of 2025 is coming to a close, and it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. January often feels like a race to catch up; back-to-back meetings, new goals, and the post-holiday overwhelm. But amidst the busyness, let’s not forget the power of a simple yet transformative act: gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you. It’s about recognising effort, celebrating progress, and valuing the people around us. And in workplaces, it’s a superpower that builds connection, drives engagement, and sets the tone for a positive year ahead.
The start of the year can be tough for teams.
Many employees feel anxious about new challenges, disconnected after the holidays, or stressed about hitting targets. Without intentional effort to foster a positive culture, these feelings can fester, affecting productivity and morale.
In fact, a 2023 study by CIPD found that 41% of UK workers felt undervalued at work, with recognition ranking as a top driver of job satisfaction.
Imagine you’re returning to work after the break. You’re greeted with a backlog of emails and the looming pressure of Q1 goals. Now imagine your manager takes a moment to recognise your contributions from last year and thanks you for your hard work. It’s a small gesture, but it shifts your mindset. You feel appreciated, energised, and ready to tackle what’s ahead. That’s the power of gratitude.
Research by the University of California found that employees who received regular recognition were 50% more productive and experienced greater job satisfaction. Neuroscience shows that gratitude increases dopamine and serotonin level, two neurotransmitters linked to motivation and mood.
Gratitude isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s a scientifically backed strategy for enhancing wellbeing and performance.
How Can We Embed Gratitude at Work in 2025?
- Kick Off the Year with Recognition: Start team meetings by highlighting key wins from 2024 and thanking individuals for their contributions.
- Make Gratitude a Habit: Encourage leaders to send one note of appreciation each week. Small, consistent acts can make a big impact.
- Create Space for Gratitude: Dedicate a section in your internal newsletter or Slack channel for shoutouts and ‘thank yous’.
- Lead by Example: When leaders model gratitude, it sets a standard for the entire organisation.
Let’s Talk!
As we move into 2025, let’s commit to making gratitude a workplace priority. What’s one thing, or one person, you’re grateful for this week? Share it in the comments or send a message to let them know. Let’s carry that energy forward and make this a year of connection, recognition, and growth.
Gratitude costs you nothing…except when you don’t show it!
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