Gratitude in the Workplace Is Your Greatest Retention Tactic

As leaders continue to reshape company culture for the modern era, the question of how to make the biggest positive impact on the greatest number of people led me to explore the significance of gratitude in the workplace. Could the simple act of appreciating those around you, the moments shared and the work done, impact your culture in a monumental way? A few months ago, Chris Schembra, founder of 7:47, an evidence-based framework that helps leaders build community and strengthen relationships, began facilitating quarterly gratitude workshops at Intersection. Through these workshops, we continue to learn that gratitude is not an end, but a means to drive human connection. During the first workshop, Schembra asked us to share one person who we haven't given enough credit. I shared two very different stories: the first was about a colleague who, during the first week at my new job, gave me a cheat sheet to navigating my new surroundings. I never thanked them, but looking back I recognize the value of that knowledge and kindness. He set me up for success in a way I am forever grateful for. The second story was about a manager I didn't have a great working relationship with, and while talking it through, I realized I was grateful for the many lessons pulled from that experience, including how to navigate different personalities and learning what type of leader I wanted to be. While it didn’t feel positive at the time, it helped shape me. It was amazing listening to everyone's stories, knowing we all felt safe enough to be vulnerable, and we made immediate connections. The experience spurred me to dig in more on the concept of gratitude in the workplace. Experts say it not only creates a happier environment, but there is a solid business case for instilling a culture of gratitude: It facilitates employee engagement and a clear path to retention. Making up lost ground Employee engagement has a direct impact on job satisfaction and overall productivity. But in the 2022 Engagement and Retention Report from Achievers Workforce Institute, about 50% of workers said their company culture deteriorated during the pandemic due to lack of employee input, communication and connection. The most enjoyable jobs—and likely the ones where people see the most success—are the ones where workers feel most engaged with the people around them. After all, we spend a lot of time with our colleagues. Think about the potential of an environment filled with only the most passionate, dedicated and engaged teammates—that’s the dream. To get there, start by deepening connections on your team and throughout your organization. This can be done through casual outings or more formal workshops, as long as you're able to have meaningful conversations during the time you spend together. Use those moments to get to know the people around you in a new way. Practice this at a company level to connect cross-functional teams or even people who don't often interact. Retention In the same survey, 52% of employees said their commitment to their role is driven by feeling meaningfully supported or valued. The Society for Human Resource Management reported that, on average, it will cost six to nine months of one employee's salary to replace them in recruiting and training costs. During the Great Resignation, our ability to retain employees has become more challenging than ever. Gratitude is key in ensuring people feel valued, ultimately saving time and money for the company while keeping your best employees. Be genuinely thankful for the work people do and the passion they bring. It goes so much further than you can imagine. Consider introducing recognition walls, company awards and other ways to shout out the things that really matter. Share them together, then do it again. Gratitude is a simple yet powerful thing to channel. When you can be grateful for the lessons and the growth, the good and the not-so-good moments alike, it can have an impact on individual happiness and the company overall. I challenge all leaders to carve out the time and space to practice gratitude and reflect on the shared experiences that bond us as a team, and more importantly as humans. Does it feel a little uncomfortable or awkward at first to be so deliberate about it? Absolutely. But I can tell you firsthand, the connections created make it worthwhile.