In our busy, fast-paced lives the art of gratitude is very often forgotten. But it doesn’t have to be. November is officially the month of gratitude and the perfect time to assess our habits, traditions, and everyday efforts to express gratitude.
We will focus our attention on gratitude in the workplace. How are you doing? Is your work environment positive and uplifting? Does your boss set an appreciative tone for the office? What about co-workers and other team members? Finally, what about you? Are you expressing gratitude in your professional life?
The Health Benefits of Gratitude
Here’s a little-known fact about gratitude. gratitude improves the physical and mental wellness, sleep, and mood not only of those who are the recipients of gratitude, but of the person bestowing the gratitude as well. Expressing gratitude can produce positive changes in your life, while expressing gratitude to others can deepen relationships, create healthy understanding, and develop connections. So it’s no surprise that practicing gratitude and creating a culture of gratitude in work environments can maximize employee satisfaction and improve productivity.
Gratitude at Work
In our professional lives, we come in contact with so many people. As a real estate agent, the list is huge! Colleagues, clients, buyers, sellers, brokers, inspectors, appraisers, stagers, marketing… well you get the idea!
With all these people, come lots of opportunity. Every encounter can be a chance to say, “thank you”. Seems pretty simple right? Turns out it’s not super common. Glassdoor, recently did a survey and here’s what they learned…. “53 percent of employees admit they would stay longer at their company if they felt more appreciation from their boss.”
Here are some tools to help you incorporate gratitude in to your life and your workplace.
How to Practice Gratitude
Don’t hesitate to acknowledge people and do it publicly whenever possible
People love to be recognized for their hard work, good decision making and attitudes. It’s almost impossible not to see the good. Just get in the habit of acknowledging it. You can do this with companywide emails, handwritten notes, gift cards and personal phone calls.
Create Time in Your Month Or Week To Have One On One’s With Your Team Members
Creating space to ask those surrounding your business is always a good move. They may be struggling with something that is causing frustration or burnout, and you can’t address it till you learn what it is. Taking the time shows you care about them and shows your willingness to make the situation better for them.
Invest in those Around You
Have an assistant that can benefit from a certification? Volunteer to pay for it. By investing in your team members, it shows your interest in them and their long-term success.
Lead by Example
As a leader, do as I do, not as I say is a cornerstone that is most effective. Do not underestimate your role in setting the tone. Modeling gratitude is the most important thing you can do to create a culture of gratitude.
We listed some things you can do above, and below are some ideas to further express your gratitude.
- A Hand-Written Note or Card
TIP: Order some nice stationary and keep it on your desk for easy access and a visual reminder.
- Flowers (birthdays or work anniversary)
- Gift Baskets (specifically tailored to the person’s hobbies or interests)
- Lunch Delivered
- Extra Hours or Days Off
- Gift Cards
Expressing and encouraging gratitude is a win win for everyone. Karen would like to thank all her team members, clients, colleagues, and professional network members for everything they do! She’s especially grateful for her beautiful family, her husband Matt, her children their spouses and her grands!
If you would need advice or representation with your real estate path, please contact Karen today.
