We here at 501(c) Services are grateful and thankful for your trust in us over the years. Thank you for continuing to let us be a small part of the amazing work your nonprofit organization does for your community and our country. This article was originally published November 1, 2017 and we thought it was worth running again.
Gratitude isn’t a typical HR subject. However, I am finding myself looking for the silver lining in the chaos of life lately. Finding and expressing gratitude when the world around you seems to be falling apart can sometimes seem daunting. Study after study confirms that when we express gratitude or thankfulness in various ways throughout our day, we often feel better equipped to deal with life’s curve balls.
When we let others know they are appreciated, whether for small things or the big stuff, that behavior is likely to continue and can lead to higher levels of engagement. Studies have shown that being grateful can lead to some physical and mental health benefits as well. A few examples; lower blood pressure, stronger immunity, healthier hearts and the ability to better handle stress. So, what are a few ways that you can begin to find gratitude in your life?
Start with “thank you”
Those are two powerful words. Genuine, authentic expressions of thanks can improve another person’s mood and day. Sometimes expressions of gratitude are well received. Other times they aren’t. Remember that despite negative feedback, showing gratitude is always the right thing. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easy thing.
There is an art to learning how to accept a “thank you.” This is harder than it seems for some. How often do we try to brush off thanks with a comment of, “it was nothing”? It’s similar to learning how to take a compliment. I had a manager once tell me in a huff, “Just say thank you.” The same goes for “you’re welcome.” Make it easy for others to express gratitude in the same way you are trying to do.
Keep the gratitude going outside of your organization
Generosity and gratitude can be contagious. Many of you may remember a commercial where one act of kindness sparked others to act in kind throughout the day and do something nice for someone else. How do you incorporate that at work? One example: thank your clients/members/participants for choosing your organization and for trusting your team with their money, children, time, etc. Be specific in your thanks.
Start small and build
Someone once said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” However, it’s the little things in life that matter – and for that, I am thankful.
Remember, your Trust membership or subscriber status gives you unlimited access to HR Services. Contact us at (800) 358-2163 or email us at HRServices@501c.com for any questions you may have regarding this subject or any other HR situation you may have.
This article was originally published November 1, 2017.
