Day 3 of NOVA’s Gratitude and Appreciation Week: Workplace Wednesday!

April 24, 2024 / Get Well

Welcome to Day 3 of NOVA’s Gratitude and Appreciation Week. The theme for today is “Workplace Wednesday!”

So, what does gratitude at work mean? Researchers Youssef-Morgan, Van Zyl and Ahrens define work gratitude as “the intentional choice to engage in positive appraisals and feelings of thankfulness and appreciation toward the characteristics, situations and people currently present in one’s work context.” Building cultures of gratitude and appreciation can transform our work lives, leading to deeper connections to each other and to the work we’re doing. Moreover, according to Gallup, gratitude and appreciation are undertapped resources that can improve feelings of belonging and inspire employees to reach their full potential. 

Considerable evidence supports the significant contributions that gratitude and appreciation make to creating the kind of workplace environment in which employees want to work. In fact, studies on gratitude in the workplace found that:

  • The idea of hearing “thank you” more at work motivated participants.
  • Receiving a “thank you” from a supervisor boosted productivity by more than 50%.

Unfortunately, people are less likely to show gratitude at work than anywhere else.  

  • 88% of people say that expressing gratitude to colleagues makes them feel happier and more fulfilled. However, 60% of people either never express gratitude at work or do so only once a year.
  • The number-one reason why people leave jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated.

Recognizing someone for a job well done is a small gesture that positively impacts engagement and fosters a sense of belonging. So if you see something, say something! Send a quick email, use the employee recognition tool NOVAfy or post a Team’s Praise. Pause, take time to acknowledge efforts, and let those you serve — or those you serve with — know that you value them and their contributions.

For more on gratitude in the workplace, visit the growing collection of gratitude resources curated by NOVA OEWW for this spring’s Gratitude and Appreciation Week. Feel free to share additional resources that you have found to be especially impactful. Email your additions to employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu using the subject line “Impactful Gratitude Practices.”

NOVAfy Flyer Header: Recognize Your Colleagues with NOVAfy What is NOVAfy? NOVAfy is an e-card recognition program that provides faculty and staff with a way to recognize, encourage, and/or thank each other. Who should I send one too? Use NOVAfy to recognize another employee who you noticed doing something positive — fine work, exceptional service, or effort above and beyond that had a positive impact on a fellow employee or student. How do I send a NOVAfy? Visit the website and then choose the Launch NOVAfy button. On the next screen, choose the recognition dropdown menu at the top. From there, choose "Send an eCard." Why should I send a NOVAfy? Calling out a job well done is a small gesture that positively impacts employee engagement and enhances a sense of belonging. Put a smile on a colleague's face today! At right, image of Mac laptop displaying "Notify with NOVAfy" webpage.

Submitted by: 
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu