by Joe Tassinari, Workplace Enrichment Developer, UC Davis Instructor, posted at The Holland Group

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” ―Gilbert K. Chesterton

One way to generate a high functioning workplace is to express gratitude. When you say something kind, nice or positive about a coworker you are helping their value shine forth through your acknowledgement of that trait.

All too often a job well done goes unrecognized because hey, that’s the job they were hired to perform. When work duties are delivered with accuracy – appointments kept, deliverables met, paychecks on time, trash is emptied, etc., they are of benefit to the whole of the operation.

When you show appreciation for a job well done you are connecting that action to the entirety of the organization. In doing so, you are paying tribute to a link in the chain that is vital to overall health of the business.

Give it a try. Bring a coworker into your thoughts (even someone that you believe is a difficult person has some redeeming quality if you put your mind to it).  Think of an action on their part that benefits you.

Here’s an example: “When I give you my expense report you are quick to review it.  Because of your efficiency I get reimbursed in a timely fashion. Thank you for your efficiency.”

4 Reasons Showing Gratitude Works:

Promotes Understanding: By extolling something positive your coworker’s 5 brain learning centers are immediately stimulated which fosters clarity and easy thought processing. It is now easier for them to be around you. Easy interactions lead to positive relationships and understanding.

Creates Unity: Your colleague now knows that you recognize something that they do well at work. Even if their efficiency in auditing expense reports is self-serving because it keeps their desk clean, it is now obvious that their action positively impacts someone else. They are in harmony with you and by extension with the rest of the company.

Builds Trust: Because you’ve recognized something positive that your workmate knows about themselves, they believe in your sensibility. At least for a moment they can drop their guard in your presence because you’ve demonstrated understanding through a trustworthy observation.

Generates Happiness: When you show gratitude towards a coworker it promotes understanding, which leads to a sense of safety. When your coworker feels safe there is joy if for no other reason than being relieved of a defensive stance. UC Berkeley studies show that people receiving gratitude are 150% happier.

No one respects a suck-up. When being grateful it is important to be genuine. There is no need to exaggerate; your gratitude will be valued on its authenticity. The key to being truly grateful is to realize how the action of your coworker directly connects to your well-being. Once you make the connection you will feel it in your heart and your gesture will be acknowledged as sincere.

Gratuity delivers understanding, unity, trust and happiness and each of these attributes is embedded in the other. When you recognize your colleague for a job well done they feel understood, more unified within the workplace and more comfortable with you. This leads to productive interactions and positive workplaces, not to mention … what goes around comes around!

Joe Tassinari is president of Business Works. His professional focus is helping organizations create highly engaging and productive workplaces where people have the opportunity to be their best within a united team. Feel free to contact Joe for any reason.