Thanksgiving is a time to consider the things for which we are thankful. My list goes like this:

  • I am thankful for the support I receive from family and friends.
  • I am thankful I have a job I enjoy and a boss who offers support, guidance and boosts to me and all NRPR employees and clients.
  • I am thankful for my health.
  • I am thankful I have money to put food on the table, a roof over our heads, and the ability to pay my bills; and thankful for so much more.

This year, I would like everyone to flip the Thanksgiving gratitude tradition to thanking others for the contributions they make to our happiness and success. According to a survey of 1,500 workers conducted by Reward Gateway, an employee engagement platform, 75 percent of U.S. employees agreed that motivation and company morale would improve if managers simply thanked workers in real time for a job well done. Recognition and appreciation also helps to improve loyalty to one’s manager, fellow employees, and the company, which in turn improves productivity. In fact, of those who interviewed for a new job, 20 percent were motivated to do so because they did not feel appreciated in their current roles.

Showing appreciation builds goodwill and reciprocity. When people feel appreciated they are more likely to return the gesture by agreeing to help the person who expressed gratitude or follow their wishes. They will also let you know that they appreciate you, too, which adds to your happiness and satisfaction with the situation.

How does one go about thanking fellow employees, those who report to you and even bosses and clients?

  • Write a thank-you note. While an email conveys the same message, a handwritten note truly says that you care. The note should be sincere, specific and personal. The note can be short, but needs to go beyond only “thank you for all that you do for the company” to point to a specific project, work ethic, or overall contribution to the organization.
  • Give a small gift such as a Starbucks gift card, pen,snack, candle, or mug. When the recipient uses the item, they will remember that this was an appreciation gift and it will be the gift that keeps on giving.
  • Tip the service people you see every day such as the package delivery person, the doorman/concierge, or travel agent. These people often feel invisible and again if they feel appreciated, they will be happier to take on special requests.
  • Know how the person wants to be thanked. Some people may want to be publicly thanked, others may want a private thank-you and would be embarrassed by the outside attention.

From periodic surprise gifts to a verbal thank you as the person is walking out the door as in “Have a good evening, thank you for your hard work today on that application,” there is a magic power in gratitude. Have a great Thanksgiving and show the people in your life that you are thankful for them and all they do. Gratitude is contagious, share it with others.