This is the time of year when we think about “Giving Thanks” and being thankful. It’s also about being grateful. The power that gratitude can have in our lives is amazing. I’ve been thinking about how we can adopt an “attitude of gratitude” all year long.
I encourage our colleagues to bring their “whole selves” to work each day because wellness and balance are important to a healthy work-life balance and to our colleagues’ happiness. Gratitude is a big part of that. Scientific studies have found that gratitude is associated with health benefits in many areas. Here are some that stood out to me:
- Greater happiness
- More optimism and positive emotions
- New and lasting relationships
- Better health
- More progress toward personal goals
- Fewer aches and pains
- More alertness and determination
- Increased generosity and empathy
- Better sleep
- Improved self-esteem
Wow, is there anything on this list you would not be interested in? I’m interested in all of these!
Ways to Show Gratitude to Others
The way to create gratitude is, like many things, to give it first. So, how can we show gratitude? Here are some simple ideas:
- Smile ear to ear at everyone you see – it’s contagious!
- Call someone you know is in a tough spot and just listen.
- Write a thank you note.
- Shout out your appreciation for a colleague in a meeting.
- Say thank you, every time.
- Say “I appreciate you” – one of my favorites.
I challenge you to try and apply three of these actions the next week. The key is to do it mindfully and authentically, although you might find it’s easier than you think.
Ways We Spread Kindness at Perficient
One thing that makes Perficient amazing is the power of community and connection among the employees. In fact, our People are so important to us, they are listed as one of our Values. To continue building our culture of gratitude and recognition, we recently celebrated World Kindness Day with colleagues sharing tips in addition to launching a pay it forward kindness campaign to encourage people to “Make a December Difference.”
Make Gratitude Part of Your Day
As we navigate through challenging times, the need for gratitude is magnified. But words are only so powerful, so I feel it’s important I lead by example.
It’s time to be deliberate and intentional and make gratitude a part of your day.
What are three things you are grateful for right now? I am thankful for a job I love. I am thankful that my children find ways to help others every day. And I am thankful for the incredible team of colleagues at Perficient that help me navigate and learn every day!
Perficient are big believers in giving back to the communities in which we live and work, and we have the opportunity to empower our colleagues to pay it forward and spread some much-needed joy. It’s our hope that these single acts of giving and gratitude leave individual marks on the communities in which we live and work. Together, we have an opportunity to make a global impact.
Learn more about the “Make a December Difference” campaign of kindness
Follow our “Make a December Difference” story at Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!
Love it. Great reminder.