Gratitude Transforms Your Career

Did you know that saying thank you can transform your career?

A survey of 2,007 people for the John Templeton Foundation revealed that 81% of respondents would work harder for a more grateful boss, and 93% agree that a grateful boss is more likely to succeed. Nobody gets to the top on their own, and study after study confirms that employees who feel appreciated are more productive and loyal.

Unfortunately, people are less likely to express gratitude at work than anyplace else. Only 10% of adults say thanks to a colleague every day, and 60% say they either never express gratitude at work or do so perhaps once a year. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, more than half of human-resource managers say showing appreciation for workers reduces turnover and increases productivity, engagement, and profit.

How can “thank you” wield such power? People want to feel as though what they do, and who they are, matters beyond a paycheck. According to Wharton professor Adam Grant, “[a] sense of appreciation is the single most sustainable motivator at work.” Douglas Conant, CEO of Campbell Soup, tested the power of appreciation by writing 30,000 thank you notes to employees over a span of 10 years; Conant is credited with revitalizing Campbell’s culture.

Transform your career, your team, and your company by saying thank you today!