Incorporating Gratitude into Your Professional Practice

Have you ever had a hard time waking up and doing the day? Or following through with something because you know others may not have the same integrity? What about having the energy to have that hard conversation...especially right before a vacation? In those situations, has someone's words or appreciation validated why you did what you did? If an act of appreciation or gratitude can shift your energy, imagine what it does for someone else.

We often think of gratitude as something we feel personally—a thankful heart for our friends, family, and good fortune. But gratitude is more than just a feeling; it’s also a way of thinking and acting that can positively affect our relationships, careers, and health. As safety professionals, we are in a unique position to lead by example and incorporate gratitude into our professional lives.

Gratitude has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being, increase job satisfaction and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance relationships. When we express gratitude at work, we not only make our own jobs more satisfying and enjoyable, but we also set the tone for a positive work environment where everyone feels appreciated.

3 Ways to Show Gratitude at Work

1. Give credit where credit is due.

When someone does a good job, big or small, be sure to give them specific and genuine praise in front of their peers. Not only will this boost the person’s morale, but it will also encourage others to work hard knowing that their efforts will be recognized.

2. Demonstrate your appreciation.

Sometimes the best way to say “thank you” is to do something nice for someone else, with no expectation of anything in return. Bring in your coworker’s favorite coffee or doughnuts, offer to help with a project they’re struggling with, or simply lend a listening ear when they need to vent. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day—and they don’t cost a thing!

3. Be thankful for the little things.

We often take the people and things we have in our lives for granted until they’re gone. Instead of waiting for something bad to happen to appreciate what you have, try practicing gratitude on a daily basis by taking the time to notice and appreciate the good things happening all around you. At work, this could mean appreciating your coworker’s sense of humor, the view from your office window, or having a job you enjoy going to every day. Focusing on the positive will help you feel more positive—and who doesn’t want that?

Gratitude is more than just a feeling—it’s an attitude that can positively affect every area of your life, including your career. As safety professionals, we have the opportunity to lead by example and show our coworkers how powerful gratitude can be. By expressing gratitude at work, we can make our jobs more enjoyable while setting the tone for a positive work environment where everyone feels appreciated. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine and see how much difference a little bit of gratefulness can make!

Here are some questions to spark conversations about gratitude with your team:

1. How do you think gratitude can be incorporated into the workplace?
2. What are some ways that you express gratitude in your professional life?
3. Do you think gratitude has any benefits in the workplace? If so, what are they?
4. Do you find it difficult to be grateful at work sometimes? If so, why?
5. Can you share a time when expressing gratitude positively impacted your job or career?

Subena Colligan, CIH, CSP is an OEHS consultant and Executive Coach for EHS professionals. Her passion is for people to live their lives fully and experience the benefits of effective, efficient, and sustainable EHS program leadership.

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