During Thanksgiving week, many workplaces are preparing for a well-deserved pause to reflect, recharge and appreciate the people in their personal lives as well as those that keep their organizations moving forward. But it’s important to remember — gratitude doesn’t need to be confined to one holiday. In fact, research shows that expressing appreciation in the workplace can have real, measurable benefits for both employees and employers.
For example, a recent study offers compelling evidence that gratitude isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s a practical tool that can strengthen relationships, reduce conflict and support a healthier work environment.
The researchers gave employees a simple 10-day gratitude journaling activity. They were told to write about what in their jobs and work — both large and small — they were grateful for. These could include supportive work relationships, advantages or opportunities at work, and contributions made by your coworkers.
After the study, the results were striking — employees who regularly reflected on what they were thankful for engaged in significantly less workplace incivility, gossip and ostracism, as reported by their coworkers. As the authors wrote, the intervention “reduced mistreatment … by enhancing employees’ self-control resources.” In other words, gratitude helped people stay more patient, collaborative and mindful during challenging interactions.
The study further found that gratitude practices were most effective in workplaces where appreciation is already part of the culture. When employees perceive that gratitude is the norm — that recognition and kindness are not outliers — the benefits multiply. This suggests that small, consistent habits matter: a thank-you email, a shout-out at a staff meeting or a moment of recognition during a busy day can all help reinforce the kind of culture where people feel valued.
For California employers managing evolving compliance requirements, demanding workloads and an increasingly stressed workforce, the implications are clear. Gratitude can be a powerful, low-cost way to support employees’ well-being and promote a sense of shared purpose in the workplace.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving week, consider taking a moment to thank your teams — sincerely and specifically. Encourage managers to recognize contributions, invite employees to share wins and positive moments from the year, or even introduce a short optional gratitude exercise in your weekly meetings.
The smallest gestures create the biggest impact, and this season offers the perfect opportunity to start building that habit.
Thank you for reading HRWatchdog. Happy Thanksgiving!
Talia DeMello, Editor, CalChamber
CalChamber members can read HRCalifornia Extra’s Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month Can Help Fight Increasing Employee Burnout. Not a member? See what a CalChamber membership can do for you.
