A grateful attitude leads to a positive and happy mindset and helps you to better appreciate the joys in life. Unfortunately, gratitude, especially in a male-dominated workplace like a construction, is not shown enough and a recent US study revealed 60% of people never express thanks at work.
Without gratitude at work, employees might feel unappreciated and undervalued. In turn, these employees will be less satisfied with their jobs and more likely to be looking for other opportunities. On the flip side, employees who feel gratitude from their employers and express gratitude to their colleagues are much more likely to be happy, motivated, and productive in their roles.
Although it might sound like an “airy fairy” topic, research has proved that gratitude can truly impact a person’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their work performance. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude releases dopamine in the brain, which in turn boosts feelings of wellbeing, increases optimism, and improves physical health.
Some of the physical and mental health benefits of people who feel and express gratitude include, better sleep habits, more energy, lower blood pressure, less stress and better moods and increased feelings of happiness.
So how do you start and make it a habit? Promoting gratitude, especially in the workplace can be a challenge to start with but like anything else, practice and leading by example, in my experience is the best way I have found to cultivate an environment that really means it when the word “thanks” is mentioned.
Some ways to kick off gratitude in your construction workplace might be to encourage random acts of kindness at work – simply making someone smile could be all it takes. Look for small opportunities to celebrate success – mentions in newsletters, appreciation at weekly team meetings, coffee voucher at a local café can work wonders.
Or maybe start a gratitude challenge! With Christmas now a little 25 days away, and for many the lead-up is a very stressful time, ManageHealth has created a 25-day lead into Christmas challenge so drop me a line info@manageyourhealth.com.au and I will send it through to you. Thanks!
Peter Annis-Brown is the founder and director of new start up business ManageHealth. His business delivers a range of flexible and innovative health services giving individuals and corporate organisations the freedom and convenience of healthcare that is now required in this 24/7 world.
Peter has leadership, direction, management/ HR and administration experience over a 30-year career and life involvement in banking, sport, elite athlete, fitness and allied health domains.
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