With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we should consider the role of gratitude in our workplace.

Gratitude fosters wellness. The benefits are better trust, teamwork, collaboration and communication. All crucial skills to create a robust and healthy team.

An attitude of gratitude is a key mindset that creates a calmer more joyous outlook on life.

Leaders must intentionally build a culture where mental wellbeing is nurtured. 

Here’s what can be done to sustain the mental wellbeing of your people.

Take time to be grateful

Here are ways to encourage an “attitude of gratitude” in your team.

1.     Positive psychology points to the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal by your bed and writing in it each night.

2.     Model gratitude by writing thank you cards each week for your team members (and others). There’s nothing like receiving a handwritten note!

3.     Be a strengths scout. Catch people doing good. Have “strengths-in-action” cards made up to leave on a person’s desk/letter box/inbox that comment on their strengths in action.

4.     Encourage your team members to take time once a week to write a handwritten thank you note to someone in the office.

5.     Just before the Thanksgiving break, gather the team to celebrate success. Provide cards for them to write notes of gratitude to their peers.

The results I have seen in organizations across the globe? A significant uptick in a sense of being seen and appreciated. This has bred an abundance mentality and higher engagement.