It may sound like a strange pairing, but there is a strong connection between gratitude and company culture. Take a look at the definitions of these concepts:

What is Culture?

Simply defined, culture means "the attitudes and behavior characteristics of a particular group." The origin of the word culture means "to grow." 

What is Gratitude? 

Gratitude is a behavior characteristic that shows appreciation and expresses the attitude of being thankful.

Taking a workplace from an average, or unpleasant place to work, and making a great place to work, but then going even further and making it an Amazing Workplace starts with knowing what the word Culture really means. It isn't complicated. The attitudes and behavior characteristics of your workplace are your culture. So how do you create an Amazing Workplace Culture?

Step One: Start by identifying the attitudes and behavior characteristics you would like in your workplace. 

Step Two: Write these down and communicate that this is the culture we are working together to create.

Step Three: Talk about them - tie them into daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly communications to your workplace.

It's that approach of making a goal, and then taking daily small steps toward that much bigger intention. But the little steps all contribute to the achievement of that loftier idea. Think of it this way: if you wanted to summit a mountain, you had better take the long walk from where you are to the base of the mountain first, and then once you are there, you'll need to make that climb - step by step until you reach the top. Each action moves you a little closer to the goal of standing on top of the mountain. 

The importance of gratitude in creating an amazing workplace culture. 

Gratitude is a behavior characteristic that creates a beautiful future – one with warm feelings and fond memories for those that receive it. Equally important is that gratitude is a behavior characteristic that encourages more of what you want in your workplace. It encourages future behavior that you liked because you are letting the person know you liked it.

It is an action to remind those around us that we care about them. That we appreciate all they do for us. That we are better off because of our connection with them. It reminds us of the importance of those around us and lets them know that we notice the good in them. Done often, it creates a future where admiration is high for one another. Looking back – some of the best moments in life are moments where someone expressed gratitude. 

Too often we fail to say, "thank you." We unknowingly create a culture without gratitude - one where "no news is good news." Where professionals are often left wondering - "how am I doing?" 

Making the time to frequently express gratitude is a foundational step towards an Amazing Workplace culture. Letting others in your workplace know that you appreciate everything they do for one another is important. Letting your professionals know that each one of them play an important role. Tell them that they make a difference. Let them know that they are appreciated. 

Express gratitude often and your workplace culture will have a strong foundation.