If you knew expressing gratitude to a coworker would improve their lives and yours, would you do it more often? A new study shows a positive relationship between pronounced gratitude in the workplace, physical health and mental health. The study involved a group of nurses, a profession that has a particularly high rate of burnout. The study shows that more frequent thanking at work predicted better sleep, fewer headaches and healthier eating, as it improved job satisfaction.
“Nurses tend to have a thankless job, it's very physical, and they're often yelled at by patients.” When nurses receive gratitude, they are stimulated," explains the researcher.
“Employees who receive positive feedback are healthier and that may affect the results,” the researcher added. “Preventing headaches and other stress-related symptoms means fewer sick days, and reduces the cost of replacement nurses and overtime.”
So the most important point – express gratitude when you see someone doing a good job. A positive feedback loop affects you and those around you and can ultimately create a healthier and happier community.
