PlayInnové had the opportunity to meet with and learn from author, speaker, and coach Devin Hughes, and it reinvigorated our own gratitude practices coming into the holiday season. With that, we understand how vital it is to sustain gratitude practices and evolve them into lasting cultural practices. While gratitude might start as a seasonal focus, its real power lies in creating enduring habits—and PlayInnové is dedicated to supporting this power.
As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s dive into how businesses can move beyond occasional gestures of appreciation to weave gratitude into the fabric of their workplace culture.
Deepening Gratitude Practices
Gratitude doesn’t need to stop at thank-you cards or team shout-outs. It can evolve into a defining element of your organization’s identity.
Beyond the Basics: Consider integrating gratitude into key organizational processes, such as performance reviews or employee recognition programs. Annual traditions like gratitude retreats or reflection days can also serve as powerful reminders of the value of appreciation.
Daily Gratitude Habits: Small, consistent practices create momentum. Try Devin's 21 Day Gratitude Challenge or engage tools like gratitude apps, “thank-you emails of the week,” or starting meetings with a moment of recognition help keep gratitude alive.
Leadership in Gratitude: Leaders play a crucial role in sustaining gratitude practices. By modeling authentic appreciation through personalized notes or verbal recognition, they set the tone for the entire organization.
Gratitude and Inclusion
Gratitude can be a cornerstone for enhancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives.
Amplifying DEIB Efforts: Recognize individual contributions and celebrate diverse perspectives. Gratitude fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
Activities that Connect: Host multicultural appreciation days or storytelling sessions that highlight team members’ unique experiences and contributions, tying gratitude to inclusivity.
Measuring the Impact of Gratitude
It’s not enough to practice gratitude—you should also track its impact.
Metrics: Measure changes in employee engagement, retention, and productivity after implementing gratitude initiatives.
Feedback: Use surveys or open forums to gauge how gratitude practices are resonating with employees and gather suggestions for improvement.
Case Studies: Highlight companies that have seen measurable success with gratitude-focused initiatives. For example, Zappos and Google have shown that gratitude isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s a driver of real business results.
Creative Gratitude Activities for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving offers the perfect moment to deepen gratitude practices. Here are a few ideas to bring teams together:
Gratitude Trees: Create a shared display where employees can post notes of thanks for colleagues.
Potluck with Purpose: Host a team meal where employees share one thing they appreciate about their coworkers.
Thanksgiving Letters: Leaders can write personal letters to each team member, expressing gratitude for their unique contributions.
Virtual Gratitude Games: For remote teams, organize activities like a “gratitude scavenger hunt” or virtual thank-you card exchanges.
Overcoming Gratitude Fatigue It’s important to keep gratitude authentic and fresh to avoid fatigue or insincerity.
Varying Methods: Mix up how gratitude is expressed—through verbal recognition, written notes, or creative team activities.
Encouraging Authenticity: Create spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing heartfelt appreciation, rather than obligatory gestures.
The PlayInnové Commitment
At PlayInnové, we know gratitude is a game-changer for workplace culture. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping teams unlock its full potential. Through interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and creative exercises like LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods, we empower organizations to sustain gratitude practices in ways that are both meaningful and measurable.
Let’s not just express gratitude during the holidays—let’s build a culture where it thrives all year long.
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