Gratitude at work is more than courtesy, it is a performance instrument that synchronizes teams, strengthens trust, and amplifies results. When organizations practice intentional recognition, engagement increases, turnover declines, and collaboration becomes easier and more effective.
Across Inmar, associates often share what they are grateful for, including connection, opportunity, meaningful work, supportive teammates, and room to grow. Their reflections reinforce something essential: gratitude fuels connection, supports employee wellbeing, and unlocks better outcomes for teams and clients.
This is true whether our teams are supporting smarter, safer workflows for healthcare providers or building data-driven martech solutions that power more personalized consumer experiences. Gratitude strengthens the relationships behind the work, which ultimately strengthens the work itself.
Why Workplace Gratitude Matters
Workplace gratitude is the deliberate recognition of effort, impact, and progress. It shifts attention from gaps to gains, and reinforces what is working. A study from the American Psychological Association showed that 93% of employees are motivated to do their best work if they feel recognized and appreciated - indicating that workplace gratitude is essential to performance, retention, and employee engagement.
Teams that practice gratitude consistently report higher psychological safety, lower burnout, stronger alignment, better collaboration, and more idea sharing. These conditions help people contribute confidently and allow innovation to thrive.
Employee Wellbeing as The Foundation of Thriving Teams
Employee wellbeing grows stronger when appreciation becomes part of daily work. When people feel valued and supported, stress drops, clarity increases, and collaboration improves. Many associates express gratitude for teammates who help lighten workloads, leaders who listen, and systems that support meaningful work.
Practicing gratitude in the workplace directly improves employee wellbeing by reinforcing belonging, reducing burnout, and creating an environment where people can flourish.
Supportive Workplace Culture: Built Through Appreciation
A supportive workplace culture is built on trust, recognition, and shared purpose. Celebrating small wins and acknowledging effort reinforces the idea that everyone contributes to success. This type of supportive workplace culture strengthens collaboration, inclusivity, psychological safety, transparency, and shared accountability. Gratitude becomes the thread that helps people stay connected and aligned on how we work together.
Career Growth and Development Through Recognition
Career growth and development accelerate when people are encouraged, challenged, and appreciated. Gratitude reinforces confidence, strengthens motivation, and helps employees understand how their work connects to broader organizational goals. Recognition through the employee growth lifecycle is not simply about feeling good. It helps people step into their potential.
Gratitude in the Workplace Drives Innovation and Purpose
Gratitude in the workplace encourages bold thinking, risk taking, and creative problem solving. When appreciation is consistent, people feel safe contributing ideas, iterating quickly, and challenging assumptions. This clarity of purpose supports resilience and helps accelerate innovation.
5 Ways to Show Gratitude at Work
Gratitude in the workplace is a strategic lever that strengthens alignment, inspires progress, and deepens impact. Here are some practical actions to help make gratitude part of daily work:
- Start Meetings With Gratitude: As recently shared at the Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Annual Meeting, starting meetings with gratitude builds connection and trust instantly.
- Use Incentive & Recognition Platforms: Technology platforms make recognition easy, visible, and consistent. It is an effective driver of employee wellbeing and engagement.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing everyday contributions reinforces a supportive workplace culture that values progress, not just milestones.
- Encourage Peer-to-Peer Shoutouts: Peer appreciation deepens workplace gratitude and strengthens team chemistry.
- Support Growth Opportunities: Investing in learning and development reinforces gratitude in the workplace while empowering career growth and development.
Hear From Inmar Associates: “Voices of Gratitude” Video
Want to hear directly from our associates about what gratitude means to them? Their reflections highlight the heart of our supportive workplace culture and the impact gratitude has on the way we show up for one another.
WATCH NOW TO HEAR STORIES OF GRATITUDE, CONNECTION, SUPPORT AND PURPOSE