Oh Yes, it’s Thanksgiving week! A time of year when we customarily get into “gratitude mode”, when we easily and effortlessly give thanks for our friends and family and all the other blessings we enjoy.

But I propose we add one more to that list.  I propose we show gratitude and give thanks to those with whom we spend most of our waking hours: our colleagues.  I’m not just suggesting you do this to be “nice”, I’m suggesting it because research shows that having an attitude of gratitude at work can help you get ahead, increase job satisfaction, reduce your own stress and make you lose weight (just kidding on that last one).

Getting ahead – Showing gratitude to a coworker strengthens the work relationship, which is helpful in the long run.  Think about a time earlier this year when you went out of your way to help one of your colleagues, but they never acknowledged it.  Now think about how you’d feel if they stepped up this week and said: “Remember that time you stayed late to help me with that project? I don’t think I ever said how much I appreciated it.”  That would make you feel positive about that coworker, you’d be more likely to help them in the future or put-in a good word when needed. That’s what expressing gratitude can do.

Stress – Some studies have found gratitude reduces stress.  According to the American Psychological Association (APA) “more gratitude was associated with better mood, better sleep, less fatigue…”.

So, here’s my assignment for you this Thanksgiving week.  Thank at least three people you normally wouldn’t thank -at work, at a business you frequent or wherever.  Tell them in person or write them a note.  How about, “Thanks for smiling when you say hello every morning”;  “Thanks for always finding me a meeting room even on short notice”; “Thanks for being the level head when this place gets crazy busy”; “Thanks for spending time with me and sharing your knowledge”.  You get the gist.  Now go and find those three people.

Lastly, to my readers, with genuine gratitude, thank YOU for reading this column.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving week! 

© Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com