The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes to the way we work, and as a result, organisations have had to adapt to new ways of operating. One area that has gained increasing attention in recent times is the concept of gratitude in the workplace.

A recent study conducted in Portugal, published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Marketing, aimed to investigate the relationship between gratitude and job satisfaction among a sample of 521 workers. The said study found that Portuguese workers are generally grateful and satisfied at work, with statistically significant differences between groups in sociodemographic, professional, and perceived living conditions variables regarding gratitude.

Gratitude = job satisfaction

The results further revealed that gratitude alone explains 8% of job satisfaction. When other factors such as perceptions of satisfaction initiatives and greater job security were taken into account, the regression model explained 32.4% of job satisfaction.

Investing in employees happiness

These findings suggest that organisations can improve job satisfaction among their employees by implementing gratitude-promoting strategies. Given the challenges brought about by the pandemic, this is especially important in the post-pandemic period. The study highlights the need for organisations to invest in their employees’ happiness and well-being as a key factor in their success.

In light of the findings from this study, it is clear that organisations can benefit from implementing gratitude-promoting strategies in the workplace. This can be done in a variety of ways such as:

1. Encourage employees to express their gratitude to their colleagues and managers through regular recognition programs and feedback mechanisms.
2. Provide opportunities for employees to give back to the community through volunteer work or other community service initiatives.
3. Foster a culture of appreciation and positivity by promoting open communication and encouraging employees to share their successes and challenges with their colleagues.
4. Implement policies and procedures that promote work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and remote working options.
5. Provide opportunities for professional development and personal growth, such as training and mentoring programs.

Boosting productivity

Companies that take these steps can not only improve employee satisfaction but also increase employee engagement, motivation, and productivity. By investing in their employees’ organisational happiness, organisations can create a more positive and supportive work environment and ultimately achieve greater success in the long term.

Organisations should take this research as a call to action to focus on fostering a culture of gratitude in the workplace. By taking steps to promote employee gratitude, organisations can increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and ultimately, their chances of success in the long term. So, it’s worth to invest in employee happiness and well-being as a key factor in their success.

Companies should not overlook the power of gratitude as a way to improve job satisfaction among their employees. As the world continues to navigate the impacts of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to focus on creating positive and supportive work environments. By fostering a culture of gratitude, organisations can not only improve employee satisfaction but also increase their chances of success in the long term.