Sales Strategy
Build A Culture Of Expressing Gratitude At Work | January 04, 2018 (2 comments)
Miami, FL—Thanksgiving is done, Christmas was epic, and the New Year has arrived! So, it seems like a good time to talk about gratitude and the attention it has been getting in our newscasts, Social Media, Christmas specials and the workplace. With all the bad news—sexual harassment cases, fires in California, aftermaths of hurricanes, and violence we see on the news every day, it is a good time to focus on some gratitude.
If you cultivate gratitude, you will have happier, more productive employees. And happier employees lead to happier, more loyal customers.
I remember when I first met my husband Joe. He was president of C.D. Peacock, and he used to say, “Retail would be so much more fun without employees.” We would laugh and he would tell me all the stories and gossip that went on in their stores.
I come from a whole different background. I didn’t really work retail. I was all about manufacturing and getting the right prices for my retail clients, but in today’s world it is a whole new ballgame and gratitude is something we all need to recognize.
- 93% of people throughout retail workplaces agree that grateful bosses are more likely to succeed.
- 88% say that expressing gratitude to colleagues makes them feel happier, more fulfilled, and want to please their bosses much more.
- 81% say they would work harder for a grateful boss.
The number one reason people leave a job is because they don’t feel appreciated. So, what are the best ways to express gratitude in the workplace? Here are four!
1) Gratitude is about the whole person. Gratitude isn’t the same as recognizing performance in achievement, which rewards work accomplishments. Appreciation acknowledges your work as a person. It’s the difference between celebrating record-breaking sales versus applauding a caring and helpful spirit. Both are important. (I learned this the hard way!)
2) Gratitude is not one size fits all! Don’t assume that everyone wants to be appreciated in the same way. Some people like public praise, while others prefer a personal conversation.
3) Gratitude must be embraced by leaders. Getting leaders to participate and communicate that gratitude and well-being are important to the organization. It is extremely true, however, that gratitude will take hold best in a work culture when it is embraced at all levels.
4) Gratitude has to be part of the culture. Employee awards once a year won’t cut it! It has to be an ongoing practice throughout your business. It’s what makes employees want to come to work and makes for more collaboration and embracing one another strengths and weaknesses.
Where would we be without our employees? I am truly grateful. --Andie
Andie Weinman, president and CEO of Preferred Jewelers International / Continental Buying Group Inc., has worked in the jewelry industry since age 10. Though she holds a B.A. in musical theatre and a B.S. in marine biology from The University of Tampa, the jewelry business beckoned and she has performed a multitude of jobs in the manufacturing of jewelry. As a negotiator, she has earned a reputation as being tough but fair with vendors. In 2012 the Indian Diamond and Color Association awarded Andie the Prestigious Doyenne Award of the Year.