Culture of Gratitude and Appreciation
- Deborah (Ellen) Wildish
- Dec 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
This is my rose bouquet - a tribute to you - that expresses my gratitude and appreciation for every follower and connection, LinkedIn newsletter subscribers, Cinder to Flame Blog readers and those who paused to provide feedback. May each article provide inspiration.
Let’s explore how we can promote a culture of gratitude and appreciation - by translating this feeling into action - that aligns with Cinder to Flame's vision for sustainable, quality living.
When faced with life challenges (both big and small) gratitude and appreciation are not at the forefront of our minds. I’ll share a personal story about how I overcame a challenge that culminated in gratitude and appreciation. A few years ago, Japanese beetles invaded my garden and devoured my rose bushes. They are foreign invaders that appear to lack natural predators. The only “environmentally friendly” solution to eradicate these pests was to stun them with a water spray bottle and remove them by hand. Determined to enjoy the last remaining roses, I picked them, assembled them into a rose bouquet and took this photo. I often use this photo in presentations to express feelings of gratitude and appreciation, for overcoming a small life hurdle that enabled the beauty of my rose bouquet to endure.
The people in our lives are of greatest importance and benefits for the recipients of gratitude and appreciation are readily understood. However, those who practice genuine expressions of gratitude and appreciation that are tied to behaviours may reap greater benefits. The impact on health and well-being has been studied but appears to be subtle and indirect - further research is required. Gratitude may provide some protection from stress, improve sleep quality, and enable better adjustment to some chronic diseases (e.g. heart failure, arthritis and bowel disease). The theoretical mechanisms include calming a healthy individual’s response to threats by decreasing amygdala activity in the brain and decreasing inflammatory responses (e.g. cytokines such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) that are linked with chronic diseases.
A cautionary note: gratitude interventions (participation in activities to cultivate gratitude) can backfire for individuals with depression and those experiencing marked stress, a referral to a primary health care provider is recommended and considered essential.
Bono and Sender (2018) published an enlightening review of gratitude. The central theme is becoming one’s best self and helping others achieve the same goal. Their research review describes gratitude as a feeling (under the broader concept of appreciation) that creates purpose and meaning in life.
Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is a researcher who studies positive emotions that are linked with the ability to open one’s mind to new possibilities, creative ideas, and innovative solutions. This heightened awareness starts with gratitude for wherever you are at, right now, “in this moment”.
Corporate case studies have linked a culture of gratitude and appreciation to success. Appreciative Inquiry is an organizational development approach that de-emphasizes corporate dysfunction and weaknesses to prevent them from multiplying. It has a positive orientation that capitalizes on organizational strengths to live into a future of positive possibilities. This approach removes the focus on root causes of problems and accompanying solutions. Rather, it acknowledges the contributions of employees to foster a corporate culture of trust and alignment for positive change(s).
Adrianna Kezar and Susan Elrod published this article, Taken for Granted: Improving the Culture of Celebration, Appreciation and Recognition in Higher Education. The title is explicit and relevant to people (at all levels) in every organization. Strengthening these elements of corporate culture improves employee morale, motivation and performance that enable successful innovation.
Formal corporate programs for recognition and awards, employee appreciation days, and informal strategies can foster a culture of gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude journals have emerged from research studies, enabling individuals to deeply reflect. A physical or virtual gratitude and appreciation wall can be created by a team to invite everyone’s contribution and nurture positivity. Studies have shown that genuine expressions of gratitude can change people (think in terms of mindset), strengthen resilience, and improve quality of life.
Cinder to Flame helps Corporations solve complex challenges with strategic services that energize people, fuel a healthy corporate culture and ignite major innovation.
The social benefits of gratitude and appreciation are fostered through a healthy corporate culture and supportive networks, such as LinkedIn. As we conclude this year and navigate throughout next year, please extend my rose bouquet to others…
There’s a connection between gratitude, appreciation, and celebration.
Enjoy this article, entitled: Innovation Formula Includes Celebration!
Best Regards,
Deborah
© Deborah (Ellen) Wildish, Cinder to Flame 2022-Present. All Rights Reserved.
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