If you feel underappreciated at work, you’re not alone: 59% of employees say they have never had a boss who “truly appreciates” them. In a separate survey, 53% admitted they would stay longer at their company if they felt more appreciation for their work. The existence of gratitude consultants speaks to the scope of the problem. Clearly, many organizations can and should do more to make their employees feel appreciated.
Research: More Powerful People Express Less Gratitude
Here’s how to make sure you’re an appreciative boss.
April 25, 2022
Summary.
Research shows that people with power tend to express gratitude less than those without it. In organizations, this can result in employees feeling underappreciated and, in some cases, more likely to quit. To develop better habits around gratitude, leaders should understand the outsized impact a “thank you” can have, particularly in the era of remote work, and begin taking the perspective of others and leading by example. And if your boss doesn’t thank you enough, you can take steps to boost gratitude in your own life. Consider reaching out to old bosses and colleagues to say thank you and rekindle connections, or vocally boost the contributions of low-power employees in workplace settings.
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.