Category: Blog

Where does gratitude fit in the workplace? If you ask Benjamin Laker, a leadership professor at the Henley Business School, he will tell you that organizations that lead with gratitude foster a very special brand of thankfulness—reciprocity.

In an article written for Forbes, Laker describes reciprocity as an innate aspect of human nature. Rather than a ‘sense of obligation or indebtedness,’ reciprocity is a ‘mutual recognition that promotes a continuous cycle of goodwill. Laker argues that leaders who understand the reciprocity principle tap into the rewards of human behavior and cultivate a work environment that fosters team cohesion, collaboration, and a deep sense of trust. Read on to learn more about the benefits of reciprocity and how to use this principle to better your organization.

The Reciprocity Upside
Creating an awesome workplace culture and meeting core objectives are big reasons to practice reciprocity. But that’s not why it works. Practicing reciprocity actually improves well-being. Studies show that generosity and reciprocity lead to people reporting happier, healthier and more creative and resilient lives. And these holistic benefits carry over into the work environment, where workers demonstrate higher levels of engagement, motivation, and satisfaction. Plus, leaders who practice reciprocity are considered more likable by their teams, which deepens trust and respect. Bottom line: considering employees needs and taking action to show you care creates a positive boomerang effect that benefits everyone.

Warning: It Only Works When It’s Real
Laker reminds organizations that in order for reciprocity to be effective, it has to be authentic, balanced, and thoughtful. Leaders should be mindful when using gratitude to motivate teams. Below is a summary of Laker’s top reminders.

Genuine Reciprocity: Successful business interactions go beyond mere mechanical transactions. They are built on sincere acts of generosity and support. When your actions are perceived as disingenuous it can do more harm than good, making your goodwill gestures seem manipulative instead of heartfelt.

Strategic Balance: Maintaining reciprocal equilibrium is crucial. Constantly offering without any expectations can leave leaders feeling overused and depleted. Striking the right balance requires emotional intelligence and understanding one’s own motivations and the team’s needs.

Proactive Support: Anticipating the needs of others is one of the most effective ways to foster reciprocity. This foresight shows team members that their leader is in sync with them and genuinely invested in their success and well-being.

3 Practical Ways to Foster Reciprocity at Work
Reciprocity takes many forms in the workplace. Here are three simple ways to integrate gratitude into the workday.

Celebrate Servant Leaders: Recognizing leaders with a ‘serve first’ mindset can elevate reciprocity as a value in your organization. Special call outs at team meetings or public shares on social media go a long way in celebrating and attracting the kind of people you want representing your business or organization.

Build a culture of gratitude: Show appreciation for your employee’s hard work and dedication. People naturally feel happier when they’re acknowledged and happiness boosts motivation. Appreciation begins with the big stuff such as employee benefits and flexible work hours but also includes thoughtful tokens of support such as gifts for special life events, like birthdays, marriages, children, or loss.

Skill Development Opportunities: By providing employees with opportunities for professional growth – such as workshops, training courses, or seminars – managers can stimulate a reciprocal response. Employees, appreciative of these development opportunities, may be motivated to apply these newly-acquired skills to benefit the organization.

The Takeaway
Nurturing a culture of gratitude in the workplace ultimately creates a powerful ecosystem of mutual appreciation and continuous goodwill. Grounded in our human nature, this approach empowers leaders to cultivate team cohesion, collaboration, and trust. But it doesn’t stop there. Reciprocity at work unlocks a cascade of holistic benefits, including elevated well-being, creativity, resilience, and genuine employee satisfaction. And remember: authentic reciprocity is key – when you make sure your efforts are heartfelt, balanced, and thoughtful, your employees will thank you.

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The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

The concept of a “workplace” has evolved significantly over the past three years. Remote offices and hybrid work models have disrupted the organic social interactions that once unfolded effortlessly around the water cooler. Employers have also recognized that offering remote working options not only attracts top talent but also grapples with the challenge of enticing employees back to the physical office full-time.

Regardless of whether your workplace is completely remote, fully in-office, or somewhere in between, there is an undeniable magic that occurs when employees come together in person. After all, workers are human beings, and as humans, we possess an innate need for social connection. Continue reading to explore how you can effectively harness your employees’ social needs and foster meaningful connections.

The Importance of Social Connections
Many individuals who work from home miss the social connections that come with working in an office environment. However, simply returning to the office to spend the entire day responding to emails and joining Zoom calls can dampen their enthusiasm. If managers can find opportunities for team collaboration and foster connections, employees are more likely to feel energized and eager to return to the office.

In a Harvard Business Review article, employees listed the following as top reasons to return to the workplace:

85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.
Humans are inherently social beings, and it is no surprise that the top motivator for in-person work includes other people. Workplace satisfaction experts agree that the days of simply punching the clock are over for modern employees. Work should provide a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself, and tapping into team-building and relationships is a great way to do just that.

Workplace Social Time Goes a Long Way
Employees who have grown accustomed to zero commute time and flexible schedules may require more persuasion when it comes to returning to the office. To encourage employees’ desire to be in the office, Sammi Caramela, a contributor to the US Chamber of Commerce, proposes five compelling incentives. These include setting clear expectations, maintaining consistent communication, accommodating family and illness situations, and fostering a workplace culture that values genuine human connections.

Caramela promotes a workplace culture that values social connections and prioritizes employee well-being. This includes integrating activities like team lunches, office birthday celebrations, and casual Friday treats such as bagels and fruit. In addition, Caramela recognizes the importance of granting employees autonomy in determining when they need a break. Whether it’s enjoying lunch at a favorite restaurant or finding solace in a book in the office lounge, these breaks contribute to overall well-being.

Encouraging walks, exercise classes, and empowering employees with more control over their work day will combat afternoon fatigue, improve productivity, even strengthen the immune system. Employers can leverage this opportunity to create a supportive work environment, offsetting the drawbacks of remote working such as distractions and imbalanced work days. Prioritizing rest and movement at work can help workplaces excel amidst the unique demands of work from home.

The Hybrid Work Model Is Likely Here to Stay
Not everyone finds motivation through socializing, and some employees get enough social interaction outside of work. Employers can attract and retain exceptional workers by embracing this trend. By fostering an inviting in-person work environment and allowing remote work flexibility, everyone can feel connected and purposeful in their roles. The key is to enrich the in-office workday while remaining adaptable to the changing landscape of work and the needs of the modern workforce.

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The CBICC is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.