Gratitude Week

Promoting gratitude in the workplace can be a bit of a challenge. It is hard to remember to practice gratitude – especially during a rough day at home and on campus especially while we are in lockdown.

Feeling valued and appreciated is a fundamental human need of all people. Practicing gratitude in the workplace brings about many positive effects. Research has proved that the display and practice of gratitude can impact a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their work performance. Practicing gratitude releases dopamine in the brain, which in turn boosts feelings of wellbeing, increases optimism, and improves physical health.

Feeling and expressing gratitude promotes a positive and happy mood and can have significant positive effects on the physical and mental health of staff and students.

WHS & Wellbeing has developed this guide to support you build a gratitude rich culture and boost the health and wellbeing of our staff and students.

Gratitude can:

  • Promote better sleep
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve one’s sense of mindfulness
  • Increase energy
  • Improve one’s mood and feelings of happiness
  • Decrease stress levels.
  • Improve productivity
  • Increase loyalty
  • Increase satisfaction and enthusiasm

GRATITUDE IN THE WORKPLACE

Although promoting gratitude in the workplace can be a bit of a challenge, the benefits are completely worth the effort. Here are a few ways to lead by example and cultivate gratitude within your teams:

 

Look for opportunities to celebrate success #Gratitude

  • This could be a Yammer post recognising the work or an outstanding achievement of a particular staff member or team.
  • Host an appreciation morning tea (virtually) to celebrate success. Be sure to look out for small successes that will make staff members feel special.

Support peer-to-peer recognition

  • Staff can create thank  you notes or use  just like the wishing you well campaign virtual cards for their colleagues.
  • Staff can give out at least one thank you note a week – either by sharing it on Yammer #Gratitude or sending it a manager to share.
 

 

Get staff involved in community service projects

  • Volunteering is a powerful way to promote gratitude.
  • Ask staff who are involved in current projects that are support staff, students or the wider community to share what they are doing. Post on Yammer #Gratitude

Reinforce random acts of kindness at work.

  • Recognise those who go out of their way to help a colleague or student.
  • Kindness is contagious!

 

Encourage mindful behaviours

  • Practicing mindfulness can make us all become more aware of our surroundings and notice the little things. WHS&W Team has activities planned for you to share with colleagues and members of your household.
  • Practice self-care such as keeping a gratitude journal, take mindful walks, and meditate or practice breathing exercises. WHS&W has the tools in one place to start you off, thanks to the entire University’s contribution and a special mention to Dr Carolyn Ee from NICM.

Get involved. Join Us.

  • Everyone loves a fun challenge! WHS&W will be giving away a $50 voucher to the best contribution each day.  So let us know on Yammer use #Gratitude, email whs@westernsydney.edu.au or complete this form with what you are grateful for, or include tips you use that you wish to share.

           

GRATITUDE WEEK 2022

During Gratitude week, the WHS & Wellbeing team will be posting daily on Yammer. Each day will focus on a theme outlined below.

 ThemeActivity Supporting Material
Day One Ways to show Gratitude in the Workplace
Day Two Physical Gratitude and Available Support
Day Three Mindfulness
Day Four Gratitude for the whole Family
Day Five Gratitude Wrap Up
  • Reflect on the week
 

Please get involved and share some positivity during these difficult times and encourage your colleague to do so as well. You can get involved by:

  • Nominating colleagues or students via this form to celebrate their success
  • Post a shout out on Yammer
  • Comment on any of WHS & Wellbeing’s Yammer post and share your own stories. Don’t forget to use #gratitude
  • Schedule some time each day for some self-care

GRATITUDE IMAGES

The following Gratitude images are available for you to download and use during zoom sessions or to do what you wish.