In Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey, A.J. Jacobs sets out to thank every person connected to his morning cup of coffee—from the farmer who grew the beans to the designer of the logo on the paper cup to the inventor of the cardboard sleeve. Along the way, he uncovers powerful lessons about gratitude that we can all embrace, enriching not only our personal lives but also in our work as safety professionals.
For example, many families go around the dinner table each night sharing what they are thankful for. Safety professionals can adapt this simple yet powerful practice by showing an “attitude of gratitude” within their safety communities, such as ASSP volunteer groups, and in the workplace with safety committee members.
Expressing gratitude at work serves to acknowledge others’ contributions and affirms their value. Jacobs recommends that we view gratitude as a team sport, one that strengthens relationships, builds community and inspires others to “pay it forward.” When people feel seen and appreciated, relationships grow stronger, shifting workplace culture away from criticism and toward one with greater psychological safety, which we all know is extremely important in the workplace. The level of psychological safety can be an indicator of injury prevention, as it ensures that people feel safe to speak up without fear of reprisal.
To be a great leader, it is important to regularly show appreciation for employee input in a way that is meaningful to them. Some people value recognition while others prefer a pat on the back, and some feel most supported through words of encouragement. It is important to express gratitude in a way that resonates most with the receiver. Leaders who take the time to listen and respond to individual preferences create an environment where people feel heard, valued and inspired to give back. As 20th-century American author Gertrude Stein once said, “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”
People are more likely to repeat and sustain positive behaviors when they feel personally valued, not just rewarded with pay or perks. Many safety professionals know that even well-intentioned incentives can backfire. Expressing genuine gratitude, on the other hand, fuels intrinsic motivation. When someone receives genuine gratitude, they feel their efforts are noticed and appreciated, making them more likely to continue those behaviors.
Showing gratitude has personal benefits as well. Research shows it can boost well-being, reduce stress and improve workplace satisfaction—all especially valuable in today’s rapidly changing world (Sansone & Sansone, 2010). Gratitude isn’t just a nice gesture; it is a practical tool for happiness, perspective and connection.
In the ASSP ecosystem, our progress and success are built on the dedication of both past and present volunteers, along with an incredibly committed staff. The importance of showing gratitude cannot be overstated. While there will never be enough space to thank every individual who has contributed to ASSP’s achievements and to workplace safety and health, please know that my respect and appreciation run deep.
To all of you, I say: thank you, thank you, thank you. May this expression of gratitude inspire us all to recognize and honor the contributions of others. And, if you are looking for a meaningful way to show your appreciation—while also supporting the safety profession—I encourage you make a donation in their name to the ASSP Foundation at https://foundation.assp.org/donate.
References
Jacobs, A.J. (2018). Thanks a thousand: A gratitude journey. Simon & Schuster/TED.
Sansone, R.A. & Sansone, L.A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: The benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(11), 18-22, 21191529.