Life moves quickly. Days blur together, filled with routines, responsibilities, and countless interactions. In the midst of it all, it’s easy to assume people know they’re appreciated. But here’s the truth: they often don’t.
A simple message—“I see you,” “thank you,” or “this made my day”—can be a lifeline, turning a routine moment into something meaningful. Recently, someone let me know how something I posted on LinkedIn inspired them to achieve a major milestone with their business. And it struck me how those few seconds of acknowledgment changed my day and made quite the impact. That exchange reminded me of something we all need to hear: expressing appreciation isn’t just nice—it’s essential.
Why Expressing Gratitude is Important
Expressing appreciation has profound effects on both the giver and the receiver. (1) When we take a moment to express gratitude, it triggers a powerful ripple effect, both emotionally and physically. Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to improved sleep, enhanced mood, and stronger immunity. It activates the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine and serotonin, which are key neurotransmitters that foster feelings of happiness and well-being. On the flip side, gratitude has been linked to reduced levels of depression and anxiety, offering a natural buffer against the stressors of daily life.
For the giver, voicing appreciation reinforces positive memories, fosters a greater sense of purpose, and builds stronger connections with others. For the receiver, a simple “thank you” or “this meant a lot to me” can break through feelings of isolation, strengthen confidence, and create lasting moments of joy. In short, these seemingly small gestures are far more powerful than we often realize—they are reminders that we are seen, valued, and not alone.
Gratitude and Relationships
Gratitude can also enhance personal well-being and strengthen relationships. (2) When we show genuine appreciation, we not only acknowledge the effort or kindness of others but also build emotional bridges that foster connection and trust.
Gratitude signals that we value the other person, creating a positive feedback loop where people feel more motivated to engage, help, or simply be present.
In personal relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, expressing gratitude can lead to deeper bonds and greater emotional intimacy. When we acknowledge the efforts and presence of those around us, it fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Studies show that social connections flourish when people feel seen and appreciated, making gratitude a key ingredient for healthier, happier relationships across all areas of life. (3)
In friendships, a simple note of thanks or acknowledgment can rekindle connection and strengthen trust. In family dynamics, verbalizing appreciation can ease tensions, encourage open communication, and build a foundation of positive interactions. Even in community settings, expressing gratitude fosters inclusivity and reinforces shared values. Ultimately, these gestures remind us that we are interconnected—and that every contribution, no matter how small, matters.
Showing Appreciation in Professional Settings
In professional settings, gratitude has far-reaching benefits that go beyond pleasantries. It helps create a collaborative and respectful environment that fuels teamwork and productivity.
When leaders and colleagues consistently express appreciation, it sets a positive tone and fosters psychological safety, making individuals more willing to share ideas, take creative risks, and support one another.
Research supports this: studies have shown that employees who feel valued and appreciated are more engaged and less likely to experience burnout. (4) They tend to exhibit greater loyalty and are more motivated to go above and beyond their roles. Gratitude also promotes healthier communication patterns by reducing resentment and misunderstandings, as people are more inclined to approach conflicts with empathy and openness.
On a broader level, workplaces that prioritize gratitude often see increased morale, improved retention rates, and stronger interpersonal bonds. Gratitude becomes a cycle—when people feel recognized for their contributions, they’re more likely to show appreciation toward others, creating a culture of positivity and mutual respect that uplifts the entire organization.
For the individual practicing gratitude, it shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s meaningful and good. This mindset change is transformative. It builds resilience, cultivates optimism, and enhances overall happiness. In a world where stress and busyness often dominate, these expressions of gratitude act as a reset, nurturing both inner peace and stronger connections with those around us.
Seriously, Don’t Overthink it
No grand gesture or song and dance needed (unless you just really like singing and dancing and that’s your love language). In most cases a quick text, voice memo, or email will do. Here are some simple message ideas you can use to let someone know they are valued.
For the Office
- Thank you for all your hard work on this. I truly appreciate your dedication!
- You’ve been such a great help. I’m thankful to have you on the team!
- I see the work you’ve been putting in, and I just want to say thank you for always going above and beyond!
- It’s great working with you. Your attitude and dedication make a real difference!
- Just wanted to say, I’m grateful for everything you do. It doesn’t go unnoticed!
For Your Friends and Community
- I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how grateful I am for your friendship. You mean so much to me!
- You always know how to lift my spirits. I’m so thankful for your support and positivity!
- I don’t say it enough, but you’re such an important part of my life. I’m so thankful for you!
- Hey, you were on my mind so I wanted to reach out and say hello. Thinking of you!
- Just wanted to say I really appreciate all the moments we’ve shared. You’re an amazing friend.
What We Do at Points North
I’m big on appreciation and letting folks know they are thought of. Here’s what we do:
Handwritten Notes
It takes maybe a minute or two to write these. You can get some nice branded stationary using an online printer like Moo.com. And you might as well get over to USPS.com to order some stamps; I know how hard it is to get to the post office these days. I have to tell you, getting mail as an adult is very boring. I miss the pen pal days of my youth! Now we just get bills and junk mail. So even though as a true millennial I don’t check my mail as often as I used to, I’m always delighted when someone took the time to write something to me.
“This Made Me Think of You” Emails
I have a client in the clean energy profession, and I recently came across a news article about how sheep were being used to tend to solar panel farms. First of all, who doesn’t want to read a story involving some cute sheep? I purposely subscribe to good news sources like Good Good Good to find fun stories just like this. I shared the article with her in a “this made me think of you email,” and it made her day.
Appreciation Mailers on Non-Holidays
Okay, hear me out. Most people think they need a big budget for this, but you don’t. We work with our local printer, Indigo Ink, to do a short-run mailer to our mailing list. It’s usually a card with a nice message and sometimes a small token gift accompanying it. We don’t send these on major holidays, because we know they will get lost in the noise of everything else going on. We like to send them when it’s quiet. And the feedback we get is always positive.
PS. If you like this post, you might also like What To Say When Someone is Struggling.
Resources:
(1) Can expressing gratitude improve your mental, physical health? (Mayo Clinic)
(2) Gratitude and Wellbeing – The Benefits of Appreciation (National Library of Medicine)
(4) Want to keep good workers? Praise them, a new study finds (NPR)
(5) The Role of Employee Recognition in Preventing Burnout (Karma)
Jess Watson is the CEO & Creative Director of Points North Studio. She's the co-organizer of Baltimore Womxn in Tech, a big believer in Baltimore city, and a pioneer of working remotely while traveling the globe.
