Saying “thank you” (to life, to friends, to colleagues) helps you feel good: it reduces stress, realigns priorities

There's a formal "thank you," which fades on the lips. Then there's the "thank you" that permeates you, acknowledging the other and remembering the gift received. Gratitude doesn't sweeten reality, that's for sure, but it helps bring it into focus. When we practice it, our perspective broadens, relationships become more trustworthy, and, why not, in the best of cases, trust returns, even in a historical period of international seismicity like the one we live in, in which we've begun to distrust even our closest neighbors.

But even within the confines of everyday life, among colleagues under deadlines, among friends at dinner, in a hospital corridor or in a work chat. Saying thank you, truly, lowers defenses, reduces stress, realigns priorities. For this reason, today more than ever, gratitude would seem to be not just good manners, but a concrete resource for mental health and coexistence.

When gratitude mitigates the symptoms of anxiety and depression

The psychologists at Stimulus by TELUS Health offer some advice on how to cultivate gratitude at work and in everyday life: “Gratitude helps mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression and relieve stress, both in everyday life and at work . To celebrate September 21, World Gratitude Day , our team of psychologists examined the most recent studies on the relationship between gratitude and mental well-being. The ability to feel a sense of gratitude, towards others and the outside world, becomes a “resource” that helps manage negative situations . At work, a 2025 survey of 1.3 million employees conducted by Great Place to Work shows that when everyone has the opportunity to receive recognition, they are 60% more likely to put in extra effort.”

The benefits of gratitude

Among the benefits of gratitude, psychologists highlight psychological well-being . Practicing gratitude has a direct effect on individuals' increased life satisfaction, fostering happiness, optimism, and hope. As for stress management, cultivating gratitude helps reduce its impact.

Even the simple act of recognizing and appreciating the little things in life It can "reshape" the brain, increasing awareness and broadening the perception of reality. "Learning to value positive aspects , regardless of their extent, not only reduces stress levels but also promotes a widespread sense of fulfillment and inner stability . Finally," experts emphasize, "gratitude helps mitigate anxiety and depressive symptoms by regulating the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress hormones , promoting the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for regulating mood and the perception of pleasure . In this way, those who consistently practice gratitude experience a positive outlook on daily life."

What is gratitude?

In a 2003 article, researchers Emmons and McCullough define gratitude as an experience composed of two fundamental elements: the recognition of having received a positive outcome and the awareness that this outcome does not depend solely on oneself, but on an external source, often another person.

Valentina Nuscis, EAP Generalist, Stimulus Italia by TELUS Health, emphasizes that "According to Cicero, gratitude is not only 'the greatest of virtues' but also 'the mother of all other virtues'. Gratitude appears as a profoundly relational emotion, oriented towards others. We don't simply enjoy what we receive, but we are driven to recognize its value and give it back, thus strengthening social bonds." It is in this light that sociologist Georg Simmel defined it as "the moral memory of humanity" , an evolutionary mechanism that, throughout history, has favored cooperation, trust, and mutual support in communities.

Gratitude in the workplace

The world of work is often hectic, punctuated by deadlines and demanding commitments. This is why it's important to focus on the fact that authentic gratitude goes beyond a simple "thank you" and means sincerely appreciating someone, demonstrating it both verbally and through formal recognition. This will have a direct impact on people's morale and increased engagement. "Recognition is one of the most important factors for increasing productivity and commitment and helps clarify what it means to be successful in an organization, strengthening trust and encouraging innovation. Indeed," experts note, "when people feel valued, they feel free to propose new ideas and solutions."

How to develop gratitude at work?

But how does a culture centered on appreciation and gratitude develop at work? "A culture of gratitude begins and consolidates at the top . Leaders who consistently recognize employees' contributions, thanking them authentically and timely, create a model that spreads throughout the organization. Leaders cultivate gratitude through daily, visible actions, such as dedicating time in meetings to celebrate individual or team successes, including recognition stories in newsletters or on the company intranet, and creating ritualized moments where achievements are shared and valued."

Along with recognition from leaders, it's also crucial to promote gratitude among peers. According to Gary Chapman and Paul White, for example, the main ways to express gratitude include affirming words such as verbal or written compliments, quality time spent supporting a colleague, concrete gestures of help, and small, meaningful gifts. "These behaviors not only strengthen interpersonal bonds but also foster a widespread sense of satisfaction, trust, and reciprocity. In this way, gratitude becomes not an isolated gesture , but a shared cultural practice, capable of generating motivation, well-being, and positive relationships within the organization."

As Valentina Nuscis, EAP Generalist, Stimulus Italia by TELUS Health, explains, "Practicing gratitude daily doesn't require much effort, but consistency. It's small gestures repeated over time that transform into a habit capable of changing the way we look at ourselves and the world around us. In this way, gratitude becomes a true personal and collective resource : it strengthens relationships, promotes psychological and physical well-being, and creates a more positive and collaborative environment, both in everyday life and at work. Cultivating it means choosing to appreciate what you have every day, turning the simple "thank you" into a powerful tool for growth and connection."