A little gratitude can make a big difference. Here are ten statistics that show how appreciation influences workplace relationships, employee engagement, and overall well-being.
November is National Gratitude Month
Everyone appreciates being appreciated. Yet with everything competing for our attention, it’s easy to overlook the importance of simply saying thank you.
November is National Gratitude Month, a reminder that acknowledging the people who make a difference can have a lasting impact. And while gratitude may seem like a small gesture, research suggests its benefits are anything but small.
Why is Gratitude so Powerful?
Think about the last time someone genuinely thanked you for something you did. Chances are, you remember how it made you feel.
Gratitude helps people feel valued. At work, that can translate into stronger relationships, greater engagement, and a more positive environment.
It doesn’t require a big budget or an elaborate program. Often, the simplest expressions of appreciation are the most meaningful.
The key is making gratitude genuine and consistent. For more on how to put that into practice, read Getting Gratitude Right in the Workplace.
10 Statistics That Show the Power of Appreciation
From workplace relationships and motivation to personal well-being, research continues to demonstrate the value of gratitude.
Here are ten findings worth paying attention to.
- Only 37% of U.S. employees strongly agree that someone at work cares about them.
According to Gallup’s October 2026 research, that figure has fallen from 47% in March 2020. It’s a reminder of how important it is to make people feel seen and valued. - Feeling appreciated is closely connected to job satisfaction.
According to a 2024 Canva workplace survey reported by WorldatWork, 81% of employees who felt highly appreciated reported high job satisfaction, compared with just 7% of those who felt unappreciated or neutral. - Gratitude has measurable benefits for well-being.
A 2025 analysis of 145 studies involving nearly 25,000 people found that practicing gratitude can lead to small but measurable improvements in well-being. - Expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships.
A 2026 study published in the journal Emotion found that expressing gratitude to people who make us feel valued and supported can strengthen relationships and improve emotional well-being. - Fewer employees feel valued at work.
The American Psychological Association’s 2026 Work in America survey found that 80% of workers felt valued at work, down from 84% in 2025. - Practicing gratitude can improve mood and optimism.
A 2026 experimental study involving 10,696 participants across 34 countries found that brief gratitude exercises produced immediate improvements in positive mood and optimism, among other outcomes. - Only 27% of U.S. employees strongly agree they’ve received recognition in the past week.
According to Gallup’s August 2026 findings, just 27% of U.S. employees strongly agreed that they had received recognition or praise for doing good work in the previous seven days. - Recognition plays an important role in job fulfillment.
In SHRM’s 2025 workplace research, 40% of surveyed workers who felt fulfilled by their jobs identified recognition and appreciation as factors contributing to that fulfillment. - One-third of employees say their contributions aren’t recognized.
According to SHRM’s 2025 State of the Workplace report, 34% of U.S. workers reported a lack of recognition for their contributions in 2024. - Only 62% of workers feel their contributions are valued.
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that just 62% of U.S. workers said their contributions at work were valued a great deal or a fair amount, highlighting the importance of recognizing people’s efforts.
A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way
It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, responsibilities, and whatever needs our attention next. Taking a moment to recognize someone’s contribution can make more of a difference than we realize.
A personal note, a thoughtful gift, or simply acknowledging a job well done can leave a lasting impression.
National Gratitude Month is a good reminder to make those moments count. But appreciation shouldn’t be limited to November. The relationships that matter most are built through the little things we do throughout the year.