The Power of Gratitude in the Workplace
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environments, it’s easy for employees to feel overlooked or undervalued.
I’ve seen firsthand how fostering a culture of gratitude can make a world of difference—not just in how people feel, but in how they show up every day. When people feel truly appreciated, they become more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a genuine “thank you” at the right moment. Other times, it shows up in more structured ways.
In our office, we’ve made intentional efforts to make gratitude part of our daily rhythm, not just an occasional gesture.
The Bravo Board
One of the most impactful things we’ve implemented is our “Bravo Board” in the breakroom. Any time someone sees a teammate going above and beyond—whether it’s helping a nervous patient, stepping up during a busy day, or just lending a hand without being asked—they write it down and post it.
At our team meetings, the doctors read some of those shout-outs out loud, and the team member gets a small gift card. It’s a simple practice, but it’s become something we all look forward to—and it reinforces that what we do matters, and that someone notices.
Shout-Outs
We also have an annual tradition called the “Spirit of TDC” award. Every team member votes for a colleague who best represents our core values: Integrity, Positivity, Teamwork, Commitment to Excellence, and Service. It’s a meaningful way to recognize not just what we do, but how we do it.
The winner receives a framed award, but more than that, they get to feel the respect and appreciation of their peers—and that sticks with you far longer than a plaque ever could.
Morning Huddles
Another area where gratitude has transformed our culture is in our morning huddles.
I’m not going to lie—there was a time when I hated going. Starting the day at 6:45 a.m. with a laundry list of complaints about how something was scheduled, why someone was seeing a certain patient, or the length of an appointment—it set a negative tone for the entire day.
Thankfully, our leadership recognized that something needed to change. We read The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon as a team, crafted a mission and vision statement, and defined our core values, one of which is Positivity. That one change sparked a major re-vamp of our huddles.
Now, every morning begins with a simple but powerful question: “What’s something that went well yesterday?” We focus on the people we helped, the goals we hit, and the small wins that often get overlooked.
There’s no room for negativity when you start your day being grateful for what you’ve already accomplished.
Gratitude Builds Stronger Teams
What I’ve learned is that gratitude doesn’t just boost morale—it builds connection. It encourages trust, deepens relationships, and reminds us that we’re in this together. In a culture of appreciation, people are more likely to collaborate, step up, and genuinely care about the success of the team.
Building that culture takes time and intention. It starts with leadership but lives in the little moments—the everyday opportunities to say, “I see you. I appreciate you.” Gratitude doesn’t just improve how people feel at work—it changes how they work.
So, let’s make it a habit. Let’s keep finding ways to celebrate the wins, call out the effort, and support each other. Because sometimes, a sticky note on a breakroom board or a few kind words at a team meeting are exactly what someone needs to keep going—and to know that what they do makes a difference.
About the Author
LeAnn McLain, MAADOM
LeAnn McLain began her journey in the dental field in 2016, where she started as a part of the administrative team at Total Dental Care and transitioned to Practice Manager in 2023.
LeAnn received her FAADOM in 2023 and her MAADOM designation in 2025. In her off time, she is an involved member of her community through service and leadership, and she loves that her family serves right beside her.
