Celebrating Gratitude: A Core Value at Riverworks
At Riverworks, we believe that gratitude is more than just a polite response around Thanksgiving. It’s a powerful emotion that can transform the way we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. With National Gratitude Day just around the corner on September 21st, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how this core value of ours is woven into the fabric of our company culture and daily practices.
Gratitude in Action: Our Weekly Rituals
Gratitude is at the heart of our weekly staff meetings. Every week, our team members submit their notes of thanks and appreciation through a simple Google form. These submissions are read aloud during our meeting, creating a space where we can acknowledge and celebrate each other’s contributions. Whether it’s a shoutout for a job well done or a thank you for lending a helping hand, these moments of gratitude are often the highlight of our gatherings.
But our commitment to gratitude doesn’t stop at meetings. We make it a point to celebrate the milestones that matter—birthdays, work anniversaries, and holidays—reminding our team that they are valued and appreciated. These celebrations are more than just events on a calendar to us. They are expressions of our deep gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and positive energy that each team member brings to Riverworks.
The Power of Gratitude: What It Means to Us
We believe that gratitude is a powerful force, one that can change our circumstances by changing the way we think. It’s an intentional practice, a choice we make every day to see the good in our lives and in each other. Here’s what some of our team members have to say about what gratitude means to them:
Rachel Brown, Director of Organizational and Business Development: “Gratitude means checking in with myself and choosing to be present. It’s actively choosing how I think and feel.”
Cody Schmelter, Account Manager: “Gratitude means recognizing all of the hard work that gets done behind the scenes.”
Maddie Boehm, Account Manager: “I see gratitude as a perspective. Gratitude is recognizing the things around you and feeling contentment (or love).”
Katy Aguayo, Copywriter and Content Specialist: “Gratitude is a headspace. It’s a mindset. If you walk into the world wearing Gratitude colored glasses, you’ll see everything in a more positive, gracious light.”
Amanda Sprague, Graphic Designer: “Gratitude for me is an exercise in humility by choosing to acknowledge and recognize the good intentions of others. It’s also a way to break out of the day-to-day cycle of monotony by taking stock in small things that bring joy.”
Bringing Gratitude to Your Workplace
We believe that gratitude can be a transformative force in any company culture. Here are a few ideas for how you can incorporate this powerful emotion into your daily practices:
Start with a Gratitude Ritual: Starting your team meetings with a moment of gratitude can be a powerful gesture. Encourage team members to share something they’re thankful for, whether it’s related to work or their personal lives.
Celebrate Milestones: Recognize birthdays, work anniversaries, and other important events in your team’s lives. It’s a simple way to show that you care and that their presence in the company is valued.
Create a Gratitude Wall: Set up a physical or virtual space where team members can post notes of appreciation. This can be a fun and interactive way to encourage ongoing expressions of gratitude.
Send Thank-You Notes: A handwritten note or a quick email can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated. Encourage your team to make this a regular habit.
Lead by Example: As a leader, your attitude toward gratitude will set the tone for your team. Make it a point to express your thanks regularly and sincerely.
Gratitude Opens Doors
At Riverworks, we’ve seen firsthand how gratitude can open doors to new opportunities. It changes our attitudes, improves outcomes, and motivates us to accomplish great things together. We encourage you to make gratitude a part of your company culture, not just on National Gratitude Day, but every day. Because when gratitude is expressed, anything is possible.
Let’s celebrate the power of gratitude—today, tomorrow, and every day.