The Research Is Clear: Gratitude Builds Better Teams
- Marcy Stoudt
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Every November, I find myself reflecting on the small, everyday moments that make leadership meaningful: the mentor who checks in “just because,” or the pause before a big meeting when someone says, “Thanks for making this happen.”
These moments often slip by unnoticed, but they’re powerful. Gratitude, especially in the workplace, creates connection. It fuels trust, strengthens collaboration, and builds the kind of culture where people show up fully, not because they have to, but because they want to.
And it turns out, research agrees.
What the Research Says About Gratitude and Professional Performance
“Taking the time to consciously note people and things you are grateful for can make a huge difference to individual well-being, team dynamics, and institutional health.” - Source: IMD
Gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a proven driver of performance and well-being. Studies show that:
Gratitude improves organizational health. It’s linked to more positive emotions, stronger relationships, and fewer negative outcomes. (Source: IMD, “Bringing the power of gratitude into the workplace”)
People who feel appreciated are twice as likely to go above and beyond. In one study, individuals who received a simple “thank you” note were twice as likely to help again compared to those who didn’t. (Source: Creative Planning, “The Immeasurable Value of Gratitude in the Workplace”)
Appreciation drives engagement. Gratitude in organizations is directly associated with higher work engagement and better performance. (Source: Iowa State University, “Gratitude in the Workplace”)
As these findings show: when people feel seen, valued, and connected, they perform at a higher level. Gratitude doesn’t just make work more enjoyable, it makes it more effective.
Gratitude in Action
At REVEL COACH, we see this firsthand in our team workshops. When leaders intentionally pause to recognize their people, not just for what they do, but who they are, teams communicate better, collaborate more naturally, and build momentum that lasts.
“Collaboration is a necessary behavior to achieve relational and organizational goals—and gratitude can support creating a more collaborative work environment.” - Source: Iowa State University
So as we head into the holidays, I encourage you to practice gratitude with intention. Write the note. Say the thank-you. Celebrate progress.
And what you’ll start to notice is that gratitude creates growth.
“Gratitude activates multiple brain regions and lights up parts of the brain’s reward pathways.” - Source: IMD
A Little Gratitude from Us
If you’ve read this far, we’d love to say thank YOU.
Whether your team needs a reset before the new year or a fresh start heading into Q1, we’d be honored to help you build momentum with clarity, connection, and most importantly, gratitude for all they’ve accomplished.
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Marcy Stoudt is a seasoned sales leader dedicated to shaping the future of talent acquisition and executive coaching. As the founder of Revel Search and Revel Coach, Marcy collaborates with corporate clients to develop innovative strategies for attracting, advancing, and retaining top-tier talent.
During her 22 years at Allegis Group, Marcy was TEKsystems's first female Vice President. She led a team of 300 producers and delivered four consecutive years of revenue results at 18% CAGR, averaging $320 million annually. While at MarketSource, she established the Customer Experience Strategy for the Target Mobile outsourced sales team at 1,540 Target locations, fostering executive-level relationships with Target and Apple.
The Revel Coach™ Blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not mental health, financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any medical, mental or emotional condition. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content.
