Research: More Powerful People Express Less Gratitude

Research shows that people with power tend to express gratitude less than those without it. In organizations, this can result in employees feeling underappreciated and, in some cases, more likely to quit. To develop better habits around gratitude, leaders should understand the outsized impact a “thank you” can have, particularly in the era of remote work, and begin taking the perspective of others and leading by example. And if your boss doesn’t thank you enough, you can take steps to boost gratitude in your own life. Consider reaching out to old bosses and colleagues to say thank you and rekindle connections, or vocally boost the contributions of low-power employees in workplace settings.