What if I told you that two simple words—expressed with the right attitude at work—can improve both your inner atmosphere (your emotions and thoughts) and your outer atmosphere (the quality of your interactions with coworkers and those you supervise)? The benefits don’t stop there. They can even follow you home, enhancing your personal life as well.

These two powerful words are “Thank you.”

Research strongly supports what people have intuitively known for centuries: a thankful heart benefits both mind, body, and relationships.

Here’s a brief summary, with links at the end for further reading. Expressing thankfulness activates our parasympathetic nervous system—our “rest and digest” response. This triggers a cascade of positive physiological effects: lower levels of stress hormones, slower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, increased heart rate variability (a good thing), muscle relaxation, improved digestion, reduced anxiety and hypervigilance, and improved mood. The result? Greater calm, contentment, emotional balance, and psychological resilience.

At the same time, thankfulness reduces activation of the sympathetic nervous system—our “fight, flight, or freeze” response that prepares us to face danger.

The benefits of expressing thanks don’t stop with us. When we say “Thank you,” we’re letting others know that we noticed their behavior and appreciated it. That acknowledgment helps them relax, enhances their sense of self-worth, and increases their feelings of psychological safety around us—an invaluable asset in correctional environments where respect and cooperation are essential.

Strategically expressed thankfulness can also calm or encourage someone who is agitated or demoralized. It can de-escalate tension, reduce hostility, and increase cooperation and goodwill.

And there’s more. When others feel appreciated, they’re more likely to “pay it forward”—to express thanks to someone else. In this way, thankfulness can become contagious, gradually transforming the workplace atmosphere for the better.

All it takes is a willingness to notice moments worthy of appreciation and the commitment to express your “Thank you” sincerely, whether spoken or written.

Try this experiment:
For the next month, be intentional about spotting behaviors or situations for which you can genuinely say “Thank you.”

  • When saying it in person, look the person in the eye, pause for a moment, and express your thankfulness genuinely—with a smile.
  • When writing it in an email, briefly mention what you’re thankful for, and make sure to include the actual words “Thank you.”

Aim to express at least one “Thank you” per day, and as you get better at noticing positives, increase that to three per day.

For maximum benefit, keep a written record of your most meaningful “Thank you” each day. After a month, your brain will begin to rewire itself—automatically seeking out positives and opportunities for appreciation. Over time, this habit can become a way of life.

May you choose to make it yours.

Want to learn more? Check out these resources: