"Thank you so much” are the sweetest words you can say to show how grateful you are for someone’s kindness and support. Saying thank you is a gracious gesture. It's polite, proper, and powerful. And in today’s hectic world, where some good deeds go unnoticed, words of appreciation can make all the difference.
This is especially true in the workplace where you and your colleagues are often busy. It can be so easy to forget to acknowledge those who have done something good for you. Since you spend a significant part of your life with your coworkers, it makes it all the more necessary to be mindful of their help and generosity.
On average, Malaysians work 45 hours a week, sometimes up to 48. So always recognise their warm presence and thoughtfulness. Respond to their compassion. Appreciate their solid support.
Saying thanks has many positive outcomes, including:
Showing appreciation is a terrific way to boost somebody's morale. Work can lead to high-stress situations, especially during specific crunch periods. Showing gratitude is also an opportunity to leverage positive interactions in the workplace t hat would eventually promote healthy networking.
Understanding how to communicate your appreciation to a workmate or a superior can help nurture a positive team environment. A culture of honesty, accountability, and open communication is conducive to smoother processes. If you and each team member motivate one another with deserved praise and gratitude, then you're advocating for a more inclusive team synergy.
This proves to be true, especially in today's current work setups. With 60% of companies having a hybrid work setup and 20% adopting a complete remote setup, expressing gratitude becomes a complicated task when done through alternative modes of communication. With little to no personal contact, you have to be adept at showing your good manners through text messaging or emails.
Understanding the importance of words and their impact on people is a surefire approach to getting your message across. A pro tip is that you can't use the same approach for every single person you want to express your gratitude to. Personalising these types of messages will make the gesture more special and thoughtful. It will also help you determine how to choose the right words to convey gratitude.
For example, if you want to thank a colleague who's also a very close friend of yours outside of work, then you can be a little less formal. However, if it's a superior or somebody from upper management, then you might want to look up templates and approach the message more formally.
Knowing the context of your message, why you're thanking somebody, and identifying what kind of working relationship you have with the person are three key ideas to keep in mind at all times.
Don't:
Hey man,
So I'm super thankful for that thing you did for me the other day. That was cool.
See you in the office.
Do:
Hello (NAME),
I'd like to extend my gratitude to you for giving me support on my presentation last Thursday. I had an error on my part and if it wasn't for you, the pitch wouldn't have been a complete success. I feel honoured to be a part of the same team as you.
Please keep safe.
Warm regards,
(Your name)
As mentioned earlier, expressing gratitude can boost team morale. This is because you're acknowledging somebody's contribution to the team or project. It means that you're valuing their presence. If you want to translate your gratitude into words, make sure to be as specific as possible. A heartfelt message will only be effective if you're clear with your intentions.
For example, if you're thankful for somebody's valuable advice on something, write it the way it is and tell them the outcome of your taking the advice. The more detailed you are in your writing, the more heartfelt and effective the message will be. This will result in a healthier and positive work relationship with that specific colleague.
With how busy and fast-paced daily operations are, sending a thank you message via email seems like the most viable option. It's also more efficient. But of course, nothing beats saying it in person while having the body language to accompany your words of appreciation.
Here are tips on how to say thank you to a colleague in person:
If you work in a hybrid work setup, then chances are, you go to the office three to four times a week. You just have to determine which days your colleague works. Find that middle ground so you'll know their availability and work your way around it.
While practising something over and over again can lead to the message sounding inauthentic, knowing your key points may help. You can either keep them in your head or write them down in bullet points. Since this is in person, also take in mind your body language. Being too rigid will make the delivery look too forced and not genuine.
Also, remember who you're going to talk to. Contextualise your message, understand the other person's characteristics, and match your body language accordingly.
Remember that social interactions can be mentally taxing. If your team is experiencing high-stress levels because of a project, expect that everyone might be on edge. Making your message concise and specific will not only save time but will also show that you respect the other person's space.
In addition, expressing gratitude concisely during a particularly stressful season will encourage a more positive atmosphere.
Merely saying thank you to a colleague or a superior will fall short in terms of delivery and intent. For your message to be clear and significant, you must learn how to tailor each message specifically per interaction. Each situation calls for a different kind of approach concerning messaging.
After working hard for a long period and proving your worth not only to your colleagues but also to your superiors, a promotion is well-earned. Of course, the euphoria of climbing the ladder should not make you forget about how you got there. While it was mostly you who was putting in 100% effort, some people helped you along the way. Specifically your boss or your manager.
In writing your thank you for your support message, you must identify how close you are to your boss or manager. If you're in a somewhat chummy relationship with them, you can be a little less formal with your approach. Regardless of how close you are to them, you must remember to still be as specific as possible.
Tell them about all of the skills that you've learned under their direction, and the new experiences you've grown to enjoy. You can also mention how excited you are at the new position, and the steps you are taking in preparation for it.
10 examples of thank you notes after receiving a promotion:
Completing a project is a great feeling and can provide a much-needed boost to your team's overall mood. After weeks of anxiety and hard work, seeing a project finally unfold and come to an end can feel like a heavy weight lifting off your shoulders.
It's also during this time that you see yourself asking for more support than usual. The mental stress may lead to you asking a colleague to share some load so you can focus more on other urgent details.
Of course, the end of a project does not entail that you forget about the support you got throughout. You must acknowledge them because these people have contributed well to the team by helping you.
10 examples of thank you notes after project completion:
Upskilling is a vital element to have in any workplace. It's a way for you to be equipped with more necessary skills through workshops, courses, and seminars. Typically, you will have a mentor or somebody to guide you through this process.
(Read More: Upskill Today to Ensure Your Future Career Success)
These people are there to ensure that you flourish in your current area and that you won't get left behind due to, let's say, a lack of skill. Since the job market is always expanding, you should always do everything in your power to outdo your current skillset. That's why receiving mentorship is needed so that you'd know the necessary steps you have to take.
Right after the mentorship, however, it's important to express your gratitude. Sustaining connections to enrich your network is a good way to show that you value the working relationships that you're making.
In writing this thank you message, determine again how close you are to this person, be specific as possible in your message, and be concise. Depending on your working dynamic, the nature of the letter may vary.
10 examples of thank you notes after receiving mentorship or guidance:
Saying thank you to a colleague after receiving support during a personal crisis is an impactful gesture that can help build and strengthen positive personal and working relationships.
When a colleague takes the time to support you during a personal crisis, they're offering a generous gift—their time and attention. Saying thank you acknowledges their effort and lets them know that you appreciate their support.
When you express appreciation for the support you received, it's more likely that your colleague will be willing to offer help again in the future. Showing gratitude and acknowledging the value of their support can help build a positive and supportive work environment.
Saying thank you can also have a positive impact on the morale of your colleague and the workplace in general. When people feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work.
10 examples of thank you notes after receiving support during a personal crisis:
When you express gratitude for the support you've received, you're acknowledging its importance and showing that you recognise the effort and investment that went into it. It builds strong professional relationships by showing that you truly value and appreciate the support of others.
This can lead to increased trust and respect between colleagues, and ultimately open up more opportunities for future growth and development.
In writing this message, describe the support you received and how it helped you. This shows that you're grateful for their specific actions and that you have noticed and appreciated their efforts.
It's also important to note that you should avoid writing a lengthy message that could be overwhelming. Maybe you could also consider following up on your thank you note with a face-to-face conversation. This can help reinforce your message and show your colleagues or management that you're truly grateful for their support.
10 examples of thank you notes after receiving support for professional development
Non-verbal ways of saying thank you are a can't-miss skill in the workplace. Learning this means that you can communicate gratitude in situations where verbal communication may not be possible or appropriate. Non-verbal expressions of gratitude can be more genuine and sincere than words alone, after all. Facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal cues can communicate a sense of warmth and appreciation that words may not be able to fully express.
Non-verbal expressions of gratitude can be a way to show respect for cultural norms or personal boundaries. For example, in some cultures, bowing or making eye contact can be a sign of respect and gratitude.
In the digital age, a handwritten note can be a refreshing and heartfelt way to say thank you to a colleague. Write a personalised note expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their support.
A small, thoughtful gift can be a great way to say thank you to a colleague. Consider their interests or hobbies and choose a gift that fits them. It can be quite a personal and meaningful gesture if done correctly.
Take your colleague out for lunch as a way to express your appreciation for their support. It's a great way to spend some quality time together and show your gratitude.
Record a video message expressing your gratitude and appreciation. It's a unique and personal way to say thank you, allowing you to convey your emotions more clearly.
Take advantage of social media or other public platforms to publicly acknowledge your colleague's support. Share a post on social media platforms, or publicly thank them during a team meeting or presentation.
Create a personalised token of appreciation, such as a custom mug or keychain, that reflects your colleague's interests or personality. Maybe you can even have their name on a t-shirt or hat somehow. This can be a thoughtful and creative way to say thank you.
In the workplace, there can be plenty of situations where it's appropriate to say thank you to your colleagues and superiors. Here are some common situations where saying thank you is appropriate.
When you receive feedback, positive or negative, it's good to acknowledge and express appreciation for the time and effort that went into providing it.
Whether it's emotional support during a difficult time or added assistance on a project, expressing gratitude for the support you receive is essential.
If a colleague or coworker gives you a gift, it's only right to acknowledge and thank them for their thoughtfulness.
When a team completes a project, it's necessary to recognise and thank everyone who contributed to the project's success.
When someone helps you prepare for a presentation or offers feedback on your performance, it's best to thank them for their support after the activity.
If a colleague or coworker takes time out of their busy schedule to attend a meeting or provide input on a project, thanking them for their time and effort is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with them.
What to do if you can't say "thank you" in person
If you are unable to thank somebody in person because of a schedule mismatch or the work setups, there are other things you can do. You can send a personalised email to the person or team who supported you and express your gratitude.
Maybe schedule a phone call or video chat to express your gratitude and appreciation to them head-on. This allows you to convey your emotions more clearly and have a meaningful conversation.
You can even send a small gift to the person or team as a way of saying thank you. Consider their interests or hobbies, what they like or talked about recently, and choose a lovely gift that is personal and meaningful.
Some people may not know how to respond in the face of gratitude. It's certainly not their fault. What we can do here is to offer up the right words to use. Here are some examples of how to do so properly:
Remember to always acknowledge the other person's gratitude and express your own appreciation for the opportunity to help or contribute. Keep your response sincere and professional, and tailor it to the context and tone of the situation.
Expressing gratitude is an important aspect of building positive relationships and creating a supportive workplace culture. By taking small steps and practising regularly, you can overcome your fear and become more comfortable expressing gratitude little by little.
Begin by expressing gratitude for small things, like someone holding the door open for you or a coworker lending you a pen. This can help build your confidence and make expressing gratitude feel more natural.
If expressing gratitude is particularly challenging for you, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor. You can also seek their counsel on how you can further develop the strategies you need to overcome your awkwardness or frustration.
By practising saying thank you to your colleagues, you are promoting a healthier workspace for everyone. Around 60% of employees say they are more engaged at work when they are thanked for the job that they do.
Making your thank you meaningful in the workplace can help build positive relationships and create a more supportive and productive work environment. Let the person know how their actions made a difference. For example, "Thanks to your insights during the meeting, we were able to come up with a solution that will save the company time and money.”
If possible, follow up with the person and let them know how their actions helped you or the team. Make sure your "thank you" comes from a genuine place of appreciation and gratitude. People can often sense when someone is not being sincere, so it's good to be honest and authentic.
Christopher Littlefield, who is an expert in employee appreciation, has an example of saying thank you for feedback:
I know it took courage for you to give me honest feedback after my last presentation. I want you to know I really appreciate your doing that. I always ask for feedback, but people rarely say anything more than, “You did great.” Your feedback helped me rethink my presentation and gave me concrete things to work on. That's exactly what I needed to improve.
In conclusion, remember that the purpose of expressing your gratitude to your colleague is to acknowledge the good work they've done. It also shows that you, as an employee, can recognise somebody's skillset and greatness. By fostering a culture that thrives in support and warm fellowship, you're also making your entire work process more manageable.
Stay up to date and always have the resources at hand when you check out our Career Advice page. You can also download Jobstreet's app, available on the App Store and Google Play, so you will always be in the know.
Focus on the action.
Even if you don't feel grateful to the person who provided support, you can still acknowledge and thank them for the action they took. For example, "I appreciate the time you took to help me with this project."
Be honest.
If you don't feel grateful, it's okay to be honest about your feelings. You can say something like, "I'm having a hard time feeling grateful right now, but I still want to thank you for your support."
Recognise their effort.
Even if you don't feel grateful, you can still acknowledge the effort and hard work the person put in to help you. For example, "I know you put a lot of time and effort into helping me, and I want to acknowledge that."
Follow up.
If possible, follow up with the person and let them know how their support helped you. This can help you see the positive impact they had and may even help you feel more grateful over time.
Yes, it's appropriate to say "thank you" via text message or email for work. In today's digital age, many people communicate primarily through these channels, and expressing gratitude via text or email is often a convenient and efficient way to do so.
That being said, it's significant to consider the context and the relationship you have with the person you are thanking. For example, if the person is a close colleague or someone you have a good relationship with, a text message or email may be a suitable way to express your gratitude.
Express gratitude whenever it's warranted: Whenever someone goes above and beyond to help you, or when you receive a compliment or recognition for your work, take the time to express your gratitude.
While expressing gratitude can be crucial, you don't want to do it so often that it loses its impact or feels insincere. Express your thanks when it is genuine and warranted, but don't force it if you don't truly feel grateful.
Depending on your relationship with your colleagues and managers, you may express gratitude more or less frequently. If you work closely with someone daily, you may find more opportunities to express gratitude than with someone you interact with less frequently.
Consider writing a thank-you note, bringing in a small treat or gift, or offering to help out with a task or project.
Saying thank you.
Simply saying thank you and expressing your appreciation can go a long way in making someone feel valued and appreciated.
Writing a thank-you note.
Taking the time to write a personal note expressing your gratitude can be a very meaningful way to show your appreciation.
Offering to help.
If a colleague has gone out of their way to help you, offering to help them out with a task or project can be a great way to show your appreciation.
Providing positive feedback.
If a colleague has done a great job on a project or task, providing positive feedback to them or their supervisor can be a powerful way to show your appreciation.
Recognising their achievements publicly.
If a colleague has achieved a significant accomplishment, such as winning an award or completing a major project, recognising their achievement publicly can be a great way to show your appreciation and help them feel valued.
Remember that it's the thought and effort behind your expression of gratitude that matters most, not the monetary value of any gifts or gestures. Focus on finding ways to express your appreciation in a sincere and meaningful way, regardless of whether or not you can't.
No, you don't need to apologise for needing support before expressing gratitude. It's natural to need help and support from others, especially during difficult times or when faced with new challenges. Colleagues and managers are often happy to offer support and assistance when needed, and expressing gratitude for their help is a way to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.
Expressing gratitude can be a way to show that you understand and value the time and effort that others have put into supporting you, and can help strengthen relationships in the workplace. So rather than apologising for needing support, focus on expressing your gratitude and appreciation for the help you have received.
Yes, you can express gratitude to someone you don't know well at your office. Expressing gratitude to coworkers that you don't work with directly or regularly can be a great way to build connections and strengthen relationships in the workplace.
If someone has gone out of their way to help you or has done something that you appreciate, take the time to express your gratitude and thank them for their efforts. This can be done in person, via email, or through a thank-you note.
Address the recipient by name.
Be specific.
Share the impact.
Use a personal tone.
Share a personal connection.
Give them a handwritten note.