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Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania tested the impact of various positive psychology interventions on 411 people, each compared with a control assignment of writing about early memories. When the assignment involved writing a letter of gratitude to someone who had never been properly thanked for his or her kindness, participants “immediately exhibited a huge increase in happiness scores. This impact was greater than from any other intervention, with benefits lasting for a month.”
Managers who remember to say thank you to their employees may also witness increased productivity. The Harvard report goes on to detail a study from the Wharton School at U. of P. that randomly divided university fundraisers into two groups. One made phone calls to solicit alumni donations as usual. On a different day, the second group received a pep talk from the director of annual giving who told them she was grateful for their efforts. During the following week, the university employees who heard her message of gratitude made 50 percent more fundraising calls than those who did not.
As you read the list of nonprofits, take a minute to thank a few people you know who are involved in those efforts. Everyone will benefit.
