Hi, I’m Jillian Bernstein, CEO and Founder of The Wellness Extension, LLC. I help teams build effective people operations systems, from compensation and benefits to talent and performance management, so business owners can lead with confidence. I am passionate about creating meaningful well-being programs and practical HR strategies that strengthen retention, engagement, and workplace culture. I also created the Small Business Owners’ Vault to support leaders with resources and community as they navigate the people side of their business.

The popular phrase “have an attitude of gratitude” exists not just to increase emotive feelings of happiness but also because gratitude helps change perspective. And it is not an emotion to just embrace during the holiday season. WE (Wellness Extension) have found is that by even showing the smallest act of gratitude year-round, you can influence those around you to do the same – both at home and at work. 

By demonstrating gratitude to others and increasing your own awareness of personal gratitude, the paradigm shift starts to happen where everyone feels a lift – even on those late nights or when a deadline looms! The best part is that showing gratitude is easy, often free, and you can do it from anywhere. Right now, before you read the next paragraph, think of one colleague at work or in your life for whom you are grateful…and keep that person in mind as you continue reading. 

By setting an intentional gratitude mindset – even for the smallest of moments – there is a mental shift that starts to happen over time. You will see that your communication with others improves, you take that pause, and your connection strengthens. Gratitude ultimately feeds your mind more positivity, which ultimately helps keep the door to negative thoughts closed, reducing stress and anxiety. 

How can you incorporate more gratitude into your lives and bring that into the workplace? WE offer a 2-week Gratitude Sprint, but before even diving into that, take a quick moment today, and just send a short email or text to that person you thought of a few moments ago. It does not have to be lengthy, and it could even be an “Air Hugs” bitmoji (yes, I recently sent that to a colleague who I knew was exhausted after a trying week letting her know I was thinking of and grateful for her). Guaranteed, you will make that person’s day and in return, you will likely get a message that fills your bucket too.

As we move through spring, a season of renewal and growth, what smaller daily moments are you grateful for in the workplace or in your personal life? It may be as small as the amazing coffee machine in your office kitchen or as big as having developed a meaningful friendship with a colleague. 

Take note of that gratitude moment and try to incorporate it into a daily reflection habit. Use this 2-Week Challenge to get you started. 

WE are grateful you took time to read this short piece 💛.

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www.wellness-extension.com