Although I have never been to the United States around this time of the year, one holiday I look forward to with my American friends is Thanksgiving.
The smell of grilled turkey, delicious pumpkin pie, gathering of friends and expression of gratitude makes that an anticipated fun one. But the most important reason this particular day is one of my favourite American holidays is that it serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of expressing gratitude.
It may seem like a simple gesture, which many people overlook by giving themselves excuses such as that they are too busy or assuming that people already know that they are grateful. But the impact of gratitude on one’s social and career life is extremely great.
Even though we have many occasions throughout the year that present themselves with an opportunity to express gratitude, such as Eid, Ramadan and at the New Year, many people miss out on these opportunities to express gratitude, especially at work. This is where we spend almost half of our everyday lives, with people whom we often see more of than our own families.
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans by the John Templeton Foundation found that people are least likely to express their gratitude at work. It is as if many feel ungrateful about their current jobs. Come to think of it, almost every person I know whines about their job, and if the opportunity presented itself, would resign for a more “enjoyable” role.
Failing to express gratitude can have a negative toll on two important things – yourself, and your organisation if you are leading it. Numerous studies reveal that expression of gratitude has a positive impact on employees’ productivity at work and makes them resilient and empowered to take over challenges.
The reason the issue of gratitude is important is because an employee’s state of mind is crucial to an organisation’s progress. The Huffington Post recently reported that unhappiness among workers in the United States cost organisations $300 billion in lost productivity every year.
Sure, there could be many external reasons that contribute to an employee’s unhappy state, but gratitude expression proved to result in a happier and more productive workforce, and the beauty in it is that it does not cost a dime for people to implement.
To illustrate further: The New York Times reported on an experiment by professors from the University of California and the University of Miami. They instructed a group of people to keep a journal listing five things they were grateful about every week, such as a friend's generosity or a scene they have enjoyed looking at.
Participants did not have to write lengthy text, just a sentence about the five things they enjoyed that week. Within two months, there were significant results. The people who kept a journal versus the control group who did not were happier and more optimistic. They even reported fewer health problems.
Organisations can easily achieve a more grateful and productive team of employees by creating a set of programmes in coordination with the human-resource department that develops a habit of gratefulness throughout the organisation.
Perhaps it could be done by having each division manager write a short email to staff every month highlighting what she or he appreciates each member for doing.
Another way is by mounting a board in the common area where each employee could write what they like most about the organisation.
Also, around each holiday, it would be nice for the chief executive to write an email to the staff, thanking them for their hard work and effort.
A good example that the organisation I work for did last Ramadan was distributing empty greeting cards to staff, and we were asked to write a note of appreciation to our team members. It was nice to read about what your team members valued most about you and how much they appreciated a certain gesture you have done.
Thanksgiving is one of those times that reminds us to be grateful. Nevertheless, reading more about gratitude’s impact on one’s health, career and an organisation as a whole makes it clear that we should be doing more of it every day of the year.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and fashion designer. Follow her on Twitter @manar_alhinai
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results
Lost to Oman by eight runs
Beat Namibia by three wickets
Lost to Oman by 12 runs
Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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