Ayushi was getting ready to call it a day when her manager walked in to announce a good news—they just got client approval on a project they had been working on for weeks. She was thrilled, even more so when her manager said “Thank you!” It made her feel so valued that she even stayed back to help with the final submission.

As humans, we all have an unspoken need for acknowledgment. Whether it comes via e-mail, over a call, or is expressed face to face, gratitude matters! Not just that, gratitude also holds promises for progress at work. Here are three ways in which expressing gratitude at work can help you grow:

A simple thank you that’s given in a timely manner and with sincerity can leave a deep impact. If you are a manager, your team would definitely be motivated and encouraged to put their best foot forward if they know you appreciate the work they do and say so. The results? Timely completion of projects, an overall healthy team culture and work satisfaction for everyone involved.

Expressing gratitude to your team members for their work is one way of showing you respect and value them. What’s more, it could lead to higher visibility for you. Your attitude of gratitude can help you establish fruitful collaborations with employees outside your own team, leading to more learning and, in turn, more growth!

In the fast-paced corporate environment where everyone wants to prove their worth, acknowledging another’s contribution may not come easily to all. If you are someone who goes ahead and expresses your gratitude, you’re sure to get noticed for your confidence. It reflects how you value the part someone played in your success and how you are a trustworthy team player. There is also the “ripple effect”—you inspire others to do the same, making you a leader in your own right!