At Sanctuary, gratitude isn’t a buzzword or a value tucked away in a brand guide—it’s something we live out every day. It’s so deeply woven into our culture that we rarely have to mention it; it simply shows up in how we treat each other, how we lead, and how we work together. When we say, “We Are Sanctuary,” those three words carry a lot of meaning. We want to actually be a Sanctuary for our team members. One of the most important ways that we demonstrate this is by being genuinely and consistently thankful for everything our team brings to the table, every single day.
Being thankful for someone’s work might seem obvious, but in many organizations—and even in our personal lives—it’s often overlooked. People thrive when they feel seen, appreciated, and acknowledged. But the case for gratitude goes far beyond a feel-good moment.
Here are just a few of the reasons why gratitude is such a vital part of our culture—and some ways that we put it into practice every day.
1. Gratitude Builds Trust
In any organization, trust is the foundation for strong teams. When the team shows appreciation, it creates an environment where people feel safe, seen, and respected. Gratitude removes the sense of hierarchy and reminds everyone that their contributions matter, regardless of title or tenure. Our leadership team models this through regular one-on-one check-ins—not just to talk performance, but to listen, support, and say “thank you” in a real and meaningful way.
When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to open up about challenges, offer honest feedback, and stay engaged. Trust thrives in a culture where gratitude is freely given.
2. It Fosters a Sense of Belonging
We all want to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Gratitude reinforces that we’re not just doing our job in isolation—we’re contributing to a shared mission, and others recognize and value what we all bring to the table.
One simple but powerful example is our #thankful Slack channel. It’s a space where anyone can post quick shout-outs to team members who have gone above and beyond, helped out, or simply showed up with positivity.
It’s not formal, it’s not polished, and that’s the point. It’s an everyday reminder that appreciation isn’t something you save for yearly performance reviews—it’s something you continuously give, in the moment, to continually remind others that they matter.
3. Gratitude Increases Engagement and Retention
Honest gratitude has a measurable impact on morale. Team members who feel recognized and valued are far more likely to be engaged in their work and to stay with the company long term. We make a point to publicly celebrate major milestones, especially when someone has been with us for years.
These aren’t just token gestures. They’re genuine moments where we reflect on an individual’s contributions, share stories, and express appreciation. It’s about saying, “We see you. We know how much you’ve given. And we’re grateful you’ve chosen to grow with us.”
4. It Encourages Leadership at Every Level
Gratitude isn’t something reserved for our leadership team. One of the reasons we embed thankfulness into our culture is that it empowers everyone, regardless of role, to be a leader. When our team members take the time to recognize one another in Slack, in meetings, or in one-on-one conversations, they’re actively shaping the culture we want to have. They’re reinforcing that kindness, support, and acknowledgment are just as important as quality work, output, and meeting our deadlines.
We believe leadership is about creating the conditions for others to succeed. Gratitude is a big part of that. It’s a form of servant leadership that starts with acknowledging people as humans first.
5. It Keeps Us Grounded During Challenges
Every company faces setbacks, tight deadlines, or periods of change. In those moments, gratitude becomes an anchor. When we take a moment—even a brief one—to say “thank you” for stepping up under pressure, it brings perspective. It reminds us that we’re in this together.
Gratitude helps us zoom out. It gives us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, who helped us get here, and why the hard work matters. That mindset shift can make all the difference in maintaining morale and momentum when times get tough.
6. Gratitude Strengthens Team Collaboration
When people feel genuinely appreciated, they’re far more likely to support one another, step up without being asked, and approach challenges with a collaborative mindset. Gratitude acts as social glue—it reduces friction, fosters trust, and reminds team members that they’re not working in isolation. We often say that this is “our” work, not “my” work. When one person takes the time to say “thank you,” it sets off a chain reaction of mutual appreciation. It strengthens a culture where people freely share ideas, help each other problem-solve, lift the load, and celebrate each other’s wins. Over time, it creates a stronger, more cohesive team that functions with empathy, humility, and shared purpose.
7. It Improves Mental Health
In our company, it’s incredibly important for us to find ways to support physical and especially mental health. Gratitude isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for our mental health, too. Research consistently shows that practicing gratitude can lower stress, improve sleep, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance emotional resilience. In the workplace, these benefits translate into higher productivity, fewer sick days, and a generally more enjoyable, positive atmosphere. When thankfulness is part of the culture, it helps our team feel grounded and emotionally supported, even during busy or challenging times. A simple “thank you” or public recognition can go a long way in making someone feel valued, reducing burnout, and fostering long-term well-being.
8. It Reflects Our Company Values to Clients and Partners
Gratitude doesn’t just stay inside the building—it becomes part of your external identity. When your team feels valued internally, they’re more likely to treat clients, vendors, and partners with the same respect and appreciation. Again, when we say “We Are Sanctuary,” this extends to being a Sanctuary for our clients as well. Gratitude radiates through every interaction, whether it’s in a meeting, an email, or a service delivery. This consistency builds trust and strengthens our company’s reputation as a values-driven organization. Clients notice when a company operates with sincerity and care, and it’s often what keeps them coming back. By embedding gratitude into our culture, we’re not just shaping our team’s experience—we’re shaping how the outside world experiences our brand as well.
At the end of the day, gratitude is not a “nice to have”—it’s a core function of how we operate. It’s how we build stronger relationships, maintain a positive culture, and reinforce that smart, talented, hard-working people, not just performance, are what drive our company forward.
We encourage every member of our team to pause and recognize the good when they see it. Whether it’s a quick shout-out in Slack, a note of thanks in a meeting, or a meaningful conversation in a one-on-one, we believe those small moments impact us all in so many different ways.
I know from over 30 years of experience that it’s easy to get caught up in the next task, the next goal, the next project, or the latest fire that has to be extinguished. But at Sanctuary, we believe in slowing down just long enough to say: “Thank you.” Because you should never run past a chance to give gratitude. And in our company, we make sure we don’t.