What "Thank You" Does to the Body — The Physiology of Connection

I have written of gratitude as a habit of mind; here, what it does between people. Research identifies hormones involved in human bonding — rising in moments of trusted touch and cooperation, supporting security and connection — and saying or receiving "thank you" may be one of daily life's easiest switches for that circuitry.

A further delight: studies comparing people who spent money on themselves versus on others reported higher happiness among the givers. Giving itself lifts the giver — the old proverb that kindness is never wasted turns out to carry physiology.

Our purpose, "inspire gratitude," is therefore no one-way street: work that makes customers want to say thank you activates their bonding circuits and the employee's alike. Gratitude is a currency that warms both sides each time it crosses between company and customer. To whom did you hand a "thank you" today?

What do you work for?