Google’s gThanks

A few years ago, Google created an internal tool called gThanks to make it easy for employees—known as Googlers—to compliment one another. Led by Lazlo Bock, then SVP of People, gThanks allows anyone to tag a colleague and post a “kudos” publicly on a shared feed. Unlike sending a private email, these public acknowledgments celebrate contributions for all to see, making both the giver and the receiver feel recognized. Bock even created what he calls “The Wall of Happy” outside his office, where printed kudos from his team are displayed, increasing visibility and reinforcing the company's values.

Google's internal surveys show that employees who frequently give or receive recognition report higher job satisfaction, engagement, and motivation. In fact, 61% of employees say they feel acknowledged for their efforts, 85% describe their workplace as positive, and 80% look forward to going to work every day.

While financial rewards—like raises or bonuses—are appreciated, recognition and appreciation consistently outweigh monetary incentives in driving long-term happiness. Public acknowledgment, peer-to-peer recognition, and meaningful feedback all boost engagement and satisfaction. Studies show that employees who don't feel adequately appreciated are twice as likely to quit within the coming year. Conversely, employees whose efforts are recognized are happier, more satisfied, and more motivated to excel.

Expressing gratitude is not just a modern corporate practice—it is central to Jewish life. The very word “Jew” in English, or “Yehudi” in Hebrew, derives from Hodaah, meaning acknowledgment or thanks. Our matriarch Leah named her fourth son Yehudah as an expression of gratitude to G‑d. The Talmud explains that anyone who rejects idolatry is called a Yehudi—a person who recognizes G‑d's existence and authority as the true source and life force of all creation. In this way, gratitude is woven deeply into the very essence of Jewish identity.

This week's Torah portion, Ki Tavo, teaches this principle through the mitzvah of Bikkurim—bringing the first fruits of one's harvest to the Holy Temple. In Temple times, farmers would offer the earliest and finest produce as an expression of gratitude for the blessings bestowed by G‑d. These fruits were eaten by the Kohanim (priests), whose role was to inspire, bless, and help the Jewish people strengthen their connection with G‑d.

They traveled all the way to Jerusalem, making their gratitude visible and public. The Talmud notes the ceremony accompanying the journey, highlighting that gratitude is not just an internal feeling—it is meant to inspire action and influence others as well.

Judaism emphasizes Hakaras Hatov, the appreciation of the good that G‑d constantly provides. This gratitude extends beyond material gifts to the love, care, and guidance that sustain life. Every milestone—moving into a home, celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, or enjoying a simple meal—carries blessings and rituals to acknowledge and thank G‑d.

This mitzvah demonstrated an important principle: the farmers seized the earliest opportunity to actively thank G‑d for the blessings and success He had bestowed upon them. We understand the significance of sharing a portion of our belongings with those in need. However, why is it necessary for this portion to come from the first and best of our possessions? Wouldn't it seem more logical to allow farmers to enjoy the fruits of their labor before allocating a percentage to others?

By dedicating the first and finest to G‑d, they acknowledged the true source of their blessings. This act also demonstrates where their true priorities lie. It may only represent a small percentage of their profits, but it sets the tone for how they view all the rest of their possessions.

The same applies to all areas of life: we should make an effort to dedicate the best of our time, talents, and energies to helping others and connecting with our Divine mission.

Maimonides expresses this lesson succinctly: “Everything that is for the sake of G‑d should be of the best and most beautiful. When one builds a house of prayer, it should be more beautiful than his own dwelling. When one feeds the hungry, he should feed him the best and sweetest of his table. When one clothes the naked, he should clothe him with the finest of his clothes. Whenever one designates something for a holy purpose, he should sanctify the finest of his possessions, as it is written (Leviticus 3:16), 'The choicest to G‑d.'”

In reply to a young child who once asked the Rebbe what his favorite prayer was, he responded: “It's a very short prayer. It's the very first prayer we say in the morning, Modeh Ani le'fanecha – מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ מֶֽלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּים. שֶׁהֶֽחֱזַֽרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי ,בְּחֶמְלָה. רַבָּה אֱמֽוּנָתֶֽךָ׃ – I give thanks before You, Living and Everlasting King, that You restored my soul to me with compassion; great is Your faithfulness.”

The Rebbe explained that one of the messages of this prayer is that G‑d has great faith in us, so let us not disappoint Him. How do we know He has faith in us? Because He gave us another day of life, even though He owes it to no one.

Practical Ways to Ingrain Gratitude in Daily Life

1. Express appreciation
   Make it a habit to say at least one compliment or word of gratitude to your spouse, children, and workmates each day. Small acknowledgments strengthen relationships and foster a positive home and work environment.

2. Prioritize Giving
   Allocate the first 10% of your earnings (a tithe) to charity before paying bills or other expenses. This mitzvah helps cultivate a sense of gratitude over entitlement by acknowledging the true source of our blessings and emphasizing the importance of giving before accumulating.

3. Start the day with Modeh Ani
   Each morning, take a few seconds to recite the Modeh Ani prayer, expressing thanks to G‑d for granting you a new day. This simple ritual sets a tone of gratitude, guiding your actions and outlook throughout the day.

By expressing gratitude at the very start of the day, even before checking emails or attending to business matters, we establish our true priorities and set the tone for a positive and productive day. Instead of feeling entitled, we achieve genuine happiness and gratitude for all the blessings we receive.

Expressing gratitude publicly and consistently has profound effects. It strengthens relationships, builds community, and inspires further generosity. Gratitude becomes both a practice and a perspective—connecting us to others, to our work, and to G‑d—and ultimately prepares us for the realization of Redemption, when we will fully see and appreciate the purpose of creation.