REASON 05 OF 10

A thank-you doubles kindness.

People who are thanked are twice as likely to help again.

What the researchers did

Adam Grant and Francesca Gino asked students to give feedback on a cover letter written by another student, “Eric”. Eric then replied by email. For half of the helpers, the reply simply confirmed that he had received the feedback. For the other half, it added: “Thank you so much! I am really grateful.” Soon after, a different student asked the same helpers for help with his own letter.

What they found

Among those who had been thanked, 66% helped the second student, compared with 32% of those who had not been thanked. Being thanked made people feel socially valued, and that feeling made them readier to help someone new.

What it means on G-Day

A thank-you does not end with the person who receives it. When the people who keep our days running feel valued, they are more likely to pass that kindness on to the next person they meet.