Based on the emotions as social information (EASI) theory and self-determination theory, we examined the impact of patient gratitude expression on healthcare workers’ voice behavior and tried to explore the mechanisms and boundary conditions underlying it. The results from a multi-wave and multi-source questionnaire survey showed that, patient gratitude expression had a positive impact on healthcare workers’ voice behavior, and psychological need fulfillment mediated such a relationship. Moreover, gender moderated the relationship between patient gratitude expression and healthcare workers’ psychological need fulfillment, such that a stronger effect was observed among female healthcare workers. We expanded the current literature by revealing how patient gratitude expression, as an external organizational factor, influences healthcare workers’ voice behavior. Meanwhile, we also provide practical insights for healthcare system managers by emphasizing the importance of patient gratitude expression and enhancing healthcare workers’ voice behavior.
