Trust & communication
Appreciation Cards
Everyone writes short, specific thank-you notes to colleagues, which are read or handed over at the end of the event.
Quick answer
How do you run Appreciation Cards with a team?
Everyone writes short, specific thank-you notes to colleagues, which are read or handed over at the end of the event. Duration: 30 minutes. Group size: 5–40 people. Setting: Hybrid. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Group size
- 5–40 people
- Setting
- Hybrid
- Energy level
- Calm
- Materials
- Cards or sticky notes, Envelopes with each person's name, Or a digital kudos board
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
Objective
Close a retreat on a warm note and reinforce the behaviours a team values.
Materials
- Cards or sticky notes
- Envelopes with each person's name
- Or a digital kudos board
Step by step
- Put one envelope per person on a wall or table.
- Ask everyone to write at least three cards to different people.
- Each card names a specific action and its effect ("When you…, it helped…").
- Collect and deliver the envelopes at the closing session.
- Invite a few volunteers to read one card they received.
Facilitator tips
- Make sure every envelope gets cards: the facilitator checks and fills gaps discreetly.
- Leave 15 minutes of quiet time to write.
Variations
- Remote: a digital board with one column per person.
Accessibility
Allow typed or voice notes. Reading aloud is always optional.
