1. Say thank-you

It may seem simple or unnecessary, but saying thank you makes people feel valued and respected.

How to do it:

• Think about who you received help and support from this week and make a mental note to thank them.
• Say thank you in Friday Pulse and a thank you email will land in their inbox. Remember you can thank people not using Friday Pulse by just entering their email address
• Take it offline and in-person too, if that feels appropriate for your thank you.

2. Be clear about what you appreciate

We feel appreciation more when the thanker gives detail and context. This way it carries more emotional weight and gives us something to learn and build on.

How to do it:

• This about how you can be more specific in your thanks
• Instead of saying something short and general like “good job yesterday”, try adding more depth and detail. For example, “the way you managed time in the client meeting yesterday was really helpful for getting the next steps agreed”.

3. Count your blessings

Be thankful for what you have by reflecting daily or weekly on the positives. Benefits from this practice build up, especially during difficult times.

How to do it:

• Once a week make a list in a Friday Pulse Celebration of the things for which you are thankful, or simply write them on a piece of paper.
• List three things that have felt positive which you are grateful for - this could be anything from your physical health, a moment of inspiration, something that made you feel proud or someone who helped you.
• Over time you will feel better for noticing the things that improve your quality of life.

4. Appreciate yourself - every week

Work-life is tough when we don't feel like we are “seen” or recognized by others. It's important to find ways to regain some control around these experiences as they can define our working week.

How to do it:

• Look at the situation from the inside out and ask, “what have I done to appreciate myself this week?”
• Take a moment to remember a time when you felt valued and appreciated.
• Make a note of the things that make you feel special, then treat yourself. For example, if it was a time someone bought you a gift, buy something for yourself. If it was a time when someone gifted you peace and quiet, create a bit of this time for yourself.

5. Schedule 1:1s with your line manager

Appreciation can improve with regular 1:1s. We believe it's because employees and managers get to know each other a little deeper as individuals.

How to do it:

• Hold short 1:1s regularly. Just 10 minutes a session will make all the difference.
• Get to know the hopes, challenges and goals of colleagues; this will help people to appreciate each other more effectively.
• For example, if a manager knows what a colleague is finding difficult, they naturally pay more attention to it. If a colleague knows a manager is looking to develop and grow, they can provide positive feedback when they notice a different approach.