Author Details - Tsvetelina Hinova

When a colleague is grieving, most people want to reach out but don't know how and so they say nothing at all. This piece follows one team who used a Thankbox to share condolences collectively, removing the pressure of finding the perfect words and a proper way to show up.

Most company values fail not because they’re wrong, but because they aren’t consistently reinforced. By focusing on one value at a time and recognising real behaviours in everyday moments, organisations can turn abstract ideas into lived experiences. Small, visible appreciation is what makes values stick and shape culture over time.

A signed card can say thank you, but it rarely shows what that support actually made possible. This piece follows one charity's decision to replace their annual donor card with something better. Discover how charities are using shared, story-driven thank-yous to create real connections with donors and sponsors.

Returning to work after maternity leave is far more emotionally complex than most organisations acknowledge. Beyond logistics, parents often face a quiet loss of belonging, confidence and social connection. Discover why returning to work after maternity leave is emotionally harder than we admit and how small moments of appreciation rebuild belonging.

At the Edinburgh People Power Summit in February 2026, HR and people leaders gathered for a candid day of conversation covering management, culture, performance, and the growing case for employee appreciation. Continue reading to learn what were the key themes and why they are important.

Why employee appreciation works, why sceptics exist and how to win them over. Lessons from DisruptHR Edinburgh on designing recognition that feels real, personal and aligned to business outcomes.

Discover the best alternatives to Assembly for employee recognition and rewards. This guide compares top platforms like Thankbox, Matter, Bonusly, and Motivosity, highlighting their strengths in milestone celebrations, daily peer recognition, scalable rewards, and holistic culture building. Find the right fit for your team’s engagement goals, budget, and workplace tools.

At DisruptHR Glasgow, Tsvetelina Hinova, Cofounder at Thankbox, reminded us that culture isn’t built on perks or complex recognition schemes, but on something far simpler: genuine appreciation. A sincere “thank you” can build trust, boost motivation, and shape the way people show up at work. Her talk shared stories, practical ideas, and surprising numbers that prove why gratitude isn’t fluffy-it’s a performance driver.

Is your HR strategy too focused on processes? Adding a human touch with empathy, active listening, and personalised communication can boost employee engagement, retention, and company culture, ultimately leading to a motivated workforce and improved recruitment and employee well-being.

Employee recognition can be affordable! Explore budget-friendly ways to celebrate your team, such as personalized thank-you notes, public recognition, and non-monetary rewards. Discover cost-effective strategies to boost morale, engagement, and retention without exceeding your budget.