The Thankbox Blog

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.

Bonusly is a popular platform for peer-to-peer recognition, but many growing or global organizations need more advanced features such as broader reward flexibility, deeper analytics, and stronger integrations. This comprehensive guide explores the top six Bonusly alternatives and it will help you to identify the platform that best aligns with your culture, goals, and HR strategy.

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.

Group cards are a great way to celebrate special moments, but they can be tricky to organize. Learn how to create a personalised, meaningful card that avoids awkwardness and clichés. Discover tips for crafting a card everyone will cherish, with creative touches like photos and interactive elements.

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.