Expressing gratitude, joy and affection at work boosts productivity and creativity. One effective method is using gratitude jars. Here’s how to show love at work (or school or your community):
- Create a table with two columns: one for names and one for compliments.
- Share the table with everyone involved and ask them to write a compliment (or a gratitude comment) for each teammate or classmate (see real and anonymized examples below).
- Worksheets can be used at home.
- A spreadsheet or online survey works well for teams.
- Present the compliments individually, allowing people to reflect privately.
This exercise highlights common themes and helps us understand ourselves through the appreciation of others. Through stronger, more connected relationships communities of all types perform better.
Examples below. Have fun with it!
| NAME | COMPLIMENT |
| John | Always leads with care. Good storyteller. Creates safe spaces. |
| Michelle | You are silly and cool in a good way and I like how you wear that robe to school! |
| Mohammed | …passionate about his work, and innovative. |
| Carla | You are a must-have friend and teammate. |
| Samantha | You are nice and always lend me your eraser. |
John’s gratitude jar. Bedazzled by colleagues who know how to show love at work.
How to Show Love at Work or School.