The First Results of Our “High Five” Challenge

The First Results of Our “High Five” Challenge

14 participants. 2 weeks. And a result that exceeded even our boldest expectations.
Our “High Five” challenge proved that gratitude can become a powerful tool for team transformation.

Simple Mechanics — Powerful Effect

We built the mechanics to be as simple as 1-2-3:
Each week, participants receive a few “thank-you notes” they can give to colleagues.
The goal? To receive a certain number of thank-yous in return.

What Happened in Practice

61 genuine thank-yous
In just two weeks, participants exchanged 61 messages of gratitude.
And these weren’t just formal or routine “thanks.” Each message carried real emotion — from the professional “Thanks for helping with the clients” to the heartfelt “Buddy, thanks for the coffee 😘.”

When we analyzed the content of the thank-yous, we discovered an interesting ratio:
— 70% were related to work — help with projects, task support, consultations.
— 30% reflected human connection — kindness, warmth, emotional support.

This shows that people value not only professional expertise but also simple human care and empathy.

A Story That Touched Everyone

One participant went on a business trip, met colleagues, and spent a few days working with them. It seemed like an ordinary work visit. But a week after returning, he wrote in the app:

‘Today I was just scrolling through the photos from the trip and wanted to thank you once again for the warm welcome.’

That expression of gratitude extended the positive emotions from that meeting for another week!
Instead of letting those impressions fade into the routine, he gave them a second life — reliving those pleasant moments and sharing them with his team.

The Team’s Unexpected Dynamics

Gratitude Generators and Magnets
Different roles naturally formed within the team.
Some participants became true “gratitude generators” — they actively noticed others’ contributions and generously shared recognition. One participant sent 13 thank-yous in just two weeks!

Others became “gratitude magnets” — people whose actions, warmth, or professionalism inspired others to thank them again and again.

And some formed wonderful pairs of mutual appreciation — colleagues who consistently supported one another, and whose connection did not go unnoticed.

The Most Heartwarming Moments

Among all thank-you messages, a few stood out as especially touching:
“I owe you so many thank-yous that the system might crash! 😄”
“From the best to the best — thank you, dear ones ☺️”

These messages showed that the challenge created a safe space for expressing appreciation.
People didn’t hesitate to be emotional and sincere — even adding humor and emojis, something rarely seen in formal corporate communication.

The Key Insight

The most valuable result of the challenge wasn’t the number of thank-yous — it was the shift in how the team perceives one another.

People began to notice and appreciate not only big achievements but also the small, everyday acts of kindness that make teamwork thrive:
— Made coffee for a colleague? That deserves gratitude.
— Offered kind words on a tough day? That matters.
— Helped solve a technical issue? That’s worth mentioning.

Ready to See How It Works in Your Team?

ChallengeMe can help you launch your own Gratitude Challenge and witness how simple recognition can transform your corporate culture — in just two weeks.