Smilegate’s Unique Workplace Culture: “Smile Stickers” 2024-03-08

There are moments at work when you want to express gratitude to your colleagues. While writing “thank you” in an email is nice, Smilegate employees have a more unique way of showing appreciation. :) Let us introduce “Smile Stickers”—a special way for team members to share warmth!

There are seven types of Smile Stickers, each tailored to a different kind of appreciation. Whether it’s for a colleague who excels at their work, one who brightens the mood with their energy, or someone who shows deep consideration, these stickers can be sent to express thanks for both personal and professional reasons. The variety makes choosing the perfect sticker for each person a fun experience!

In just two months after their launch, more than 2,000 employees exchanged over 10,000 Smile Stickers. The most frequently sent sticker was “Thank You,” showing just how much employees wanted to express their gratitude through this system.

We spoke directly with some employees who have used the Smile Stickers to hear their stories!

Q. We heard you were selected as the person who sent the 10,000th Smile Sticker. Congratulations!

A. I always actively participate in various events the ER Team organises for employees. I also enjoyed participating in the Smile Stickers, and I was so happy when I heard that I was the one who sent the 10,000th sticker. Since I usually don't have much luck with winning things, it made me even happier.

Q. Who do you usually send Smile Stickers to?

A. Around the end and beginning of the year, I sent them to people I was thankful for in the past year, along with New Year’s greetings. I can say thank you in person to teammates, but it always felt a bit awkward and embarrassing to express my gratitude to colleagues from other departments or affiliates. Thanks to the Smile Stickers, I was able to convey my appreciation and New Year wishes.

Q. How do you plan to use Smile Stickers going forward? 

A. Actually, I’ve already made it my personal goal to send at least one Smile Sticker a day. Just like writing a gratitude journal every day, each time I send a sticker, I feel more fulfilled at work and more appreciative of my colleagues. I often forget when I'm busy, but I still want to express my gratitude at least once a day whenever I can.

Q. We heard you ranked in the top five employees who received the most Smile Stickers. Congratulations! 

A. I see Smile Stickers as a channel that brings warm joy into company life. As I sent them to people I was thankful for, I found it fun as well. I think the reason I received so many is probably because I gave them out first, and many people returned the favour.

Q. Is there a particular sticker or message you received from a colleague that stands out in your memory? 

A. Rather than a specific person, I remember the stickers I received from colleagues in other departments or affiliates with whom I usually only talked about work. Since it’s not easy to meet face-to-face and our conversations were always strictly business, exchanging appreciation through Smile Stickers improved the co-op atmosphere. 

Q. How do you plan to use Smile Stickers going forward? 

A. Honestly, I think the reason I received so many stickers is probably because I gave them out first. (laughs) Going forward, I want to approach my work with even more kindness and positivity so that even without me giving them first, my colleagues will feel encouraged to send me stickers too. I’ll keep doing my best at work!

That was a look into “Smile Stickers”! A unique part of Smilegate’s corporate culture that lets you easily express your feelings—not just to close colleagues, but also to those you’ve always found it difficult to open up to.