Want to strengthen your culture? Try a "spark": A simple, thoughtful action that anyone can easily do at any time to enhance the key components of a thriving culture (known, matter, and included). A spark doesn't take much, but it will make a difference to any team or team member who receives one. Try some of our favorites below...

1. A simple thank-you note has incredible power and is often one of the items that gets stored and saved for years to come. As Lisa Jakub says, “if you have someone in your life that you are grateful for—someone to whom you want to write another heartfelt, slanted, misspelled thank you note—do it. Tell them they made you feel loved and supported. That they made you feel like you belonged somewhere and that you were not a freak. Tell them all of that. Tell them today.”
2. A video thank-you can go even further. Hold up your cat (“even Fluffy is appreciative of your extra effort on the presentation!”). Make a few handwritten signs and hold them up to the screen. The more creative you get, the more memorable and meaningful it becomes.
3. Get a pair of Bombas socks to acknowledge their impact in the world through how they contribute to your organization’s mission.
4. Take a picture of you and your co-workers smiling with a thumbs up and text it to your team member.
5. Put on a 5-minute de-stress dance fest with a conga line through the office. (Check out this flash mob for inspiration!) It may feel awkward, but it also makes people feel included, even if it's just through witnessing and sharing the crazy story about their team later.
6. Next time someone wants your attention regarding an idea, concern, or suggestion they want to share: Stop whatever you’re doing, put your phone down or turn away from your computer, face them, and listen like there’s no one else in the world and nowhere you’d rather be.
7. Take a moment to celebrate what’s working and highlight a success that you haven't already talked about, such as progress through a long project or a small win. (Fire-safe sparklers are always a great way to mark the moment and make a memory that brings people together.) 
8. Tell someone else about something your team mate did well—and let them overhear you. Taking the time to mention their work to someone else is a powerful way to show how much they matter.
9. Have a potluck where everyone brings a dish that’s one of their favorite family recipes (and bring copies of the recipes!). OK, this one takes a little planning—but you'll be amazed how much it strengthens the feelings of known and included. Fair warning, though: People usually want to do it again next year!