[Background] Negative conversations and deterioration of human relationships might lead to a decline in motivation for work at Japanese welfare facilities. Moreover, there are few opportunities to convey gratitude between staff and users sincerely. “Thank you system” was named for “Thanks DOU” in Japanese. “Dou” means “The Road.”
[Methods] Participants posted thank you card. The rank of staff members was set to increase depending on the number of cards that were posted. Honorable titles were given to participants, and personality were mutually recognized. The feeling of appreciation was visualized by creating artworks, such as making a big cherry tree, a mountain, and fish, using thank you cards and displaying them. Holding thank you events, by sending cards to all the users on the Thank you day, designing seasonal cards, and giving thank you chocolates among others.
[Results and Conclusions] In total, approximately 8000 cards were posted in three years. It was suggested that thank you activities create a new facility culture, and positive conversations and good human relationships were facilitated. Furthermore, staff came to work more proactively, leading to the development of the “Thank you café.”