This Valentine's Day was a little different for me this year, and I really liked it. The event took place right at our workplace, with my coworkers, with whom I spend most of my weekdays.
Heartbeat Week was a five-day party put together by our HR team. It included fun events, time to think, and small acts of thanks. I thought it would be another work event at first, but as the days went by, I saw how great it was.
Here are the mechanics!
Heartbeat Day 1: What is your love language?
The first day, we learned how to love each other. A 30-question survey was given to us to find out how we usually show and receive love, such as through touch, gifts, words, actions, or time.
Even though it was short, it made me think about how I talk to my coworkers. Some people show they care by helping others, some by encouraging them, and some just by being there. We shared them with each other through letters and funny GIFs once we had them. Even though it was simple, it made people laugh and talk at work.
I got curious and took the quiz, and it turns out my love language is… Quality Time! Hahaha. Honestly, I’ve always been the type of person who really appreciates when someone spends time with me, helps me out, or just hangs out with me, more than receiving gifts. Hehehe.
Heartbeat: Cupid's Trivia Quest Day 2
The second day of Cupid's Trivia Quest was a lot of fun. We had to answer quickly, and the person who got it right first would win. Everyone was really into it, and it felt like a little competition.
Oh wow, my score was terrible—1 out of 10! Hahaha. I didn’t follow the instructions properly. The answers were supposed to be in ALL CAPS, but I answered everything in small letters. So yeah… only one point for me! Hahaha
These times made me feel like we're not just friends, but a group of people who learn and grow together.
Heartbeat Day 3: The Triple Badge Challenge
It was all about doing something to say thank you. Giving badges to coworkers who earned them was one way we planned to fill the system with thanks.
In order to join, we had to do the following:
- Give each worker at least three badges.
- Make sure the buttons were made by 5 p.m.
- Take a picture of the badges you've earned and send it in for a chance to win a prize.
It might not seem important, but it was very important to me. Sending badges made me think about the people who made my days better at work. It was a small digital touch that said "I see you and appreciate you."
Heartbeat Day 4: The Wall of Love!
The Digital Appreciation Wall, or "Secret Pal" shout-outs, on Day 4 was my best. We sent thank-you notes, GIFs, pictures, or funny memes to coworkers who made our days better.
As I scrolled through the wall, I laughed, smiled, and there were even times when it made me cry. There were funny posts, sweet posts, and posts that were just quiet thanks.
You know that annoying coworker who leaves their coffee cups all over the place? Someone even made a joke about it. Then there were those sweet, short messages that made me stop and feel truly valued. Like any real family at work, it was annoying, funny, and sweet at the same time.
The last part of the Red Rhythm on Day 5 !
Heartbeat Day 5: The Red Rythm!
We were told to wear red and join a virtual meeting. The best part about the office was the food trucks.
We rented food stands that served Filipino dishes like siomai, fries, fishballs, kikiam, and kwekwek. The office felt like a small street food fair all of a sudden. Snacks were everywhere, and everyone was eager to get their hands on their favorite ones.
We ate, talked, and laughed together. It didn't seem like a typical busy work day. For a short time, talking and smiling took the place of due dates and reports.
The small acts of kindness that people at work did for each other touched me a lot. Some people surprised us with sweets, and others crocheted things just for us. Thought and work went into these gifts, which didn't cost much. It was clear that each symbol was meant to be unique.
It was a day from the heart. It was nice to see people at work make something for each other. It made me feel better to know that people can still be kind, even at work.
I'm thankful that our HR team made this week so fun. We took time out from our busy schedules and reports to notice each other, enjoy working together, and share moments that made everyday days special.
There is real love in the office, and sometimes it's even better than Valentine's Day cards or roses.