Kudo Card Templates
Recognition shouldn't be complicated. Our kudo card templates give you a simple, thoughtful way to express appreciation. Each card has a unique theme, emoji and purpose, helping you choose the right tone for every moment of recognition.
Whether you're celebrating teamwork, attention to detail or a big milestone, there's a card that fits the occasion.
Why Use Kudo Card Templates?
Kudo card templates help you:
- Choose the right tone – Match the recognition to the moment
- Make kudos intentional – Each card reinforces a specific type of contribution
- Create a consistent culture of appreciation – Shared language builds shared values
- Keep things lightweight – No long messages or complicated formats needed
You're still writing your own kudo, but the template sets the stage for a meaningful message.
Browse the Templates
Pick a card that reflects what you want to recognize, whether it’s teamwork, creativity, leadership, problem-solving or going the extra mile.
Making Your Kudos Personal
While the card sets the theme, the message is what makes it meaningful. Here’s how to write a great kudo:
- Add specifics – Mention the action or behavior you appreciated
- Describe the impact – Explain how it helped you or the team
- Be timely – Recognition is strongest when it’s fresh
- Use your voice – Authenticity matters more than perfect wording
The card gives your kudo a direction. Your message brings it to life.
How to Use These Cards
Kudo cards are flexible and work well in different team moments:
- During retrospectives – Reveal kudos to start on a positive note
- During stand-ups – A fast way to recognize yesterday’s contribution
- In Slack or Teams – Share appreciation in real-time
- At sprint reviews – Celebrate collaboration and progress
- Across remote teams – Strengthen connection asynchronously
Kudo cards help appreciation become a normal part of teamwork.
Using Kudo Cards in esteam.life
With esteam.life, you can:
- Choose any kudo card template
- Write personalized messages
- Reveal kudos during retros or meetings
- Keep a history of appreciation
- Build a stronger culture of recognition over time
Try it here: https://esteam.life
FAQs
Are these cards pre-written templates?
No. Each card includes a theme and purpose, but you write your own message.
Which card should I choose?
Pick the one whose title and emoji best match what you want to recognize.
Do I need to be in an Agile team to use kudo cards?
Not at all. They work in any collaborative environment.
Can I create custom messages?
Absolutely. The message is the part that makes the kudo personal and meaningful.
Additional Notes
Kudo cards are sometimes called recognition cards, Agile appreciation cards or kudos templates. No matter the name, they help teammates feel seen, valued and appreciated through small, intentional moments of recognition.