How we make appreciation part of everyday life at Coodes 

This Friday, 6^th March, is Employee Appreciation Day – a day to recognise and acknowledge the people who keep organisations moving. Although we are joining in with the celebrations, appreciation has never been a once-a-year event for Coodes. 

It is something we work at, measure, and keep improving each day. We believe that feeling valued at work is one of the most important parts of a positive culture, and is integral to the legal processes we carry out. 

Appreciation as a practice, rather than a gesture 

It’s easy for appreciation to become surface level, like a mention in a meeting or a social post designated to an achievement. Whilst these are not without value, they don’t tell the full story on their own.  

We have built appreciation into the rhythm of how we work. That includes creating an environment where positive feedback from clients is shared directly with the colleagues involved. It’s celebrated, and made visible to the individual/s who worked on the case.  

When a client takes the time to tell us they felt supported, listened to, or guided through one of the hardest moments of their life, we make sure the people responsible for that experience feel recognised. 

Colleagues are also encouraged to appreciate one another. They understand better than most, the hard work and empathy the legal profession demands. This is where our core values of fairness, integrity, and teamwork aren’t just words on a wall, but shape how we acknowledge each other. 

Quite often, someone goes above and beyond, steps in to support a colleague, or brings a piece of work across the line through sheer commitment. We are committed to ensuring those efforts are recognised.  

Looking beyond the surface 

Acting with purpose is essential in law, and making sure appreciation reaches everyone is another deliberate practice of ours.  

Success in a law firm is never the work of one person. Behind every positive outcome for a client, there are several people who played a role in the direct legal matter and a wide support team who keep the firm running smoothly. The colleague who spotted an issue early, the person who stayed late to prepare the documents, the team member whose experience helped tackle a particularly challenging case.  

We try to look past the surface of any success to understand who else was instrumental, and to make sure they know their contribution mattered. It isn’t always obvious. It requires paying attention and asking questions. But it is how we make appreciation feel real rather than routine. 

The response so far 

Rather than take our word for it, we like to hear directly from our staff. As part of our Investors in People (IIP) assessment, colleagues are asked whether they feel appreciated for the work they do. 

The results from our most recent (2024) assessment were encouraging. Compared with our 2021 assessment, we saw a 10% increase in the number of staff who ‘strongly agree’ that they feel appreciated, and a 60% increase in those who ‘agree’. These stats tell an uplifting story that our efforts are paying off, and are well-received by our colleagues. 

It also reflects the recognition we receive externally. In 2025, Coodes was recognised as one of the Best Places to Work in Cornwall, with staff engagement scores of 93%. This is something we are very proud of as a firm, and continue to meet the standards of. The title belongs to every person across all nine offices, who show up, give their best and represent Coodes. 

Next steps 

Whilst we are confident in the support we give our employees; good results aren’t a reason to plateau. They are a reason to keep going and encourage further development in this area. 

We are always looking for new ways to ensure our colleagues feel appreciated for their commitment to the firm. Not just for the moments that stand out, but for the consistent, everyday effort that continues in the background. This is the dedication that really matters to us as a business. 

The way we treat each other is ultimately reflected in the way we treat our clients. Building a culture where people feel valued and heard, is at the heart of the service we provide. 

For every member of Coodes, from our Lawyers and legal support teams to front of house and business support, what you do makes a genuine difference – to our clients, to each other, and to the communities we serve across the South West. 

Thank you, not only because it’s Employee Appreciation Day, but for how you hold the firm together every day. That is worth saying clearly, and worth saying more often than one day.