A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 67313

5-finger feedback: tips for good feedback

By Darina Doubravova (Head of pme Academy) and Isabel Hempel (Editor)


Group feedback at the end of a seminar or team meeting is beneficial for everyone. We present effective methods for giving constructive feedback. For example, 5-finger feedback is a practical and easy-to-understand method for constructive feedback in teams and seminars. With the help of the five fingers, differentiated feedback on positive aspects, notable points, points of criticism, learnings, and missing points can be obtained quickly and easily. The method ensures clarity, appreciation, and improvements in everyday work. Get tips and variations on how to use it and possible alternatives here.

Giving feedback made easy:

1. Five-finger method - Each finger represents a statement

One method of giving quick and constructive feedback is the five-finger model. Each finger stands for a question that you answer in one or two sentences. Start with the tops!


 

Thumbs: I thought that was great! For example: "I particularly liked the fact that the discussions were open and constructive. The atmosphere was pleasant and everyone expressed themselves freely."

Pointing finger: I noticed that! For example. "I noticed that some topics were addressed several times. There were often similarities in the participants' observations."

Middle finger: I didn't like that! For example: "Some discussions dragged on, which made it difficult to focus on the key points. I would have liked a clearer structure here."

Ring finger: I'll take that with me! For example: "I have received valuable suggestions and new perspectives that I can incorporate into future projects."

Little finger: I didn't get enough of that! For example: "Unfortunately, there was little time for in-depth discussion of possible solutions. I would have liked some ideas to have been dealt with in more depth."

If time is short or the feedback should be more concise, only three fingers can be used, for example the thumb (positives), the ring finger (insights), the little finger (I missed that).

2. one-minute paper

Another method is the "one-minute paper" according to Werner Stangl. At the end of a team meeting, everyone receives a blank sheet of paper.

First, everyone writes all the positive feedback and thoughts on one side:

  • What have I understood?
  • What did I like?
  • What inspired/motivated me?
  • Where have I been able to work?

Any unclear or critical thoughts are written down on the back:

  • What have I not quite understood?
  • What touched me little?
  • What didn't I like?
  • What have I not been able to participate in?

An evaluation can take place immediately or at the beginning of the next meeting. The evaluation is carried out either by the manager or by a team member or participant.

Afterwards, the group's results are presented, the feedback is interpreted, and suggestions for possible changes and consequences are developed : What could be done differently next time?

3. especially for managers: How can I give feedback in difficult situations?

When it comes to addressing something that makes teamwork difficult, it is important to give feedback. But that is not so easy.

The tone must be right, and the words should be chosen wisely.

Executive coach Nina Lizon explains in this video how you, as a manager, can give constructive feedback.

 

Have fun testing these methods!

Are you familiar with our e-learning course on feedback?

It is not always easy to find the right words for constructive feedback. In our e-learning course on feedback, you can reflect on your own habits and receive helpful suggestions.

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FAQs about 5-finger feedback

What is the 5-finger feedback?

The 5-finger feedback is a structured model for quick feedback. Each finger represents a specific aspect of feedback: positive, noteworthy, criticism, insights, and missing.

How does the 5-finger feedback work in practice?

Each team member makes a brief statement about each of the five fingers. First, the positive aspects (thumb) are highlighted, followed by the other points in the order of the fingers.

When is this method particularly suitable?

The model is ideal for use at the end of meetings, workshops, seminars, or feedback sessions—especially when feedback needs to be gathered quickly and constructively.

How can I use the 5-finger feedback digitally?

The method also works via video conference, in chats, or with online whiteboards. Each participant can submit their answers in writing, and the results are discussed together.

What to do if the feedback is critical?

It is important to establish an appreciative framework and to treat criticism in a solution-oriented manner. Managers should address specific points of criticism and work with the team to formulate solutions.

zero Post-stress syndrome: sick as soon as vacation arrives

A young man sits by the pool with a blanket wrapped around him and blows his nose
Psyche
20.06.2025 Kerstin Altrock 47446

Post-stress syndrome: sick as soon as vacation arrives

The summer vacations are just around the corner and then this: migraines, infections, stomach problems. As soon as you've packed your suitcase, you're already lying flat and your vacation is over before it's even begun. Post-stress syndrome - also known as leisure sickness syndrome - strikes stressed people whenever they switch into recovery mode.

At a glance: 

Post-stress syndrome often occurs when people under stress go on vacation and suddenly fall ill. Researchers at the University of Trier have found that people with high stress levels are particularly affected, which manifests itself in symptoms such as migraines, infections or stomach problems. The lack of noradrenaline during recovery is one possible cause.

According to a recent study by IU University, it can be directly linked to stress in everyday working life.

Strategies for coping include good stress management and regular exercise before going on vacation. A test called "Neuropattern" can help to determine the individual risk and take appropriate measures.

 

While others are well rested and tanned and talking about their vacation adventures, have you spent most of your time in bed? "Why does this always happen to me?" you ask yourself. In fact, it's usually the same people who regularly fall ill when their vacation is just around the corner.

This was discovered by a group of researchers from the University of Trier. They surveyed around 1,500 healthy test subjects and patients with acute physical or mental illnesses. The result: healthy people with little stress only very rarely suffer from post-stress symptoms (2.3 percent). In the mentally ill test subjects, the symptoms occurred in 20 to 35 percent.

Leisure sickness: high work pressure puts a strain on many

The phenomenon of "leisure sickness" or post-stress syndrome is not a recognized illness, but it is more than just a figment of the imagination. According to Prof. Dr. Stefanie André, an expert in health management at IU International University, it can be directly linked to stress in everyday working life.

In the representative study "Leisure Sickness: Exhausted instead of recovered" (2025), 1.9 percent of employees report so-called leisure sickness - i.e. physical complaints such as exhaustion or symptoms of illness that occur on days off or on vacation.

The results of the IU study clearly show what is bothering many employees:

  • High working pressure (33.7 %)
  • Lack of support from superiors and colleagues (30.0%)
  • Unclear distribution of tasks (23.4 %)
  • Unbalanced work-life balance (20.8 %)
  • Imprecise tasks (20.8 %)

In addition, long working hours (17.3%) increase the risk of the body rebelling at precisely the time when rest is actually needed - for example at the weekend or on vacation.

Stressed people fall ill four times as often

The most common complaints include tiredness or exhaustion, sleep problems, irritability, headaches and cold symptoms.

The test subjects who most urgently needed a vacation and rest were most likely to suffer from post-stress symptoms, say the Trier scientists. The risk of falling ill on vacation has been four times higher for people under a lot of stress than for people who are not stressed.

Why are you always sick when you go on vacation?

The scientists also investigated why these symptoms break out during the recovery phases.

Professor Dirk Hellhammer from the University of Trier explains:

"Stress mobilizes the neurotransmitter noradrenaline particularly strongly in our central and autonomic nervous system. If the demands are particularly intense and long-lasting, the consumption of noradrenaline exceeds the synthesis of new noradrenaline. During periods of rest, too little noradrenaline is then released, leading to a disturbance in the balance of functions in the nervous and immune systems, which causes post-stress symptoms."

Ways out of post-stress syndrome

95.5 percent of respondents say that leisure time is a useful break from the stress of work (IU study). Only 4 out of 10 employees in Germany stated that they are unable to find the necessary relaxation in their free time . 

Employers are also in demand here: according to the IU study, 63.6 percent of those surveyed would like more support from their company - for example through health offers or flexible break arrangements.

Well thought-out stress and break management can also help.

Relaxation exercises provide support, as do avoiding stress factors and good time management.

Plan small exercise sessions before your vacation

However, the best stress killer is still exercise. However, it's too late to start relaxing on vacation. It's best to incorporate small units of exercise into your daily routine weeks in advance and, for example, walk around the block during your lunch break. Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week should noticeably reduce our stress levels.

Test: Am I affected by post-stress syndrome?

Anyone who wants to know exactly whether they are suffering from post-stress symptoms can have this reliably measured using a diagnostic procedure ("neuropattern") developed by the Trier scientists. If such symptoms and complaints are detectable, a combination of medication and dietary supplements with stress and break management can be helpful.
 

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