Kindness is good for your health. Sometimes it’s difficult to show kindness in the workplace, but you should still practice. On World Kindness Day, we explain how to put it into practice at work.
Being kind to someone not only helps the person receiving it, but is also good for the person showing it. It can reduce stress and improve overall health. Even more effective in a work environment. Showing kindness in the workplace is important because people spend a lot of time with their co-workers. Deliberate acts of kindness at the office not only help your mental health, but also create a positive work environment. However, in the midst of competition with colleagues, lending a hand may not always be easy. Don’t worry, on November 13th, World Kindness Day, we’ll show you how to show kindness at work.
What is kindness?
Kindness is more than just an action or attitude. It’s about being generous, kind, and considerate without expecting anything in return. “In a world where kindness is often mistaken for weakness, being kind is courageous. Unlike empathy, which feels someone else’s pain, kindness actively creates ripples of possibility, turning ordinary moments into tiny universes of hope,” says psychotherapist and life coach Chandni Tughnait, Ph.D.
A review published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine in 2021 found that kindness creates positive social connections, which can lead to reduced stress. “Acting kindly causes neurochemical changes that release hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, which form a natural stress shield in our bodies,” experts say. They calm you down and help eliminate anxiety that can cloud your senses when you’re struggling at work.
Additionally, a 2021 study published in Frontiers In Psychology found that being kind to others can elicit positive emotions such as joy and happiness. In another 2021 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers found that simply remembering acts of kindness, such as buying lunch for a coworker, can promote feelings of well-being.
How to show kindness at work: challenges you may face
There may be some barriers to kindness in the workplace. Here are some of them:
- When success is measured solely in numbers, soft skills like kindness become invisible and seem less valuable.
- Tight deadlines and packed schedules create a scarcity mindset, where caring time feels like a luxury you can’t afford.
- Hierarchies can make kindness feel dangerous, especially in leadership positions, where appearing too soft can be mistaken for weakness.
- In competitive settings, there is often an underlying fear that kindness will be interpreted as naivety or used against us.
10 ways to show kindness at work
1. Active Acknowledgment
Instead of a routine “thank you,” take the time to specifically acknowledge someone’s efforts at work. You can say, “I noticed how well you handled a difficult call from a client with patience and professionalism. That made a big difference in the final outcome.”
2. Give yourself extra time
People can feel overwhelmed at work. As a way to show kindness at work, offer to help your co-workers when they need it. You may have to stay in the office for an extra 15 minutes, but do it. “This is strategic support if someone in your workplace really needs it,” says Dr. Tugnait.
3. Share knowledge
Every challenge at work teaches you something. Rather than gathering information to gain a competitive advantage within your office, create a simple guide or document about common challenges you overcome. This will improve your entire team and establish you as a supportive resource.
4. Criticize in the right way
Provide constructive criticism to your colleagues, while also sharing specific positive observations and actionable suggestions. You can say, “Your research on this subject is thorough. Let’s work on making your presentation more concise. Your graphics skills will also bring the data to life.”
5. Small gestures
If you get coffee or tea for yourself, ask your colleagues if they need it too. “This may seem like a small gesture or consideration, but it can build a culture of mutual support in the workplace without the need for big gestures,” says Dr. Tugnight.
6. Add warmth to digital communications
We are always told to be formal when photographing emails or messages to colleagues. However, it never hurts to take a little time to add some warmth to your emails and messages. No need to use emojis. Use names, recognize the recipient’s workload, and be clear about schedules and expectations.
7. Give credit
If someone is putting in the time and effort, it should be easy to praise them. Actively mention team members’ contributions in meetings. “You can do it even if you’re not in a meeting. This act of kindness in the workplace can build trust and create a culture of recognition,” say experts.
8. New employee support
You may have spent years with your current organization, but there are always newcomers. Remember how overwhelming those first few weeks were and offer your genuine support. It can be something as simple as an invitation to lunch or a quick tip about the company culture.
9. Help during a personal crisis
Helping your co-workers when they’re busy is one way to show kindness at work. In some cases, colleagues may face personal challenges. In times like these, provide specific support rather than general support. If you need to deal with a family issue, let them know you’re available to cover a meeting or work on a specific project.
10. Conflict mitigation
Since you will be working with other people, conflicts will occur. When tensions are high, don’t let it escalate. “Be the one to suggest a constructive pause or reframe the discussion based on common goals rather than personal positions,” experts suggest.
These are just a few ways to show kindness at work. Make these a part of your habits and you’ll be able to build better relationships at work.
