The key to a successful business is happy and passionate employees. By simply carrying out and recognizing acts of kindness with your colleagues can bring long-lasting sustainability to the workplace. Not sure where to start? Check out our 5 ways that you can integrate kindness into your workplace!
Show your appreciation
According to global studies conducted by O.C. Tanner, 79% of employees who quit their jobs cite a lack of appreciation as a key reason for leaving and 65% of North Americans report that they weren’t recognized even once last year. As not only a manager but a fellow co-worker, it is important to make others feel valued for all their hard work. A simple “good work today” can go a long way to help a colleague feel appreciated. When an employee’s work is not valued, they will not be motivated to create work at their full potential.
Another great way to show your appreciation is to provide small gifts for your employees. Give new employees a “welcome package” with a personal note and gifts they can use at the office such as a notebook, nice pen, or “merch” with company logos. You can also write a personal note to employees for their birthdays, holidays, or after a big accomplishment. Doing so will remind them that you care and value what they do every day.
Perform small acts of kindness daily
You can keep your workplace positive by performing small acts of kindness every day. A simple smile or greeting to a colleague can go a long way, even offering to get them coffee or grab lunch together. Over time, these behaviors can help strengthen the overall work environment.
Be aware of your employee’s well-being
It is important to be aware of each other’s well being. Employees shouldn’t be afraid to take some time off if they have been working a lot. Remind them that their mental and physical health comes first and they shouldn’t prioritize work over an appointment or important event. Employees can also be given the option to work from home, allowing them to have a better balance over their home and work life. 66% of workers say they like the option of occasionally working from home or another location, but aren’t able to do so.
Have meaningful conversations
Another way to sustain happy employees is to ensure that they feel like they belong where they’re working. One way to accomplish this is to maintain meaningful conversations with your coworkers. If an employee goes straight to their desk at work every day and doesn’t engage or speak to anyone, they may not be as happy because they feel isolated. By simply asking how their weekend was or asking more about their life outside of work can build a more connected work environment.
Create Your Own Kindness Challenge
Our Kindness Challenge asks schools to complete 5,000 acts of kindness in 15 days, you can integrate a similar idea into your office. Challenge yourself and your colleagues to pay it forward at their favorite coffee shop, donate to a charity, feed the homeless, or even something as simple as a compliment. This is a great opportunity to not only spread kindness in your workplace but also the community.
