Author: Michelle Mamerto
Kindness is the ability to show consideration, gratitude, empathy, compassion towards others, and using one’s time, resources, and talent to help better the lives of others. Being kind at work has an array of benefits including employee job satisfaction, a positive work environment, loyalty, productivity and teammates who support one another.
Some ways to show kindness at work include:
Giving positive feedback
Letting a co-worker know they did a great job, or that you appreciate their work, is just as important as giving constructive feedback.
Helping one another
Collaborating with a co-worker and working together towards a common goal, shows cooperation and trust. You learn of your co-worker’s abilities and accomplishments. Recognizing your co-worker’s strengths helps the group become stronger and more productive, because you are recognizing what everyone brings to the team.
Being considerate
Being considerate means you are thinking about another person’s feelings. There are many ways you can be considerate at work. Showing up on time, not leaving a mess in the common areas, turning in your work by the deadline- or letting your co-workers know before the deadline, if you need an extension.
Listening and paying attention to one another
Listening lowers the possibility of mistakes, and helps with shared projects. You are able to accomplish more when you fully understand what your co-worker is communicating. Listening also shows your co-worker that what they are saying has value. On the same note, pay attention to one another. If your co-worker is on a phone call, don’t interrupt or make so much noise that it causes a distraction. If your co-worker is leaving for the day, don’t make last minute requests that need immediate attention.
Saying “Please” and “Thank you”
Saying “please” is kind because you are showing that you are respectfully making a request. It shows consideration. Saying “thank you” is kind because you are showing your gratitude and you are acknowledging when someone has made a contribution.
It feels great to be kind to others. Kindness helps to counter negativity. It helps you build resilience, and helps you cope with co-workers who may be going through their own struggles, as well as helping you deal with your own challenges.
Here are a few additional ways to be kind at work:
Write a thank you note.
Buy someone breakfast or lunch.
Help a co-worker with a project they may need help with.
Bring sweets to the office.
Give positive feedback.
Don’t check your phone when you’re talking with a colleague. Give them your full attention.
If your co-worker is juggling tasks, take a phone call for them.
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