Beyond Deadlines: The Role of Kindness in Employee Wellness

Isn’t adult life a constant uphill battle? With responsibilities lined up, roles to fulfil, actions to take, and—most importantly—bills to clear, it’s no wonder we often feel overwhelmed. While there may be countless reasons why we wake up and go to work each day, the reality is that balancing personal and professional lives can be exhausting.

In this fast-paced environment, do we truly prioritize and practice kindness at work?

We spend a significant portion of our waking hours at work. Beyond the office walls—or for remote workers, beyond their home offices—there’s a world filled with chaos, conflicts, and personal struggles. This makes fostering a positive, healthy, and kind workplace not just beneficial but essential.

Kindness at the Workplace

We’ve all heard the adage,

“It costs nothing to be kind.”

Acts of kindness may not drain resources, but they significantly enrich our work experiences. By embracing kindness, we can boost job satisfaction, improve self-esteem, and create a positive environment that fosters collaboration and reduces stress.

Positive reinforcement—such as acknowledging a job well done, offering words of encouragement, and recognizing achievements—leaves a lasting impact on employees. For those in leadership roles, these small acts of kindness can brighten an employee’s day and contribute to a culture of respect and appreciation.

Beyond gestures, management can actively build a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and supported. This can include offering resources, encouraging growth, and recognizing employees as individuals, not just contributors to the bottom line.

What Workplace Kindness Matters Most?

To better understand what kindness means to employees, we recently conducted a LinkedIn poll. The question:

“What workplace kindness matters most?”

Here’s how our audience responded:

• 33% of respondents valued showing appreciation at work.
• A notable 67% prioritized respecting time and boundaries.
• Surprisingly, offering help or checking in and flexible scheduling received no votes.

These results reveal that while flexibility and frequent check-ins are helpful, employees deeply value the respect shown through mindful appreciation of their time and efforts. It’s a reminder that kindness is most impactful when it aligns with people’s core needs.

What Can We Do?

While we can’t completely eliminate the pressures of work, we can create strategies to foster a kinder and more supportive workplace:

1. Open Communication and Feedback Create a platform where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.
2. Employee Wellness Programs Offer resources and initiatives that promote both physical and mental health.
3. Work-Life Balance Encourage employees to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal lives.
4. Recognition and Rewards Acknowledge and celebrate employees’ contributions, big and small.
5. Zero Tolerance for Disrespect Establish a culture of respect and professionalism at all levels.

By prioritizing kindness, respect, and support, we can strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and build a positive, thriving work environment.

Why It Matters

Kindness at work is more than just a feel-good concept. It empowers employees to take care of their well-being, fosters deeper connections, and helps individuals navigate the challenges of work and life with greater resilience.

Ultimately, a kind workplace isn’t just beneficial for individuals—it’s transformative for teams, leaders, and the organization as a whole.

Let’s move beyond deadlines and create a culture where kindness drives success and wellness for everyone.

We Want to Hear from You!

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with the poll results, or do you have a different perspective on what kindness at work truly means? Let us know in the comments!