Five Simple Acts of Kindness You Can Perform at Work to Celebrate World Kindness Day.

It's World Kindness Day today, which means it's time to be kind (not to say that being mean for the rest of the year is okay... it's not), but today you can make a conscious effort to show kindness to those around you.?

Making a conscious effort to be kind will help you turn these random acts of kindness into habitual behaviours, which will contribute to the cultivation of a more positive and supportive work environment.

Before we get onto the five simple acts of kindness that you can perform at work let’s jump to Ancient Greece, where Aesop’s fable, The Lion and the Mouse, reminds us that no act of kindness is ever too small.

The story follows the accidental acquaintance of a lion and a mouse when the latter disturbs the slumber of the former by running across his nose, angering him to the point where a mouse death seems imminent. However, the mouse begs for his life and promises to repay the lion’s kind mercy, should he be spared. The lion, amused by the idea that such a small creature could ever be of help to him, decides to spare the mouse's life. They part ways and sometime later, the lion finds himself trapped in a hunter's net. Despite his great strength, he can’t break free. The little mouse, who just so happens to hear the lion’s distress, rushes over to fulfil his promise, and calmly sets the lion free by gnawing through the ropes. The lion realises that even the smallest of creatures can be of great help and is grateful to the small creature’s act of great kindness.

While there are no lions or mice in the working world, the moral of this fable is that kindness, regardless of the size of the act or the person performing it, can lead to unexpected and significant rewards. It teaches us not to underestimate the value of helping others, as one day, that kindness may be repaid when we least expect it. We’re not suggesting that you should be kind with the expectation of receiving kindness in return, that’s just how Aesop’s story gives value to being kind.?

Instead, we are of the belief that being kind is a reward in itself, and that if anything positive happens as a result of your kind actions - well, that’s just a bonus!?

So, be like the mouse on this day of world kindness, and do something nice for someone no matter how small.?

Here are some ideas to inspire your inner mouse:?

?1?? Actively listen to what others have to say: Take the time to genuinely listen to your colleagues when they need to talk. Show empathy, rather than sympathy, and really try to put yourself in their shoes to understand what it is they are thinking, feeling and experiencing. If in doubt, always remember what Brené Brown taught us: in moments like these, "at least" has no place in your responses. Don't say, "at least you didn't have to walk home in the rain", when someone tells you that one sunny day, their car broke down in the middle of nowhere when they were returning from work and they had to walk hours to get home because their phone was dead. Instead, say, "that sounds completely exhausting, and I can feel how frustrating it must've been, especially after a long day at work! Those kinds of situations are the worst. Your feet must have been killing you after the long walk in those work shoes too."?

2?? Help others: Offer to help a colleague who is overwhelmed or struggling with a task. Even a small gesture, like offering to make a coffee run or providing guidance, can make a difference. Remember not to confuse helping others with overworking yourself, whilst it's really important to support your team, it's also essential that you support your own mental health and wellbeing. Your team will perform much better in the long run if you look after yourself properly, but that doesn't mean you can't offer a fresh pair of eyes and a second brain to help solve a problem or overcome a challenge. A problem shared is a problem halved!?

3?? Offer praise, compliments and constructive feedback: If someone asks for your feedback, focus on constructive criticism rather than negativity. Offer solutions and suggestions for improvement rather than simply pointing out mistakes. Similarly, recognise and acknowledge a colleague's hard work. Receiving a sincere compliment for a job well done can boost morale - and not just for the receiver! If you feel too shy to offer praise or compliments tête-à-tête, you can even leave anonymous post-it notes or write them a Slack message to tell them that you value their contribution and effort. Surprise acts of kindness are the best! ???

4?? Express your gratitude: Say "thank you" to your colleagues when they help you with something, no matter how minor that may be. Gratitude goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere. Take it a step further - you can say things like, "I'm so grateful to you for helping me out with this, I was really struggling before, but your suggestions have put me back on track." The more you can tailor the gratitude to the person and the nature of their help, the better.?

5?? Share what you know: Be willing to share your expertise and knowledge with your colleagues, especially when it can help them develop their skills or tackle a challenge. It's not a competition - or at least - it doesn't have to be a competition. To refer to Isaac Newton's words: "if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants", we outdo ourselves when we work as a team, and sharing what you know with those around you, might provide them with the information they need to overcome obstacles and reach new heights.?

All in all, kindness in the workplace is about creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere. Small acts of kindness can collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and productive work environment in which everyone can thrive.

To find out more about how to improve your work environment, drive productivity and contribute to positive team dynamics, visit our website or reach out to us today.