How Kindness Impacts the Workplace

Guest blog post by George Chinnery, Resilience Advisor for FSI’s Center of Excellence in Foreign Affairs Resilience (CEFAR), a provider of resilience training, education, and support for U.S. government foreign affairs agencies.??

In the fast-paced world of deadlines, meetings, and deliverables, it's easy to overlook the profound impact that kindness can have on our well-being and the overall atmosphere across the workplace. As we find ourselves wrapping up Random Acts of Kindness Week, let’s pause to reflect on the profound effects a little kindness can have in fostering a positive work environment.?

Why Kindness Matters?

Research consistently underscores the positive impact of kindness on life satisfaction, happiness, and both physical and mental well-being. Kindness is not just a personal attribute; it's a universal language that transcends differences and offers myriad benefits.?

• A Sense of Purpose. A 2020 meta-analysis of 126 kindness studies associated acts of kindness with “eudaimonic happiness,” indicating a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as higher self-esteem and self-efficacy and greater physical health, particularly in older adults.?
• Reduced Anxiety. A 2022 study found that individuals performing random acts of kindness experienced significant decreases in anxiety and depression, coupled with greater life satisfaction and social connection.?
• Feel-Good Factor.? A 2008 study revealed that randomly giving money to others promoted happiness. This “happiness of the helper” phenomenon was further confirmed by a 2018 meta-analysis of 27 similar studies.?
• Simplicity Matters. Regardless of the type, practicing kindness, as per a 2018 study, resulted in increased happiness, whether directed toward family, friends, acquaintances, oneself, or observed in others.?
• Ripple Effect. Kindness is contagious, as demonstrated in a 2006 study, showing individuals more likely to help others after receiving kindness.?

Lead with Compassion?

The essence of kindness begins with self-compassion, enabling the extension of genuine kindness to others. In the workplace, this translates to recognizing the shared human condition among colleagues. Leading with compassion and following with acts of kindness can foster a supportive work environment, even in challenging times. When leaders and colleagues embody kindness, it sets a positive tone for the entire workplace.?

Random Acts of Kindness at Work?

Let's tap into the free and powerful tool of kindness to strengthen our connections, foster belonging, and promote happiness among colleagues.?

• Kindness Challenge: Encourage your team to participate in a kindness challenge, performing one small act of kindness daily. This could range from helping a colleague to expressing gratitude or offering support. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers a sample Workplace Kindness Challenge.?
• Recognition Board: Establish a recognition board for colleagues to publicly acknowledge and appreciate each other's acts of kindness, boosting morale and inspiring positive contributions to workplace culture.?
• Kindness Workshops: Organize workshops or sessions focused on kindness, compassion, and the science behind the positive impact of these behaviors. Educating employees on the benefits of kindness can encourage its integration into daily interactions.?

• Team Building Through Kindness: Incorporate team-building activities centered around kindness, such as collaborative projects contributing to charitable causes or initiatives creating a positive impact within the community.?

Explore more ideas from Kindlab, the Mayo Clinic’s Kickstart Kindness program, and Greater Good in Action’s Pathway to Happiness Program.?

Embrace It?

It’s not just on Random Acts of Kindness Week; you can harness the collective power of kindness to transform your workplace into a haven of compassion, support, and positivity. By infusing kindness into our daily routines and interactions, we enhance our own well-being and contribute to a workplace culture that values and uplifts every team member. Embrace Random Acts of Kindness Week – let kindness be the driving force transforming the way we work and interact.?