World Mental Health Day: 10 Proven Ways To Be Kinder At Work

For as long as I can remember I've had a phobia of needles. (I’m including a generic medical picture because even the sight of one of those things makes me squeamish.)?

When I was a child and it was time for school vaccinations my mom would have to take me to our doctor as I’d be an absolute wreck otherwise.

And while I’ve learned how to better handle my fear over the years, it can still really, really, really, freak me out.

Like hyperventilating, anxiety spiking, feeling nauseous, like I’m going to pass out.

The reactions from health care professionals have been as varied as exercise plan options and opinions.? From suck it up, you’re ruining our day (honest) to kindness and empathy.

It doesn’t matter that my fear (or, more importantly, maybe yours) is an odd one, and doesn’t make ‘sense,’ someone reacting with kindness and empathy makes a HUGE difference.? It can turn a horribly, unpleasant experience into at least a bearable one, if not actually positive.

This brings me to this post in honour of World Mental Health Day.

We don’t need a reason to be kind.? Being human is reason enough.

Case in point: Watching Tim Waltz's son’s reaction to his dad speaking about his children (skip to 0:38 if you want to get straight to it) and people’s reaction to his reaction (you still with me?) was heartwarming or heart-freezing, depending on if kindness was present or not.?

What about kindness in the workplace?

“Did you know that only 25% of employees believe that their leaders display kindness regularly? Shocking, right? A study from Harvard Business Review suggests that kindness in leadership is often overlooked, but it's a trait that could skyrocket your leadership success.” ( Marty Samples )?

Hmmm. A kindness gap + the very trait that can skyrocket success = a massive opportunity

Here are ten ways to be kind at work

1. Lend a hand - Help a coworker with their tasks or offer support when they’re overwhelmed. Sound hard to do? Need to have your confidence bolstered because you’re afraid of being rejected?? Check out the lovely, lovely video below of someone helping a man afraid of escalators.
2. Offer genuine compliments – Acknowledge your colleagues' hard work and contributions with sincere, specific praise.
3. Listen actively – When someone is speaking, give them your full attention, showing that you value their perspective.
4. Share resources – If you come across a useful article, tool, or opportunity, share it with those who might benefit.??
5. Show appreciation – Thank your colleagues regularly, whether it's for big projects or small gestures.
6. Bring in a treat – Something as simple as sharing coffee or a snack can brighten up someone’s day.
7. Encourage growth – Offer constructive feedback, or mentor others
8. Be inclusive – Ensure everyone feels welcome and included in conversations, meetings, and social events. Monitor the amount you (and others) speak in meetings. Need some proof of the difference this makes? Check out my post on the surprising two things that make for great teams.
9. Celebrate milestones – Acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, and/or professional achievements to foster a sense of community. Remember to be inclusive and celebrate all different kinds of holidays.
10. Share credit – Recognize and credit others for their contributions during team efforts.

Bonus: Send a thoughtful note?

?A handwritten or digital note of appreciation or encouragement can boost someone’s morale.? This is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to be kind.??

When was the last time you received a handwritten note?? I’m guessing you can’t remember when. My point precisely! This method really tends to stand out.

In honour of World Mental Health Day, take some additional steps to be kind.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Maclaren (as quoted in the Lightmakers Manifesto book by Karen Walrond ).

And on days when you have to dig particularly deep to find your well of kindness?

Remember, we could all use a little mercy especially when the world feels so tumultuous and upside down.??

Kindness is a key path towards mercy.?

Speaking of which, as I leave you with this post, be sure to check out this gorgeous song Mercy Now by Mary Gauthier.

Being a little kinder doesn’t have to be all that hard.? All of our mental health will benefit to boot.

Now go on and learn, laugh, and lead

Learn

• Read Marty Sample’s full post that I quoted from.

Laugh (well not so much laugh this time as smile)

• Well, not so much laugh this week as smile when you watch this dad model kindness for his kid and a complete stranger.

Lead

• Need some inspiration in terms of showing appreciation?? Check out my Love Languages survey that’s focused on feedback so you can tailor your kindness accordingly.

P.S.

• Have you grabbed your spot for this week’s Learning and Development Roundtable on Unconscious Bias? Watcha waiting for! More info here . RSVP here . And feel free to invite a friend and/or colleague. The more the merrier.