“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make trees.”
–Amelia Earhart, American Aviation Pioneer
When you hear kindness, you may automatically think it’s just being polite to the people around you. Kindness in the workplace, however, is more than good manners. This strength has multiple dimensions and applications. Being generous with your time, money, and resources. A deep interest and concern in the welfare of others. Belief in the worth of other human beings. We all could use a little dose of kindness in our workplaces.
In this post, Strong Cincinnati Network shares inspiring stories of workplace kindness and ways to put this strength into practice.
Why Is Kindness Important to Job Satisfaction?
In a 2018 study, employees who practiced five acts of kindness every week for a month became more satisfied with their lives and jobs. Kindness has a huge impact on the overall positivity in the workplace and employee’s sense of wellbeing. In Michelle McQuaid’s book, Can You Put Your Strengths To Work, kindness is described as the readiness and enthusiasm you exhibit towards doing things for other people.
Kindness has been found to motivate employees, improve creativity, and reduce attrition all by emphasizing good relationships with the people around you? Performing acts of kindness is not only great for your overall wellbeing but also positively impacts your organization’s bottom line.
What Does Kindness Look Like in the Workplace?
Need some inspiration? Check out these stories of kindness!
- When Harold Percival, a WWII veteran, died in a nursing home at 99 years old with no living relatives, an appeal was sent for people to come to his funeral. Over 200 people including veteran’s groups showed up to honor his memory.
- Mohammad Bzeek, a Los Angeles resident, has made it his mission since 1995 to foster children who are terminally ill due to his Muslim faith. He has fostered more than 40 children over the years, and a documentary named Guardian of Angels was based on his acts of love.
Related Post: How Do We Build a Positive Workplace Culture?
PUT IT IN PRACTICE
- Create a Kindness Board. Take a bulletin board (or a virtual Zoom background) and encourage colleagues to share positive messages, inspirational pictures, and strength-spotting moments. Read a few at the start of your next staff meeting to begin on a wave of positive emotion!
- Choose Random Acts of Kindness. Buy a coworker a cup of coffee. Email a heartfelt Thank-You Note. Give an extra day off to someone who needs it. Celebrate an employee for their good work. There’s as many ways to show kindness as there are people.
Contact Mayerson Academy for Workplace Culture Transformation
If you’re working to transform the culture of your team or organization, don’t struggle alone. Our experienced team of change-makers and consultants is dedicated to helping you and your staff succeed. Start a conversation with us to find out about Strong Cincinnati Institute, our six-session cohort-based learning experience that helps promote a positive culture shift within organizations. Connect here or call us at 513-263-2210.
