The power of kindness in the workplace 

It pays to be kind 

Happy and motivated employees are at the heart of a well-functioning and successful business.

Research shows that when people work with a positive mindset, performance on nearly every level – productivity, creativity, engagement – improves significantly.  

As the way in which we work continues to evolve, it is important that we are working towards creating a workplace where people feel connected, have a sense of purpose, and are appreciated and recognised for their contributions. 

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.” 

- Dalai Lama

Kindness for our health 

Did you know there are scientifically proven benefits of being kind? According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, carrying out acts of kindness can: 

• Reduce stress: kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population. 
• Reduce anxiety and depression: kindness stimulates the production of serotonin – a feel-good chemical that heals your wounds, calms you down, and boosts happiness. 
• Lower blood pressure: acts of kindness create emotional warmth which releases a hormone known as oxytocin and protects the heart. 
• Relieve pain: engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller. 

Kindness is the best example of a butterfly effect. The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and thus making them more likely to “pay it forward.”  

A single act of kindness has the power to transform the world 

An act of kindness doesn't have to be a big expensive gesture. Even the smallest acts can have a great impact. Here are some easy ways you can spark a bit of joy and positivity right now: 

• Find out something new about a co-worker: it can be easy to get caught in the motions of familiar conversation, especially when you see someone every day. Make an effort to learn something new about a co-worker. 
• Complain less: being positive in a negative situation makes you a leader. 
• Send an encouraging email: this is a sweet and simple way to boost someone’s spirits is by sending good vibes to someone’s inbox. 
• Ask, "Are you okay?": This simple question can really make a real difference to anyone going through a challenging time. 
• Be spontaneous: sometimes, random acts of kindness just come to you in the moment! 
• Get inspired with more ideas here

Never underestimate the power of kindness 

Kindness grows in a virtuous cycle and success lies in recognising that we can influence the culture we work in by simply being kind.  

What will you do to remember kindness today?