When you engage in acts of kindness, it boosts serotonin and dopamine — neurotransmitters in the brain that promote feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Research suggests that kindness also yields positive outcomes for businesses. So here are some tips to practise kindness that can help you and others be happier at work:
- Kindness speaks volumes about your character. We often rush to impress people with our technical skills but it’s good to focus on personal attributes too. So whether you’re starting a new job, or just working with different people, being kind is a key attribute to showcase, and will make you likeable and appreciated among your colleagues.
- Being kind to others must start with being kind to yourself. Practising self-care isn’t an act of indulgence. Part of being a valuable, productive team member is to be committed to your own well-being. If you burn out, you’re more likely to be cranky with colleagues or have to take time off sick, with others picking up your workload. So prioritise your wellness: set boundaries around your working hours, take time off after a busy period, identify activities that invigorate you and unfailingly build those unfailingly into your week.
- If you see a colleague struggling with a task, or just appearing worried, offer some help, encouragement or just to have a chat. Even if you know you can’t directly help with the task or issue, just reaching out like this will make the person feel valued and ‘seen’ and will help build a culture of kindness.
- Develop your listening skills. Feeling heard and validated is a basic human need. When you practise active listening, by really taking in what the other person is saying, showing you care and focussing on their needs in the conversation, this is a great display of kindness.
- With remote working still being prevalent, this can contribute to loneliness for some people. Think about whether any of your colleagues who live alone might appreciate you reaching out to arrange a virtual coffee chat or let them know the days you’re going to be in the office so they can join you.
- Give praise and a ‘shout out’ to colleagues at a team meeting or in a newsletter when they achieve a success. Celebrating others’ achievements is a beautiful act of kindness as everyone loves a bit of recognition – and it’ll make you feel good too. Particularly if they return the favour and help celebrate your successes!
Practising kindness, to yourself and others, is a great way to increase your happiness at work as well as the happiness of those around you. Being kind makes for a more collegiate, rewarding and productive work environment – all of which contributes to your work-related happiness.
If you want to improve your listening skills, contact me for details of my active listening skills workshop.