Does Kindness matter at the Workplace?

100% YES!

However, given the pace of hustle present in today's workplace and a competitive job market, people may feel a need to be protective of their "turf" or not show it, for fear of being taken advantage of. Indeed, it can be difficult to remember the importance being kind to the people we work with.

However, as this article will demonstrate, kindness at the workplace isn't just a nice-to-have, it can have a significant impact on our well-being, both physically and psychologically.  

“Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a ray of light that brightens the world.” - Leo Buscaglia

Studies show that exhibited kindness has a significant impact on employee well-being, including a range of psychological benefits. When we exhibit kindness, we beget kindness, creating a positive loop that benefits everyone involved.

Here are some of the other benefits:

1. Enhanced Mental Well-being and Increased Employee Engagement

Acts of kindness in the workplace, such as a manager offering words of encouragement to an employee struggling with a difficult project, serve to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and boost overall life satisfaction. This is because kindness helps individuals shift their focus from personal challenges to the well-being of others, which can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.

A workplace culture that values kindness and support fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among employees, which can lead to a higher commitment to their work.

For example, a team of employees celebrating the success of a colleague on a recent promotion can help that colleague feel valued and supported. As such, they might feel more motivated and committed as they come to work everyday.

2. Acts of Kindness Enhance Fulfilment and Job Satisfaction for Both the Giver and the Receiver

When an employee offers to help a colleague with their workload, it reduces stress and improves morale for both people involved.

For the giver, offering help is a way to show support and generosity. It can also be a way to feel good about oneself and to make a positive impact on the lives of others. When we help others, dopamine, a “reward hormone” that has mood-boosting effects, is released, making us feel good. We also feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from knowing that we have made a difference. 

For the recipient, receiving help can be a relief and a boost of morale. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can make the recipient feel valued and supported. When we receive help from others, we feel grateful and more connected to our colleagues and to our workplace community.

3. Kindness releases oxytocin, a hormone that has calming and stress-relieving effects

A study found that people who practiced kindness had higher levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and trust. This means that when we are kind to others, we can feel less stressed and more calm. The release of oxytocin can help to lower your blood pressure and heart rate and improve your sleep quality.

One of the ways to practice this could be to offer help to a co-worker when yo notice your strengths could be of service, or even just a simple check-in "How are you?" can go a very long way.

Similarly, imagine that you are working on a tight deadline and you are feeling overwhelmed. A coworker notices that you are stressed and offers to help you with some of your work. This act of kindness can help to reduce your stress levels by making you feel less alone and more supported. 

4. Kindness can improve overall health

Stress can suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to infection. However, when we are kind, our bodies release hormones that have stress-relieving effects and boost the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection.

People who practiced random acts of kindness had higher levels of white blood cells than those who did not. The study also found that people who practiced kindness were less likely to get sick.

Furthermore, oxytocin has vasodilatory effects, meaning that it widens our blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

In conclusion

Kindness has many clear physical and psychological benefits. The Singapore Kindness Movement has been working for over 30 years to promote graciousness and kindness in society. Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day.

If you're still not convinced, do check out the TED talk by Dr Stephen Post. Professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook University and the author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People, he explores the profound benefits of helping others in his thought-provoking TED talk. He delves into the positive effects of altruism on both the giver and receiver, highlighting the potential for increased happiness, enhanced coping mechanisms in the face of loss, and reduced anxiety and stress levels.

Share with us below 👇-- What small act of kindness will you do today? 

#positivepsychology #kindnessmatters 

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Disclaimer:

I share authentically what I think possible solutions might be, but it is purely from what I have studied (scientific evidence) and my own experience in coaching & training others in this area for the past 12 years. I am not here to diagnose or treat. If you need further help, please do seek the necessary support.