How does Kindness impact productivity at work, let’s give you a better perspective. Do you see these traits in yourself of being respectful & considerate?

Ask yourself: Do you practice kindness?

Having difficulty answering these questions is a common occurrence. With how bombarded we are by violence in the news, how easy it is to anonymously spread hate online, and the unforgiving “cancel” culture in our Gen Z children today, it’s no surprise that kindness is in such short supply.

Surprisingly, this has turned into a fear of using the word “kindness” itself. In fact, our own Mari-Lyn Harris has previously been asked not to use the word “kindness”, and to instead replace it with “happiness” when discussing positive change. It’s this fear that prevents us from fully realizing the potential impact of kindness – not just on ourselves, but on the well-being of others as well.

Set aside these fears and ask yourself: How does kindness impact you and your surroundings? And how can you better practice kindness at work to increase productivity?

It’s scientifically proven to lower stress levels

There’s a science to the positive benefits of being kind— it’s rooted in a natural chemical called dopamine.

Medical Daily reports that when we practice kindness, dopamine gets released into the brain. It’s a feel-good, natural high that leaves you feeling happier and more positive. Brightening your day is just the surface of what this mental health boost can provide. Psychologists at Maryville University point to complex connections between mental health, learning success, and employee behavior. Those who are more positive are therefore much more likely to be productive at work. This only highlights just how crucial kindness is to the bottom line of any business. With a more positive outlook, employees and leaders can better build teams that people will want to be a part of.

Acts of kindness start with simple, small gestures: practice your smile, say hello to your co-workers, and offer help where it’s needed.

It increases employee satisfaction

Employee engagement is at an all-time low, with Gallup reporting that 85% of employees are disengaged from work. Kindness could be the key to solving this problem. This is because work engagement is linked to feeling valued and supported, and kind leaders and teams encourage exactly that.

Being kind requires a listening ear and a good amount of patience. Avoid knee-jerk, negative reactions. Instead, listen and respond intently to your co-workers and employees. By exemplifying kindness in the workplace, you’ll be encouraging others to follow suit.

It creates a better work environment

In a workplace that practices kindness, employees are more likely to enjoy coming to work. Not only does this build better connections between your people, it also gives your organization a united front. Having a culture of kindness resonates throughout your business— inevitably affecting the customer experience as well.

Aside from simple acts of kindness and having sound listening skills yourself, it’s also imperative to clearly communicate with your employees about the behavior you want them to practice. Define the attitude and behavior, and use words like “friendly” and “compassionate”.

With LinkedIn’s editor-in-chief reporting that 70% of workers refuse to go to an organization with a bad work culture, it’s time to start practicing kindness today. Align yourself and your business with positive, ideal values, and you’ll find yourself with a positive work culture and environment.

Abigail Grace is an HR consultant with a passion for ensuring that companies value their employees. After experiencing bad management herself in her early 20s, she dedicated her career to making sure no one shares similar experiences. When she’s not working, she’s biking around Salt Lake City or volunteering at an animal shelter.
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