The Importance of Kindness at Work

Here at the candidate, we strive to create a kind and considerate environment to work in. Not only do we believe this on a personal level, but studies have also proven that small acts of kindness throughout your day can have a domino effect on you and your work colleagues. This positively affects moral, job satisfaction, energy levels, and results! Read all about how kindness can impact our lives, and time at work!

Even though kindness is the simple act of doing something positive toward yourself and others, it can be hugely beneficial mentally, emotionally, and physically. To be kind is generally taught to us by our parents as children. However, as we grow older, kindness isn’t necessarily a topic taught to us as much even though studies have shown that kindness teaching and interventions for teenagers and adults can massively improve behaviour and general well-being.

Applying kindness in our life and environment can have a transformative impact on how we feel as well as on our performance levels. Scientifically, being kind to yourself boosts serotonin levels in your body which is your body’s natural antidepressant. This feel-good chemical heals and calms you down, reduces stress, prevents shame from corroding your sense of identity and helps boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Alternatively, being kind to others is just as important. When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centres light up. This gives you feelings of satisfaction and well-being, making kindness an antidote for isolation as it creates a sense of belonging. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

Studies have shown that being kind to others can significantly improve your overall health. Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” explains that ‘’People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

According to ‘’Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’’ Other studies have also proven that kindness improves stress levels, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure:

STRESS - Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY - A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction.

DEPRESSION - Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we begin to be kind to ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

BLOOD PRESSURE - Acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure

The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brains of everyone who witnessed the act making kindness contagious. Improving multiple moods and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people. Therefore, performing acts of kindness wherever and whenever will not only be hugely beneficial to you but to everyone around you.

So don’t underestimate the power of being kind at work! Practicing kindness will be immensely helpful to our colleagues as it builds connections and contributes to a better culture also leading to higher employee engagement, increased job satisfaction, and even improved bottom-line results. Studies show that when colleagues receive a compliment, words of recognition and praise can help individuals feel more fulfilled, boost their self-esteem, improve their self-evaluations, and trigger positive emotions which in all helps to confirm self-worth.

Here at the Candidate, we would like to encourage you to prioritize being kind this week! Here are some simple ideas you could practice in your workspace:

·        Offer your help and collaborate with your co-workers
·        Recognition- Praise your co-workers on the good work they’ve done
·        Say thank you – focus on being appreciative
·        Bring some tasty treats to work – Random act of kindness!
·        Have meaningful conversations - Get to know people better
·        Give positive feedback
·        Be a good listener – This improves conversation and collaboration
·        Provide recommendations – share information
·        Organise a team activity
·        Make time for your co-workers
·        Be considerate of others
·        Remain aware of your words and tone
·        Smile! :) 

Written by Seren Sayer.

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