Numerous studies have been done indicating that a company that practices kindness towards its employees is more efficient, has higher profits and enjoys a higher level of loyalty, so why does it cause people to roll their eyes and think – here comes the “touchy-feely thing”? In spite of this thinking, this month we are going to discuss the idea of kindness in the workplace.
Kindness radiates out from each one of us so naturally kindness begins with you. Think about how you talk to or about yourself – “What a dummy I am!” “I am so fat I can’t stand myself!” “How stupid am I? I will never understand this problem!” Now say those same things about a co-worker, child or friend. How does it feel?
The first step in acting with kindness in your life is to treat yourself with kindness. Look at what you are doing to your body. Are you eating in a healthy way? Getting enough rest? How about exercising? If it seems like you have a lot of stress in your life what are you doing to rectify the situation? Are you setting boundaries for yourself? Are you able to say no? Part of being kind to others is to take care of you. Make a list of ways you do take care of yourself and things you can begin to improve on.
How do you practice kindness within your family? Are you respectful of their feelings, opinions and ideas? There is tremendous information on being kind to strangers but what about our loved ones. Do you acknowledge the good things your children do? What about your partner? Siblings? Have you told your parents something positive that you remember from childhood? Sitting down and announcing to your family that you all are now going to be kind to each other may get you the famous eye roll, but what if you put up a kindness list on the refrigerator and starting writing down acts of kindness you witness or do yourself? Get creative and come up with ideas that are fun for you and create joy for others. After doing this for a month take stock on how the family is doing. Are things running smoother? Do you see family members being kinder to each other? Are your children on arguing with each other once a day instead of all the time? How are the pets fairing in the new environment?
Kindness in the workplace can be controversial. Kindness can sometimes be misinterpreted as weak or naiveté. It sometimes can be looked upon as favoritism. If an organization practices kindness it leaves little room for negative activities like gossiping, bullying, harassment and favoritism. Employees feel safer to express their concerns and ideas to improve the workplace. When you feel valued you are more likely to bring your “whole-self” to work.
William Baker and Michael O’Malley authors of the book Leading with Kindness, feel that corporate kindness impacts profits, improves employee performance and retention. Kindness does not have to get in the way of setting and reaching goals on our jobs.
Interaction Associates recently conducted a research project of 211 business leaders. Their findings “demonstrates that companies with strong employee and customer retention rely on lots of points of view in setting direction and implementation, and acknowledge individual and team performance and contributions. These high-retention organizations also report that employees are treated fairly regardless of position or rank, and people in their companies have a sense of shared commitment and responsibility.”
Think about ways you can begin or step up your commitment to treating co-workers with kindness. The options range from getting your part of that project done in a timely manner to giving a co-worker a little treat if they’re having a bad day. Give it anonymously and enjoy watching the pleasure that person gets. Once you being to spread kindness you may find a surprise token of care on your desk or locker one day!
What about our communities? These days of budget cuts and price increases it is common practice to blame the messenger. Remember that the clerk at the checkout in the grocery store did not set the price of items you are buying. The clerk at the gas station has to buy gas too; they don’t have the power to set the gas prices. There are many ways to practice non-random acts of kindness. I find that if I am having a bad day that making myself do something nice for someone else helps get me back on tract. And remember the old adage “Keep Smiling – It Makes Them Wonder What You Are Up To!”
