Individually, when a person is kind or receives acts of kindness from others, serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of satisfaction and well-being, increase their levels. This process also releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Kindness is not a luxury, it's a necessity!
Kindness is a skill that should be essential for any manager; it says a lot about their character, their commitment, and the value they bring. Additionally, this competence can trickle down to team members and change the workplace culture.
Impact on Productivity
Research conducted by
APEX revealed the consequences of respectful and kind environments in work teams:
· Energy levels increase by 26%.
· The likelihood of feeling motivated and excited to acquire new skills and be exposed to new ideas and challenges increases by 30%.
· People express 36% more satisfaction with their work and are 44% more committed to their organizations.
However, in the opposite situation:
· 2 out of 3 employees report a decrease in their performance due to unpleasant work environments.
· 48% of employees who were with an unkind coworker were significantly more likely to decrease their work efforts. 38% of employees reported intentionally lowering the quality of their work.
Benefits for Companies
Research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation suggests that kindness produces positive outcomes for businesses; a leader who is kind to their employees can help retain top talent, establish a successful culture, and improve productivity.
When people receive compliments or words of recognition from their managers, they feel more satisfied: their
self-esteem increases, their
self-assessments improve, and this triggers
positive emotions. The result: happier and more engaged employees.
Leading with Kindness
A
study shows that when leaders are fair with their team members, they are more productive and exhibit more civic behavior. Positive social interactions at work improve employees' health, and even employees
prefer happiness to higher salaries (assuming, of course, that they already receive fair compensation).
Leading with kindness is a powerful way to influence others and create a positive and productive work environment. A leadership model based on trust and mutual cooperation will help create a happier culture where employees support each other.
How to Promote Kindness at Work
There are many ways to promote kindness at work:
Lead by example: Lead by example by demonstrating kindness in all your interactions. Be a role model for your employees and peers, and cultivate an organizational culture based on respect and empathy.
Encourage positive and open communication: Promote an environment where all individuals feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns. Actively listen to others' experiences and perspectives.
Recognize and give feedback: Publicly acknowledge the contributions and achievements of your colleagues and subordinates. A simple thank you, a note of appreciation, or congratulation make a difference. When giving feedback, always do so constructively. Highlight the positive and offer suggestions for improvement in a kind and respectful manner.
Offer help and support: To offer your help when needed, you have to pay attention to your colleagues' needs. Whether it's helping them with a difficult task or simply listening when they need it, your support will contribute much more than you think.
Practice courtesy: Small acts like greeting your coworkers - including those who work remotely - in the morning or holding the door for someone contribute to creating a kinder and more welcoming environment.
Promote collaboration: Encourage collaboration among team members and recognize the value of teamwork. Encouraging cooperation instead of competition can create a kinder and more supportive environment.
Create an inclusive environment: Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ensure that everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences, and strive to involve everyone in group activities and decision-making.
Organize team-building activities: Organize events or activities that foster camaraderie and strengthen relationships among team members. This can include anything from shared lunches to outdoor activities or group games.
Practice active listening: Pay attention when others speak and show that you are truly listening. A good way to demonstrate this is by making eye contact and asking follow-up questions.
Acknowledge your mistakes and practice forgiveness: There's nothing wrong with admitting that, like everyone else, we make mistakes. Admitting mistakes and asking for forgiveness is not only good for us but also for others, who will follow our lead.
When we lead with kindness and promote it, we are not only building stronger relationships with people in our organization, but also creating a more positive and productive work environment where everyone can thrive. Decades of research support it: kindness is good for everyone!