25 Spontaneous Ways to Show Workplace Kindness

1. Give a colleague a public pat on the back

Whilst complimenting an employee can boost positivity and confidence, getting a line manager or senior staff member involved will amplify the power of the kind deed.

2. Share your favourite book with a co-worker

Reading has been shown to lessen stress and inspire creativity, so share your love of reading with a personal literary gift designed to inspire or entertain the recipient.

3. Start the day with a warm greeting

Saying 'good morning' might seem like a simple gesture, but research has shown that starting the day with such pleasantries helps create a positive culture of appreciation.  

4. Surprise employees with motivational messages

Leave uplifting notes of inspiration in random places around the office. These positive affirmations can help motivate employees and boost their self-confidence.  

5. Reward your employees

Our BHN EMEA Holiday Research 20241 found that receiving rewards from their employers makes employees feel valued (83%), more productive (83%), and more loyal to their companies (84%). Over 60% of employees told us the perfect gift from employers is a gift card as they provide flexibility and choice. 

When it comes to satisfying the diverse needs of a multi-generational workforce, we’ve got you covered: Our One4all Rewards lets recipients pick exactly what they want from over 55,000 big name brands in-store and online, and our Select Digital Rewards let recipients choose from a wide selection of popular gift card brands. Either option is the perfect gift to reward your employees.

 6. Pick up the tab for a fellow employee

Everyone loves a complimentary cuppa, so promote a spirit of paying it forward in the workplace by covering the bill for the colleague behind you in the office canteen or local coffee shop.

7. Create an employee playlist

Over 60% of people listen to music at work to make them happier and studies have shown it can improve concentration and mood. So, curate feel-good custom playlists for your entire team.

8. Make a positive impact in your community

Almost half of people favour working for businesses that give to charity so consider volunteering as a team at your local food bank, homeless shelter, animal shelter, or community centre.

9. Make a round of tea for the team

There's no denying that Brits love a cuppa, brewing almost 200 million cups each day. Serving up a refreshing cuppa unprompted is a great gesture of kindness to show employees you value their efforts.

10. Tidy up an area of the office

It's often said that the best leaders don't mind getting their hands dirty. Getting stuck in to clear up a mess left by others reinforces the shared responsibility towards achieving company objectives.

11. Ask an employee to join you for lunch

Almost 70% of employees with access to free food at work are "extremely" or "very" happy so strengthen workplace bonds and build camaraderie by inviting a colleague for a casual lunch or coffee break.

12. Start a conversation with someone new

Over 80% of employees feel they're not heard fairly or equally. So, go out of your way to engage with colleagues you've yet to meet, whether they're new recruits or people you see in passing.

13. Show you value employee feedback

Making a conscious effort to ask open-ended questions and actively listening to responses will help you reach the six in 10 employees who feel that their opinions are ignored. 

14. Thank the cleaning team

Did you know that a clean workplace has a positive impact on employee satisfaction? That's why it's important to thank the cleaning staff who go the extra mile during unsociable hours to ensure your office is sparkling.

15. Demonstrate unexpected gratitude

For many people, the most memorable thank yous are the unexpected ones. So, take the time to acknowledge someone with unexpected praise for their efforts and contributions.

16. Encourage reciprocal praise

At the end of team meetings, encourage employees to compliment each other's strengths and efforts. This helps to develop a positive workplace culture of mutual respect, team spirit, and support. To boost team-building further, create a gratitude wall for staff to add a note of praise for colleagues.

17. Give public recognition

Leaving an unprompted and encouraging recommendation on employees' personal LinkedIn pages will help boost their career prospects and feelings towards your organisation. 

18. Support professional growth

There's a direct link between professional and personal development and job satisfaction. So, help advance employees' careers by connecting them with useful industry advice, contacts, and tools.

19. Lend a helping hand

Pitching in to help with a task regardless of its relevance to your role spreads a positive attitude of collaboration. Plus, those who invest time in helping others enjoy higher levels of happiness than those who don't.

20. Let someone jump the queue

Almost three-quarters of Brits feel that queuing is a waste of time. That's why letting someone ahead of you in the queue for the coffee machine, water cooler, or photocopier can help turn a frown upside down.

21. Share an overheard compliment

Our brains respond to compliments in the same way as they do to receiving monetary rewards. So, give an employee an unexpected cranial boost by passing along positive remarks you've heard about them.

22. Engage with employee social media posts

The average person has seven social media accounts. Liking, sharing, or adding a personal note to your employees' social posts will demonstrate your support and also help to expand their network.

23. Launch a rideshare scheme

The average employee spends £2,616 on commuting costs each year. Help ease the financial strain by creating a carpool database so employees can share lifts or choose to walk and cycle with colleagues.    

24. Reconnect with colleagues

The most important driver of great work is "recognise me" according to Great Place to Work. That's why checking in with someone you've not spoken to for a while is vital as it helps to spread positive vibes.

25. Pair mentors with mentees

Help employees advance their growth and boost their confidence by connecting them with senior colleagues within the company who share similar interests, passions, and career aspirations.