Kindness is one of the foundations of a positive company culture. And there's no better time to promote kindness in the workplace than Random Acts of Kindness Day which falls on February 17th, 2023.

To help inspire you to celebrate this annual day of good deeds, we've put together this short guide. As well as highlighting the many benefits of prioritising kindness at work, there are no less than 25 feel-good ideas to get you started.

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Random Acts of Kindness Day was created in 1995 by a small nonprofit organisation called the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Their goal is to make kindness the norm. This happy holiday - which takes place on February 17th each year - is designed to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness in our everyday lives and make the world a better place. And who wouldn't want that?

The benefits of being kind

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

You know that warm glow you get when you do a good deed? The person on the receiving end experiences it too. So, being kind is a win-win for everyone.

According to research, acts of kindness can also:
● Help you live longer and feel happier
● Decrease pain, stress, and blood pressure
● Boost self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Plus, kindness is contagious. Seeing people perform acts of kindness inspires us to perform a kind act ourselves.

So, without further ado, here are some acts of kindness ideas to help you make kindness the norm in your workplace, not just on this year’s Random Acts of Kindness Day, but all year long. Whether you are the boss, the new intern, or the office cleaner, acts of kindness will improve the working environment for everyone.

25 random acts of kindness in the workplace

1. Sing a colleague's praises to their boss.

Giving kudos to a colleague by complimenting them to their boss takes the good deed to the next level.

2. Gift your favourite book to a colleague.

Whether it's work-related to inspire them or your favourite fiction to entertain them, the choice is yours.

3. Say good morning.

Acknowledging people makes them feel welcome, and you never know where it might lead as a conversation starter.

4. Leave motivational messages on sticky notes in random places.

For example, on the bathroom mirror, vending machine, lift, and on the water cooler.

5. Pay for the person behind you in the coffee shop.

Just imagine how pleasantly surprised you'd be to get your skinny latte for free; it’s a great way to encourage the act of paying it forward in the workplace.

6. Share your favourite song with a colleague.

Listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain and improve mood and mental alertness.

7. Make a difference in your local community.

Gain a quality team-building experience by volunteering for a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or favourite charity.

8. Volunteer to make a round of tea.

Especially if you’re the boss and it’s usually someone else making you one. Just remember to write the order down so you remember who's "sweet enough already"!

9. Tidy up a mess you didn’t make.

This will promote the concept of working together to achieve company goals.

10. Invite someone to lunch.

It doesn't have to be a five-course meal - you could simply eat your packed lunches together outdoors.

11. Speak to someone you've never spoken to before.

It could be the new recruit or that person from the accounting team you always smile at in the lift.

12. Listen to a colleague.

Ask open-ended questions. Actively listening helps you to understand and communicate better.

13. Leave a thank you note for the cleaners.

They’re the unsung heroes of the office. You might never see them, but you benefit from their hard work.

14. Thank someone.

Showering someone with unexpected praise shows that you appreciate and acknowledge them, whoever they are. Plus, giving thanks makes you happier.

15. Give someone a compliment during a meeting.

Whether it's on Zoom or in-person, a public show of appreciation means a lot and is a real confidence boost.

16. Leave a LinkedIn recommendation for a colleague.

Giving an encouraging note could boost both their mood and profile.

17. Become a career matchmaker.

Network on a colleague's behalf by connecting them with a work-related contact.

18. Help someone complete a task.

It doesn't have to be related to your role. Lending a hand can help to spread a positive attitude.

19. Let someone ahead of you in a queue.

It could be the queue for the drinks machine, watercooler, photocopier, or anything.

20. Give a colleague an unexpected compliment.

Receiving a compliment triggers the same area in the brain as receiving cash.

21. Like or share a workmate's social post.

Doing so can help to broaden their professional network and shows your support.

22. Offer to give someone a lift home.

Or, if you both cycle or walk to work, offer to accompany them on their journey.

23. Check in with someone you've not spoken to for a while.

Doing so can help to energise them and spread positive vibes.

24. Offer to mentor someone.

Sharing your expertise can impact their personal development and boost their confidence; especially if it is someone who seems reluctant to ask for help.

25. If you’re the boss or decision maker, reward your employees.

Employee recognition boosts happiness and happy workers are 12% more productive.

How to implement year-round acts of kindness

Of course, you don't have to cram all of these acts of kindness into one day! The goal is to raise awareness of acts of kindness and their benefits in the workplace and make kindness the norm, so it becomes an integral part of your business culture.

As the 14th Dalai Lama once said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

Rewarding employees with a range of flexible, personalised workplace benefits is a great way to treat them with kindness.

To find out more, get in touch on 0208 159 9430, via our contact page, or by emailing enquiries@workplaceextras.com