Panel Discussion: Kindness at work – Benefits and Strategies

Acts of kindness at work have been found to have benefits for both giver and receiver in both the short and long-term with regards to job satisfaction, reduction in feelings of depression, and sense of competence and autonomy. Those receiving kindness at work are highly likely to pay this forward creating a cumulative, ripple effect. Small acts, simply done have little cost and multiply over time to produce significant work climate benefit including increased collaboration, innovation, and higher productivity.

Witnessing acts of kindness towards others, without even directly participating in the act, has benefit on other workers. Being part of a workplace where kindness is evident contributes to the release of Oxytocin and Serotonin that yield both physical (blood pressure and cardiac health) and psychological (feelings of calmness, trust, self esteem and safety) benefit. Being part of a giving culture that includes demonstrations of caring and prosocial behaviour, organsationally-enabled, improves employee affective commitment, just as that which promotes trust and high quality interpersonal relationships enhances learning and adaptability.

On May the 17th we had an online panel discussion on the benefits of kindness at work and practical strategies to encourage kindness it as part of psychology week. The Panel was Katharina Naswall, Megan Jenkins, Jonathan Black, moderated by Zoe O’Sullivan and Renske Grant.

View the discussion here