Summary
The value of kindness in the workplace is probably beyond measure, but worth taking a look at the ROI of kindness.
The value of kindness in the workplace is probably beyond measure, but that hasn’t stopped people from trying to measure it. With Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up February 17th, it’s worth taking a look at the ROI of kindness:
Kind leaders make kinder employees.
A Stanford study on the psychology of kindness found that emotions can be highly contagious in the workplace, with employees being “particularly likely” to catch the emotions displayed by leadership. They similarly found that organizations practicing kindness were more likely to attract kind applicants.
Kindness increases productivity and engagement.
A Canadian report from the Association of Professional Executives (APEX) discovered that respectful and civil work teams possesses 26% more energy, are 36% more satisfied with their jobs, and 44% more committed to their organization.
Employees who receive kindness are more prosocial.
A joint research paper featured in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that employees who receive regular gratitude were more likely to put in discretionary effort, welcome new employees, and fill in for coworkers.
Kindness makes everyone healthier.
Harvard Business Review contributor Emma Seppala found that when we feel safe and secure in social relationships, it lowers our heart rates and blood pressure while strengthening immune system response.
Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day can be as simple as slowing down to say hello to everyone in the morning, paying a genuine compliment, or springing for coffee. The ROI of kindness is undeniable, so practicing it next week and every other day is a great investment.
