Encouraging kindness in the workplace is essential. Conversely, a lack of kindness often creates stress for employees. That stress can lead to conflicts or even health risks, both physical and psychological, ultimately harming performance and the company’s overall productivity. In professional settings, this approach to improving employees’ well-being is often referred to as compassionate management.
Let’s take a closer look at what this means and how managers can put it into practice.
1. Encouragement
The relationship between employees and their managers can be complex and requires ongoing effort from both sides. Encouragement is key to employees’ efficiency and productivity, helping them reach goals more effectively. The more employees feel listened to and supported, the more likely they are to take initiative and be creative. Gratitude and recognition from management are also crucial for motivation and engagement.
2. Solidarity
Solidarity at work often takes the form of a strong team spirit and valuing everyone’s contributions. Kind management practices build trust between employers and employees, creating a virtuous circle that strengthens collaboration.
In today’s workplace, individualism is common, and compassionate management seeks to reverse that trend.
Solidarity also relies on effective communication within the company. For instance, it is often better to share important information gradually rather than all at once, such as in a single meeting.
Finally, managers must be attentive to employees’ needs. Take the example of remote work: after the COVID-19 crisis, many workers became accustomed to working from home and now value it highly for reasons like work-life balance. Yet, some employers remain reluctant to allow it unless legally required. Listening to these needs helps maintain trust and well-being.
3. Respect
Respect is a fundamental value in everyday life and should also be a cornerstone of workplace culture. This includes courtesy, which helps prevent conflicts and foster long-term professional relationships. Sincerity and honesty are equally important, especially in conflict management.
It is also essential to respect working conditions: setting realistic objectives, avoiding overload, and not contacting employees outside of work hours. These practices protect employees’ health and reinforce workplace well-being.
4. Quality of the work environment
For employees to be efficient and feel good at work, they need clean, pleasant spaces that promote connection and collaboration. Attention to office design plays a vital role here (see our previous article “Workplace well-being and office design: 4 tips”). From meeting rooms to kitchens and coffee corners, the workplace should offer experiences distinct from home and contribute to team cohesion.
Why not go further by offering employees eco-friendly, healthy snacks, such as those provided by BulkBar? Nuts, seeds, and cereals are not only nutritious but also support focus and energy levels — while helping protect the planet.
Conclusion
As you can see, developing kindness in the workplace is essential for building trust between employees and employers, motivating staff, and making the workplace a positive environment. It also directly supports well-being and health.
The four pillars of kindness at work are encouragement, solidarity, respect, and a quality work environment. Together, these elements foster employee fulfillment and engagement.
For those wishing to go further, training programs in compassionate management are available and can help deepen the approach.
Published on 29/07/2022
