How To Make Your Workplace A Kinder Space

Did you know that the average person spends 90,000 hours of their lifetime at work? With that being a significant amount of time it’s important that we aren’t miserable. There are a plethora of ways to make your workplace a kinder space and ensure those hours are well lived.

One of the big ways is through workplace culture. When you enjoy where you work it makes the workday much easier. That being said, on this World Kindness Day (November 13) let’s aim to make our workplace a kinder space to be. 

How To Make Your Workplace A Kinder Space 

This is more about celebrating a fun holiday once a year. After reading this article my hope is that readers will implement these activities year round. Think of how impactful it is to go into work everyday when your company embraces and prioritizes kindness.

Not only is it good for workplace morale, but it can also boost things like workplace productivity. If you are ready to start making changes and incorporating kindness into your workplace, keep reading.

Shout Out Board

Shout out boards are one of my favorite ways that a company can boost workplace morale. Not only does it feel nice to get a shout out, it makes you want to return the favor.

Your job’s shout out board doesn’t have to be just compliments either. It can be a place you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other fun details and events in each other’s lives.

Group Lunches Make Your workplace a Kinder Space

Instead of everyone going their separate ways on their lunch break, make it a goal to have a team lunch more often. Whether you all go to a nearby restaurant or do a workplace potluck, it’s a great opportunity for team bonding. You could even turn it into a fun theme. Here are some suggestions:

• Taco Tuesday
• Ice Cream Social
• Chili Cookoff
• Favorite Foods Friday
• Salad Bar
• Tailgate Favs
• Challenges: colors, ingredients, shapes, etc.

Go To Happy Hour

I know after a long day at work I’m sure you want to go home. Maybe once in a while you could go to happy hour with some co-workers?

It’s a great way to commiserate about a tough project, celebrate milestones, or hang out with co-workers in a setting other than your job.

Pay Someone A Compliment 

This is one of the easiest things you can do on this list. It’s so simple but can carry a lot of weight. Someone could be having the worst day (they showed up late, spilled coffee on their shirt, has things going on at home, and is working on a difficult task), by complimenting them it could turn their whole day around.

At the very least it will make them forget about their troubles for a moment. You truly never know the impact you can have on someone. 

Get To Know Your Co-Workers 

Since you spend a good chunk of your life at work, might as well make a friend or two. Getting to know your co-workers will not only make the workplace feel more fun, it may lead to a new best friend and lots of important memories.

Find Something To Do Together Outside Of Work

The next two sections will come as a natural extension of the previous one. Once you start getting to know your co-workers you’ll start finding things you have in common.

Maybe you like the same music, go to the same gym, or enjoy the same hobbies. These are great ways to spend time together outside of work. From going to a concert together to hosting a game night, the possibilities are endless.

Bring In Some Fun To Work to make the workplace a kinder space

Another great way to spread kindness in the workplace is to bring some fun to the workday. This could look like participating in a workout challenge together and hyping each other up.

Consider starting a book club or creating a fantasy team for a sport you all like. These aren’t meant to distract you from work, but add some excitement and fun to your day while doing it. Adding bits of joy to the days will make your workplace a kinder space.

Help A Coworker In Need

We all go through things at various points of our lives. Life goes on and we still have to show up to work. It’s nice to know we can lean on others for support when we need it and we can offer support to others when we can as well.

Whether that’s carpooling when a co-worker is having car trouble, offering to buy them lunch when they are going through a tough time financially, or something equally kind, there are many ways you can show up. Believe me, people notice those that show up for them, in both the big and small ways.

Check In With New Co-Workers/Employees

I’m sure you remember how intimidating your first few weeks at your job were. Given that knowledge, one of the kindest things you can do for new co-workers is offer your support.

This could look like showing them around, getting lunch with them, letting them ask you questions, and even offering to be a mentor. This kindness can go a long way for not only both of you, but the workplace too.

Celebrate Wins (Big And Small)

I wanted to close out this list with one of my favorites. I love to celebrate wins, both big and small. We could all use some celebration in our lives.

Did someone in your office get a new car, have a new baby, take a fun vacation, or complete a big project? Whatever it is, those big moments are worth celebrating.

Likewise, the small moments are equally worth celebrating. This could look like someone meeting their weekly workout goal, coming to work on time everyday this week when they struggle with that, and a plethora of other small moments.

Final Thoughts on Making Your Workplace a Kinder Space

By incorporating even just a few of these activities you can help make your workplace a kinder one all year long. How will you be spreading kindness, both at work and everywhere else, on World Kindness Day this year? Let me know in the comments.

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