Workplace values, like kindness, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of kindness and 3 ways you can practice kindness at your office.
What is kindness?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, kindness refers to a “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate”. It has also been referred to as “a kind act”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, kindness can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, a sense of compassion seems to be a common ground.
As with any workplace value, we use kindness as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice kindness at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of kindness at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice kindness through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing kindness within your own office space.
Recognise others efforts
Recognising other’s efforts is one of the first steps you can take to practice kindness at the workplace.
Everyone has his or her fair share of work at the office. As such, everyone is also working hard to reach their goals. One way to demonstrate kindness is by taking a minute to notice and praise this hard work.
Appreciate the effort that your colleagues are putting into a certain project. A little appreciation, every now and then, can function as a great booster to others.
When you recognise and praise others efforts at the office, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of kindness in a simple yet efficient manner.
Welcome constructive criticism
When completing a certain task that is expected of you, one should strive to produce work of great quality. This will enable one to take pride in his/her own work. However, should you falter for a moment, take it in stride too!
As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of resilience is by welcoming constructive criticism.
People make mistakes. And if someone notices these mistakes and point them out to you, thank them! They are doing you a favour, after all. If others come up to you with suggestions to improve your work, consider and implement them too!
Complaints and constructive criticisms are two separate things. Learning to differentiate between the two is important. In fact, the latter is a great way to grow as both an individual and a team. Efforts to provide and receive constructive criticism in a friendly manner, is one way to practice the workplace value of kindness in the office.
Help those around you!
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of kindness at your office is by helping those around you!
Take the initiative to help your colleagues out with their workload when you can. This is one way to assist your team to reach your organisational goals more efficiently.
Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth. Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders and that’s how you can demonstrate that you are a part of the team too.
Alternatively, identify group tasks or projects that may take more time to complete. Then, get a jumpstart on these works! This will help to ensure that everyone feel like they are part of a team that contributes to a workplace collectively.
As such, helping those around you is one other way to practise the workplace value of kindness at the office!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of kindness. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice kindness at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
