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Being kind and being successful in business are often thought of as polar opposites. Nice guys finish last, as they say.
Despite what people may think, though, kindness isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, showing kindness in the workplace can have a positive impact on your employees and your organization, as kindness increases productivity and builds trust.
Kindness at work should be demonstrated from the top down and the bottom up. There’s a “pay it forward” mentality when it comes to being kind. It only takes one person to show kindness, and that behavior has a rippling effect.
In fact, because kindness is such an important element of our lives, a global day was created to celebrate kindness and create awareness of the importance of kindness.
This blog post was updated on October 15, 2025, and now features dates for November 2025.
What is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is a global celebration with the aim of promoting the importance of being kind to yourself and others. After all, kindness is what binds us all together at work, at home and in our communities.
When is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is celebrated each year on November 13th.
Kindness can boost morale in the workplace.
Kindness creates a positive work culture – it boosts staff morale and creates a workplace where people actually want to work.
When an employee is praised for their efforts at work – whether it be for the presentation they delivered or the report they spent ages on – it feels good. That kindness boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel more fulfilled in their role.
Not only is it nice for employees to receive compliments, but giving compliments can make people feel good too. In fact, studies have shown that giving compliments can make us happier than receiving them.
Of course, there’s a stigma that people only give compliments when they want something in return. That’s why it’s important for employees to be genuine – the more an individual shows kindness, the more authentic it will appear.
How can you encourage kindness at work?
Doing at least one kind thing at work every day can go a long way to boosting an employee’s happiness and the happiness of the people around them. Help your employees spread kindness by showing them how easy it is to be kind.
Here are 10 ways employees can show kindness in the workplace on World Kindness Day and throughout the year:
- Say “good morning” at the start of the day.
- Ask “How are you?” and really listen to the answer.
- Recognize the good work of others.
- Celebrate successes.
- Smile at someone when you pass them in the corridor.
- Celebrate birthdays.
- Ask how you can help when a colleague is feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t talk over a colleague in a meeting – instead, invite them to speak first.
- Be a cheerleader for someone else’s idea.
- Invite a new colleague out for lunch.
Another great way to encourage kindness around the office: always assume the best in others.
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