Random acts of kindness: Small gestures that make a big difference

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”- Maya Angelou.

This profound quote by Maya Angelou carries a long-lasting and precious impact that human beings can have on each other. The power of making someone feel a certain emotion is one of the greatest powers ever to exist.

Kindness is infectious and can spread easily. To encourage people to be kinder and make the world a kinder and more peaceful place, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated every year on different dates in different countries. According to Wikipedia, it was first celebrated in New Zealand in 2004. In the US, it is celebrated on February 17th every year. 

What makes kindness go ‘viral’?

• The feeling of camaraderie and mutual support.
• Promotes conflict resolution.
• Enhances wellbeing.
• Promotes feelings of harmony, empathy, and respect amongst all group members.
• Being kind means showing up for yourself and others. Therefore it deepens the relationship that you share with yourself and others.

Kindness comes in varying degrees and each is their own. For some, it may look like offering to stay an extra hour even after your work is done to accompany your colleague. For some, it may be checking in on their colleagues from time to time and for some, it may be to offer a small token of appreciation as a gesture of gratitude. These gestures will differ in their degree and intensity. The thought behind being kind is not to make a grand gesture or offer incredible help, but to let the other person know that they are deeply valued and provide them a feeling of safety and comfort. 

It is also wise to remember that acts of kindness are not compulsory, but practicing kindness can also be helpful for your personal growth and is directly associated with your wellbeing. 

• The research shows that kindness acts as an antidote for isolation and creates a sense of belongingness within individuals and groups.
• It deepens friendships and encourages bonding on a humanitarian level despite differences.
• It encourages the creation of a non-judgmental and welcoming space.
• Research shows that kindness can be cardio-protective. It can decrease cortisol and blood pressure which can in turn help in managing stress levels. 
• It also enhances empathy and improves mood.

How can you implement kindness practices in your work lives?

Celebrate achievements and milestones together: Social recognition and appreciation go a long way. When you celebrate milestones together, it enhances the feelings of belongingness, harmony, and unity within groups irrespective of the hierarchical structure. Acknowledge employee’s birthdays, work anniversaries, and any personal achievements. A small celebration can also be arranged at the workplace to let everyone else participate in their achievements. 

Encourage and promote work-life balance: Offer flexible work arrangements whenever possible and encourage your employees to take breaks and paid time off to prevent burnout.

Focus on small gestures: It is not necessary to have grand gestures and parties every time to celebrate employees. Focus on small things like leaving a thank you note on their desk, using positive affirmations through texts, and notes to make them believe in themselves, bringing them small treats during the lunch break, or even joining them during lunch and sharing your meal with them. Always remember that the gesture is important but the intention that you do it with is also important. Focus on small things that can easily get overlooked in daily hectic lives. And think about how they can be made more meaningful or memorable for the employees. 

Acts of kindness can also be non-materialistic: Acts of kindness can very much be non-materialistic, such as offering words of encouragement, actively listening, showing empathy, giving sincere compliments, or simply expressing appreciation and respect.

Be kind without a reason: One does not require a reason to be kind. There does not have to be an ulterior motive behind an act of kindness. Kindness is a virtue and a practice that human beings can slowly build for themselves. You can be kind because it is a good thing. It does not have to be associated with anything else. Kindness is very powerful and can spread easily. The more people start practicing kindness, the more compassionate ecosystem we will be able to build around us. 

FAQs: 

How can one become kind?

Becoming kind involves cultivating empathy, understanding, and a willingness to prioritize others' wellbeing. Self-awareness and mindfulness also help a lot along the way. Practicing acts of kindness regularly, both small and significant, can help to reinforce compassionate behavior. Developing patience and tolerance while dealing with challenging times also helps a lot. Ultimately, kindness is a choice rooted in genuine care and consideration for others.

Does practicing kindness help the practitioner?

Certainly. Practicing kindness benefits the practitioner because it promotes positive emotions like happiness and contentment. It can reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. Kindness has the power to strengthen interpersonal relationships, foster a supportive network, and improve social connections. Moreover, it cultivates empathy and compassion, which are valuable qualities in personal and professional interactions. Ultimately, by being consistent in practicing kindness, individuals can contribute to a more positive and harmonious environment around them, which in turn reinforces their own sense of purpose and satisfaction.