Why Random Acts of Kindness Are Good for You; And Why They Belong in the Workplace
We often think of kindness as something that benefits the receiver - a quick boost in their day, a moment of warmth, a sense of being seen. But psychologists have consistently found that doing kind things for others is just as good for you.
Acts of kindness trigger the release of “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Also known as the “helpers-high”, these elevate your mood, reduce stress, and help create a sense of connection, something we all crave, especially in busy workplaces.
Kindness also interrupts negative thinking loops, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens a sense of purpose. In short: being kind doesn’t just make you a nicer colleague; it makes you a happier person.
In a workplace setting, the ripple effect is even stronger. Small gestures can break down silos, soften tension, and create the kind of psychological safety where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking for help. Teams that feel connected simply work better together.
Kindness won’t fix every organisational challenge, but it does create an environment where people are more resilient, collaborative, and motivated.
Here are some simple ways you can sprinkle kindness into your workday:
Leave a colleague a genuine, specific compliment.
Bring someone their favourite coffee or tea.
Offer to help a teammate with a task that’s been stressing them.
Send a quick message acknowledging someone’s hard work.
Share helpful resources without being asked.
Celebrate a win — big or small — that others might overlook.
Check in on the quiet person in the room to see how they’re doing.
Random acts of kindness don’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Often, the smallest gestures have the biggest impact, for the person receiving them, and for you.
