Kindness is an underestimated and underused lever of performance in the business world. Indeed, numerous surveys have shown that when employees show consideration for one another—a little compliment in passing, a thank you, some help, etc.—, the work atmosphere and the level of collaboration are greatly improved. Even better: a study conducted among more than 50,000 people in 3,500 departments has shown that the higher frequency of such behaviors was a sign suggesting greater productivity, as well as a lower staff turnover! And, cherry on top of the cake: there is no need to exert considerable efforts, especially since small gestures have as much impact as big ones.

So, don’t hesitate: lead by example! Far from being weak and insignificant, your little signs of care will help you reinforce the social bonds with your staff and within your team. This is a particularly appreciable advantage in our hybrid working environments, which should have a rapid snowball effect on both the work atmosphere and the results, to everyone’s profit!

Source: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Kindness at Work, Ovul Sezer, Kelly Nault, Nadav Klein, Harvard Business Review, May 2021.