You can't deny the power of a random act of kindness. Whether it's an unexpected uplifting message or  someone treating you to a cup of coffee - it's amazing how a random act of kindness can transform your day.

Not only does being kind make people feel good, it's one of the key foundations to building a positive company culture. And there's no better time to promote kindness in the workplace than Random Acts of Kindness Day.

In this blog post, we cover everything you need to know on making the most of this annual kindness day in your business, including:

- What Random Acts of Kindness Day is 

- Why being kind is so important for workplace culture

- Random acts of kindness ideas

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a day to be kind for absolutely no reason at all. Now we hear you saying, "shouldn't we be kind everyday?" and the answer is yes, of course. But it doesn't always happen as naturally as that - especially in the workplace. That's why, in 1995, a small non-profit organisation called the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation created the day to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness and try to make the world a better place, even for just one day. 

Today, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated worldwide with millions of people taking part in acts of kindness activities every year. Many businesses have also embraced this happy day and used it as a way to promote kindness and increase employee engagement in their company - with great success!

What are the benefits of being kind in the workplace?

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

You know that warm feeling you get when you do a good deed? The person on the receiving end gets that too. Being kind isn't just limited to friends and family though, it plays an important role in the workplace too.

Creating a positive workplace culture really begins with simple acts of kindness, no matter how big or small. When you take the time to appreciate and acknowledge what people do, it makes people feel good about their work and lifts everyone’s spirits. When employees feel valued by their company, they're more connected, happier at work, more motivated and invested in the company's success. 

Research shows that employees who develop strong connections are 11 times more likely to stay within the business for at least another year, and 3 times more likely to stay three more years.

As well numerous benefits in the workplace, acts of kindness can also:

• Help you live longer and feel happier
• Decrease pain, stress, and blood pressure
• Boost self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Plus, kindness is contagious and seeing acts of kindness inspires people to #payitforward 

Want to get started with some simple acts of kindness? We’ve got 25 great ideas below or you can contact us to find out more ways to promote kindness in your company, every single day.

 25 random acts of kindness ideas for the workplace

Here are some acts of kindness ideas to help you make kindness the norm in your workplace, not just on Random Acts of Kindness Day, but all year long. Whether you are the boss, the sales manager, or office intern, acts of kindness will improve the working environment for everyone.

1. Sing someone's praises.

Giving kudos to a member, or members, of the team in front of everyone is a great way to make someone's day and boost the whole teams morale. Praise should always be given in public!

2. Say good morning.

A big smile and a cheery good morning is hugely underestimated. Don't limit yourself to just the office though, everyone deserves a good morning, including the bus driver and postman.

3. Leave motivational messages on sticky notes in random places.

This is a fun and unexpected way to bring a smile to someone's face. Stick them on the toilet mirrors, vending machine, in the lift, and anywhere else you can think of. You can add some with silly jokes on too.

4. Pay for the person behind you in the coffee shop.

Just imagine how happy and surprised you'd be to get your morning skinny latte for free. You could buy the person behind a cuppa, or ask to 'suspend' a coffee for someone who needs it. 

5. Share your favourite songs.

Sharing playlists and music is a great team bonding experience. Listening to music can also reduce anxiety, blood pressure and improve mood and mental alertness. 

6. Volunteer in your local community.

Volunteering at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or your favourite charity is a great team building exercise that does good for company morale and the local community.  

7. Make a round of tea.

Especially if you’re the boss and it’s usually someone else making you one. Just remember to write the order down so you remember who's "sweet enough already"!

8. Tidy up a mess you didn’t make.

Tidy desk, tidy mind. If there's some papers, a cupboard or mess that's needed doing for ages and everyone's putting it off - do it. Take one for the team and next time someone else will. 

9. Invite someone to lunch.

This doesn't have to be a full sit down meal. You could grab a sandwich together or why not invite the whole team for a picnic eating your packed lunches in the local park.   

10. Say hello to someone new.

If there's someone in the company you've not spoken to before, say hello. When everyone knows everyone, the team bond grows much stronger and this bond helps create a culture of kindness. 

11. Listen.

Active listening and asking open-ended questions shows that you value the other person’s perspective and are genuinely interested in what they have to say. 

12. Leave a thank you note for the cleaners.

The unsung heroes of the office. You might never see them, but you benefit from their hard work. A handwritten card and maybe a box of chocolates is a great way to give thanks.

13. Thank someone.

As giving thanks makes you happier, shower your team with unexpected praise and show them that you appreciate and acknowledge all the hard work they do for the company.

14. Give someone a compliment during a meeting.

Whether it's on Zoom or in-person, a friendly compliment means a lot to anyone and can be a real confidence boost. Which we all need every now and then!  

15. Leave a LinkedIn recommendation.

Leaving a LinkedIn recommendation with an encouraging note publicly complimenting them on their job is a great way to boost someone's mood and overall morale and satisfaction in their role. 

16. Become a career matchmaker.

If you have the opportunity to help someone achieve their dream job, do it. Connecting people is a rewarding way to make a lasting impact on their careers. More than just a kind gesture—it’s an investment in the success of others.

17. Help someone complete a task.

It doesn't have to be related to your role. Lending a hand can help to spread a positive attitude,showing everyone that team work really does make the dream work!

18. Bring in snacks

Everyone loves it when someone brings in office snacks! Even if you're on a diet, when someone brings in treats to the office, everyone can have a cheat day. 

19. Give a colleague an unexpected compliment.

Receiving a compliment triggers the same area in the brain as receiving cash. That's why when someone compliments your new haircut you feel really good. 

20. Like or share a workmate's social post.

If any of your team are active on LinkedIn, make sure you like and share their posts. Doing so can help to broaden their professional network and show your support to their professional development.

21. Offer to give someone a lift home.

A small gesture that can make a big difference, especially on days the weather is bad. Or, if you both cycle or walk to work, why not ask to accompany them on their journey.

22. Offer to mentor someone.

Sharing your expertise can impact their personal development and boost their confidence; especially if it is someone who seems reluctant to ask for help.

23. Send someone home early.

If someone has had a particularly good week, or maybe even a tough week, then why not send them home an hour early so they can enjoy some extra down time.

24. Reward your employees.

Employee recognition boosts happiness and happy workers are 12% more productive. Gift cards are a great way to reward and spoil your employees.

25. Practice self kindness.

Kindness isn't just for those around you, it's important you're kind to yourself too. Spend 30 minutes doing something kind for yourself, you'll thank yourself later!

How to implement year-round acts of kindness

Although Random Acts of Kindness Day is a great time to be kind to your colleagues, you don't have to cram all of these acts of kindness into one day! As the 14th Dalai Lama once said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

The goal of the day is to raise awareness of acts of kindness and their benefits in the workplace and make kindness the norm, so it becomes an integral part of your business culture. 

Rewarding employees with a range of flexible, personalised workplace benefits is a great way to treat them with kindness everyday. Find out how by contacting us today!

Go The Extra Mile Every Day

Here at Extras, we specialise in helping employers build the perfect benefits package that's tailored to your team's specific needs. Extras benefits platform is totally free to join and gives you access to a wide range of meaningful benefits and salary sacrifice schemes, including the hugely popular Home&Tech and Cyclescheme, that your team will love.  

To find out more about how Extras will help you go the Extra mile for your team each and every day, get in touch on 0208 159 9430, via our contact page, or by emailing enquiries@workplaceextras.com