Original blog post was written for Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 9-15, 2015).
Random Acts of Kindness Week is a full week dedicated to doing good and making others feel good. Below, you’ll find 10 ideas to help your company give back, recognize employees, and discover the power of kindness.
1. High notes
Write inspiring quotes or kind words on slips of paper, and leave them in places where employees are sure to find them. The handwritten aspect will make the notes extra-special.
2. Books of love
Ask employees to bring in books they are willing to part with. Donate the books to a local library or charity.
3. Make it a team effort
Ask each department to perform a random act of kindness for another department. For example, Sales could bring in breakfast for your Administrative Professionals. Or Marketing could share a list of everything they appreciate about Human Resources on a bulletin board or in a group email.
4. Recognize leadership
Everyone likes to be recognized! Take a moment to tell a manager, supervisor, mentor, or any other leader how much you appreciate their leadership.
5. What’s in a name?
Create a fun acronym for an employee. Using the letters in their first name, come up with an adjective that describes the employee and what makes them unique or special. For example, Dan could be “Dedicated, Awesome, Necessary for Success.” Share this with the employee using Post It® notes.
6. Coffee break
Around the 2 or 3 p.m. lull, announce to all employees that you’re going on a coffee run. Ask everyone what they would like. The surprise kindness is sure to perk them up.
7. Try these customizable downloads
You’ll find straw flags, Lifesaver candy wrappers, and even a check for “One million thanks.” Simply download, customize, print, and recognize!
8. Welcoming committee
Offer to take a new employee in your office to lunch. New employees may expect a lunch invitation from their supervisor, but getting one from a friendly coworker will make their day.
9. Help fight hunger
According to Feeding America, more than 49 million Americans live in food insecure households. Your company can help fight hunger by organizing a food drive, or rallying employees to spend the day volunteering at a local food bank.
10. Take kindness beyond the workplace
With cell phones and social media, hearing someone’s voice or seeing their face has become a rarity. Go old fashioned and call a friend to catch up. You might even invite them for lunch or coffee.
A little kindness goes a long way. Infuse a little more positivity into your workplace by trying a few, or even all, of these ideas in the coming week.
Need help with workplace communications? Talk to RSW.
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