WiPJobs Recruitment

Writer Giannis Piotopoulos @WiPjobs Recruitment

Performing acts of kindness in the workplace isn’t just something that’s nice to do—being kind in the workplace builds connections and contributes to a better organizational culture. And a strong company culture leads to higher employee engagement, increased job satisfaction, and even improved bottom-line results.

1. Respect common spaces and objects

Working in an office often means sharing space with others. Many offices have a shared kitchen or at least a shared fridge for snacks and drinks. Don’t be the one to take someone else’s food. Also, clean up after you’re done. If you use the printer, stapler, conference room, or other office supplies and common areas, be respectful. Leave them as you found them. Respect is the foundation of harmonious coexistence, it is a culture, and yes, in many modern, mostly multinational companies, it can be enforced by internal operating rules.

2. Be aware of how others work 

Some people like to work with excessively loud music. Others may need absolute silence to concentrate. In an open-plan office, people work differently. If you’re going to listen to music, use headphones with sound-cancelling technology. Adaptability has always been a very useful skill as it helps you to successfully adapt to the constant, but also ever-changing demands and conditions of the work environment. Do not overlook the need to accept diversity. Understanding, sensitivity, and receptiveness to difference will add points to your personality since different cultures, customs, and attitudes are now visible and harmoniously co-existing in any modern business.

3. Be aware of non-verbal signs 

You may be surprised at how much your facial expressions, body language, and hand movements can convey to others. Your facial expressions, a grimace, and a smirk play a huge role in how others perceive you. Anything from posture to a furrowed brow is a form of communication. Stand up, smile, and if necessary act. The first impression formed about a person is always there. Memory is strong, especially when it comes to faces, and it often seems to be stronger when it comes to attitudes. That is, it is likely to store a behavior rather than the physical characteristics of a person. Also, memory emphasizes negative characteristics. We are more likely to remember an unreliable person with their corresponding unreliable behavior than a trustworthy or a good and kind person.

4. Be polite and professional in all forms of communication 

It doesn’t matter if you meet someone face-to-face, over the phone, by email, and, most recently, by video conference. Every interaction should be characterized by professionalism, responsibility, and corporate consciousness. When communicating via text messages, disregard tone of voice, facial expressions, and the non-verbal cues that accompany them. Remember this convention every time you write an email, so make them short and clear, and don’t send anything you wouldn’t say in person. Communication should be open, clear and adhere to the rule of clarity. But the dominant role in a team is played by honest and polite communication.

5. Remove your mobile phone 

We are attached to our phones, tablets, and computers and yes it is very difficult to disconnect. However, there are times when being preoccupied with your phone is offensive and also non-functional. Engaging with your phone during a meeting clearly shows rudeness. Checking your social media in front of a client shows a poor image of your company and you will likely lose the client and your business. It’s impossible to give someone your full attention when you’re distracted by your phone.

6. Ask questions – show availability

Consider starting your questions with “Could you…/ is it possible to…/ what would you say if…”.  As for availability, it goes without saying that you don’t have to answer emails at 2 am. Burnout is never a very good idea and I clearly refute it. But if a new project presents itself (and it’s not far from your expertise), offer to take it on or help out. More generally, be willing to take on responsibilities or help, certainly setting boundaries that will offer and delineate healthy and honest relationships with your colleagues with mutual respect and appreciation.