Kindness in the Workplace Can Improve Well-Being and Productivity

Acts of empathy, honest feedback, and flexible policies strengthen employee morale

Employees often face personal and professional pressures that test their resilience, but small acts of kindness at work can have lasting effects. For Beth Brown, a director of health and well-being at a mental health services company, compassion from a colleague made a profound difference during a period of personal crisis.

When her six-month-old daughter fell ill with COVID-19 and her mother passed away, Brown notified a senior director that she would need time off. Instead of discussing project deadlines, her colleague offered reassurance: “This is not important in the grand scheme. It’ll be here when you get back.” Brown recalled feeling as though “a brick was taken off my chest,” illustrating the emotional impact of workplace empathy.

Experts say such gestures are often undervalued in professional settings, where competition, tight deadlines, and financial pressures dominate. Yet, acts of kindness—whether offering genuine support, providing constructive feedback, or creating flexible work arrangements—can improve both morale and productivity.

Creating Supportive Work Environments

Treating colleagues with warmth and consideration can be especially meaningful during periods of social and political tension. Sociologist Anna Malaika Tubbs highlights that workplaces can serve as spaces where people feel seen and included, promoting a sense of belonging.

“Encouraging employees to connect beyond professional roles—through retreats, book clubs, or shared activities—can foster empathy and strengthen community,” Tubbs said. She noted that the aim is not to eliminate disagreement but to promote collaboration and mutual respect rather than dominance or competition.

Maya Nussbaum, founder of Girls Write Now, incorporates daily rituals to reinforce this culture. She begins meetings with brief sharing exercises, encouraging staff to discuss simple topics, from hobbies to personal reflections. “Productivity improves when people feel valued and heard,” Nussbaum said. “They engage more fully and channel their passion positively.”

Providing Honest Feedback

Kindness also involves offering constructive feedback. Chantel Cohen, founder and CEO of CWC Coaching and Therapy, emphasized that guiding employees toward improvement requires clear, tactful communication. “Kindness isn’t a conflict-free workplace; it’s one where repair and growth are possible,” Cohen said.

Acknowledging successes alongside areas for improvement is equally important. Karla Cen, who experienced high-pressure management in a previous role, described the morale boost she felt from simple gestures in her current workplace, such as receiving praise for daily accomplishments or a personal welcome on her first day.

Valuing Employees’ Time

Another form of workplace kindness involves reconsidering how time is allocated. Cohen suggests evaluating whether meetings are necessary or if tasks can be completed asynchronously. “The gift of time is a powerful form of empathy,” she said, noting that allowing employees periods for focused work or reflection can reduce stress and enhance productivity.

Nussbaum added that keeping meetings structured and purposeful further frees employees to focus on meaningful tasks while maintaining balance.

Adapting Rules with Flexibility

Flexibility in workplace policies can also demonstrate care. Meher Murshed, who married a colleague at Gulf News in Dubai, recalled the stress of a rule preventing spouses from working in the same department. After appealing to senior management, the policy was adjusted, allowing the couple to continue their roles without reporting to each other. “It changed our lives,” Murshed said.

Experts note that small adjustments and empathetic leadership choices can foster loyalty, well-being, and a sense of community, reinforcing the human side of professional environments.