Make Where You Work Kinder

A seven-step how-to guide that's also your invitation to become a #WorkKind Activist, join a revolution, and combat the harsh realities of modern work culture.

The guide I’ve written, “Make Where You Work Kinder”, is not just a step-by-step manual but a rallying cry and a mission. It invites you to embrace the role of a #WorkKind Activist—an individual committed to transforming the workplace environment into a haven of kindness, compassion, and respect. This journey is our revolution against the modern work culture that perpetuates stress, overwork, and burnout.

Throughout my life, I've found that every one of us, no matter our position or title, has the power to drive meaningful change. I've seen this transformation firsthand when I coached Heads of Departments in my previous organisation to adopt the principles of Servant Leadership. This shift in leadership style not only significantly decreased stress levels across the teams but also fostered an environment that enhanced overall job satisfaction. My goal is to help you tap into your inner change-maker.

My own journey, woven together with impactful global movements, has shown me that challenging and overhauling outdated norms is not only possible, it's essential. By doing so, we can rise to new heights of success, productivity, and mental health.

You're more than just an employee or a boss—you're a #WorkKind Activist. I've prepared a comprehensive seven-step journey to assist you, starting with the foundational aspect: self-kindness. Because if we can't be kind to ourselves, how can we hope to extend kindness to others?

With my guidance, I envision a transformation within your workplace, with kindness at the heart of every conversation, decision, and interaction. This is not about merely easing your day-to-day tasks—it's about setting off a ripple effect of positive change, one act of kindness at a time.

Remember, you can cultivate kindness in your work environment right now by changing one critical element: believing in the power of your individual actions.

No matter your level or role, as a #WorkKind Activist, you have the capability to confront and change unkindness.

The Seven Steps to Becoming a #WorkKind Activist

🤗 Practice Self-Kindness: Develop an understanding and compassionate relationship with yourself, acknowledging your efforts and personal growth in the workplace.

🎭 Feel the Tension: Recognise and connect emotionally with the differences between the current reality and a kinder workplace that could be.

🎯 Pick a Compelling Cause: Choose a significant kindness tension that resonates with many, and focus your efforts on addressing it.

🪧 Pick Up Your Placard: Represent the change you want to see in the workplace through your behaviour, communication, and treatment of others.

🌱 Nurture Your First Followers: Value and nurture the initial supporters of your kindness cause, encouraging them to spread the message within their own networks.

👥 Make It Social: Leverage the power of networks and influential individuals to spread the #WorkKind Revolution widely and effectively.

🎈 Let It Go: Understand that the revolution isn't about you but about everyone involved; be the spark that ignites change and then allow the movement to grow independently.

Strategies for Dealing with a Toxic Workplace Today

Practice Mindfulness: In the face of workplace toxicity, mindfulness can act as a sanctuary for your mental wellbeing. Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment and calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. By applying this to your daily routine, you can lessen the impact of negativity and stress.

Set Personal Boundaries: Setting boundaries means knowing and communicating your limits, which is an act of self-kindness. Don't feel obliged to engage in negative discussions or after-hours work if it's affecting your mental health. By setting boundaries, you prioritise your wellbeing and demonstrate to others how you want to be treated. I’ve written about setting personal boundaries.

Seek Out Positive Influences: Surround yourself with positivity both inside and outside of work. Connect with colleagues who uplift you or engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. By doing so, you reinforce a positive mindset and create a buffer against negativity.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments: One of the greatest kindnesses you can afford yourself is acknowledging your own achievements, big or small. Recognise the effort you put into your work, and don't allow the toxicity around you to overshadow your accomplishments. This mindset can build resilience and improve self-esteem.

Adopt a Growth Mindset: Approach your experiences in the workplace as opportunities for learning and growth, even if they're difficult. By adopting a growth mindset, you can learn to see challenges as opportunities to build strength and resilience. This way, you're not just surviving in a toxic environment, but finding ways to thrive despite it.

Above all, I recommend that you read this guide! 👉 

“Make Where You Work Kinder” is not just a manual—it's a visionary roadmap. Together, through our workplaces, we have an opportunity to reshape our world. The journey may not be easy, but I assure you, the destination—a work culture rooted in kindness—is worth it.