Why kindness matters and makes for better people, bosses and employees | Opinion
Whether it is a season of celebrations (graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Juneteenth) or crisis and calamity, humanity finds common ground with one thread: Kindness is inherently good.
This is especially true for people all around us facing a life threatening or chronic diagnosis. In my line of work, I am reminded daily the intangible thing most people need, want and will gladly receive, human kindness.
We can share kindness in the simplest of ways: a positive word or compliment, an extra level of service, a small gift, or even a prayer.
Kindness is life-giving and saving
Research shows the key to spreading kindness is through acts of goodness, even in the workplace. Employees who are respectful and kind to each other have 26% more energy, 36% more satisfaction with their work, and 44% more commitment to their organization. Kindness is good for employees, employers and those they serve in the community.
Kindness costs little beyond time and intention and has ancillary health benefits. In a time where health, both physical and behavioral is such a critical issue, think about how we can improve outcomes simply by being kind? Positive interpersonal connection is a proven way to promote resilience and happiness.
It is associated with decreased mortality and markers of better health.
Kindness and caring build positive interpersonal connections and can uplift both the giver and receiver.
While we know toxic behavior can destroy company morale, productivity and patient outcomes, the fascinating thing about kindness is how quickly it catches on and spread in any community (be it your company, church, family or neighborhood).
In a study published by the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of California, San Diego and Harvard provide the first laboratory evidence that cooperative behavior is contagious and that it spreads from person to person to person. When people benefit from kindness, they "pay it forward" by helping others who were not originally involved, and this creates a cascade of cooperation that influences dozens more in their social network.
Culture matters
In addition to salary and benefits, culture is heavily weighted when people are looking for jobs. Top factors for selection of a new position include the value the position will add to one’s life, the interest in a team environment, and a feeling of trust and appreciation.
Be professional but also kind to your team.
What people think matters
How positively organizations (especially healthcare providers) treat one another on their team and those they serve directly impacts the consistency and ongoing success of referral sources.
“Patients are more likely to choose a provider or office where they feel comfortable, secure, and like their needs will be heard. In a time where consumers feel more empowered to make decisions about their own healthcare, it is imperative that practices take a step forward to showcase themselves in the best light.”
Be kind to those you serve and who serve or refer to you.
At TwelveStone Health Partners we tangibly share kindness by offering additional comforts in our infusion centers like snacks and drinks, comfortable chairs, warm blankets and space for family. However, without kindness from staff the impact of those actions is lessened. Patients will remember how they felt.
Be kind to those who need it most.
Kindness is not weakness it is in fact good business. And that is good for everyone. Mr. Rogers words continue to ring true.
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” -- Mr. Rogers
Shane Reeves, PharmD, is chief executive officer of TwelveStone Health Partners. He is also a Tennessee state senator representing parts of Bedford, Cannon, Moore and Rutherford counties.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why kindness matters and makes for better people, bosses and employees
