People at work can be difficult. Sometimes, even your colleagues can be frustrating and toxic. Your office might not always be the most pleasant environment. It’s natural to have bad days at work or feel like you need a break from everything. Even so, being a better person at work doesn’t have to be as challenging as it sounds. There are small things that you can do every day to make everyone around you happier and more fulfilled as people.
Even the smallest gestures can have a big impact on both your colleagues and your organization as a whole. Even if you feel stuck in a negative rut at the moment, there are easy ways to be a better person at work that anyone can incorporate into their everyday life. These tips will help put you in a better place mentally and emotionally so that your true self comes out in all the best ways:
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Have empathy for others
Empathy is the ability to understand how someone else is feeling and see things from their perspective. Being empathetic is a crucial part of being a better person at work since it allows you to put yourself in other people’s shoes. You can see how things may be affecting them and what their perspective is. You can use your empathy to be more thoughtful and considerate. One can make an effort to be respectful of your colleagues’ feelings and make them feel comfortable in any situation that you can. You can also use your empathy to help resolve arguments and misunderstandings with your co-workers. Having empathy for others doesn’t mean that you have to agree with them on everything but it does mean that you have a better understanding of where they are coming from. In short: Being empathetic can help you create a more positive and inclusive office environment.
Show appreciation for your co-workers
Showing appreciation for your colleagues can have a huge impact on both them and the rest of your organization. When you take the time to appreciate someone, it can help them feel better about what they do. Appreciation can also be contagious. When you appreciate your colleagues, others in the office are likely to catch on and want to thank their co-workers as well. This can help everyone feel appreciated and valued for their contributions.
Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. It can be as simple as thanking someone for their work, giving someone a verbal pat on the back, or giving someone a handwritten note. When you show your gratitude towards your colleagues, they are much more likely to come back around and appreciate you in return. Plus, these little gestures can help you feel more connected to your team and make the office a more inclusive and positive environment.
Be kind
Being kind is different than showing appreciation. When you’re being kind, you are actively looking for ways to help your colleagues. You want to help them with their daily tasks and make their lives easier and more enjoyable. Being kind at work can also help you feel better about yourself. You’re actively making a positive difference in the lives of your co-workers and helping them get through the day. You’re also showing them that you are a good person who cares about them and wants to improve their lives. Being kind doesn’t always have to be about big gestures, either. You can be kind by doing small things like sharing your sandwich with a co-worker who forgot to pack lunch, or by taking the time to help someone with their tasks. You can make someone’s day just by being kind and thoughtful towards them.
Make small gestures
One way to be a better person at work that anyone can do is by making small gestures. These are tiny things that make a big difference in the lives of your colleagues. When you make a small gesture, you are actively being a better person at work. You are showing your colleagues that you care about them and want to improve their lives. You can make small gestures by bringing in treats from your favorite coffee shop, signing up to help with organization, or making a note to follow up on something that someone mentioned needing help with. Those little things can make a big difference in the lives of your colleagues and help you feel better about yourself and make you look like a better person at work. Also read How to Set Boundaries When Working From Home.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Being an active and vocal member of your team and organization is another way to be a better person at work. You want to make sure that your voice is being heard. That means you need to be willing to stand up for yourself when you need to and you need to be respectful when doing so. You also need to be there for your colleagues and be willing to lend a helping hand. One can show that you are a good person by being open and honest. You can show your co-workers that you are a good person by standing up for your ideas and values and being empathetic and thoughtful towards them. You can help create a more inclusive environment by being willing to listen to your co-workers and actively seeking out new people to talk to.
Conclusion
Being a better person at work isn’t an easy feat especially if you’re struggling with negativity and feeling unhappy. Still, it is possible, and it’s worth it to make the effort. When you are a better person at work, you make the environment a more positive and inclusive place to be. You help your colleagues feel better and more appreciated, and you help yourself feel better too.