Practicing kindness at work can make the workplace more enjoyable, and help you develop a reputation for kindness and improve your opportunities for growth. Building strong relationships at the workplace encourages a healthy, positive work environment.

You don't have to become a different person entirely overnight, but instead pay attention to your interactions and recognize areas for improvement. When you connect with your peers, direct reports, or leaders, are you making eye contact, smiling, and generally being friendly? If not - practice greeting everyone with direct eye contact and a smile. Be genuinely interested in the person you're speaking with. We often tend to ask each other, "how are you?" But rarely are we paying close attention to the response. Start paying attention! Focus on the person's response and offer encouragement, congratulations, or sympathy. Connect as people first, then discuss what you need to about your work.

As you practice kindness regularly, you'll notice stronger personal relationships at work, which will develop into more positive and productive work relationships. When we practice kindness we're giving dignity, lifting our attention to show that we value each other. Sometimes, kindness may not be reciprocated - and that's okay, because people who practice kindness are happier for it!