By: Kelly Spors

In the bustle of a typical workday, you might be so consumed with your job that you don’t think much about the quality of the interactions you have with your colleagues. But no matter how busy you get, you should always try to be kind.

Research shows that kindness rewards the giver just as much the receiver––and perhaps even more.

Since February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, there’s no better time to consider how to be more generous and considerate to the people you see every day. And it only costs you a little time and extra thought, while also helping you brush up on your soft skills. Here are five ideas for spreading goodwill and brightening your colleagues’ day:

1. Give out genuine compliments

You can take a few seconds to think about saying something genuinely nice to at least one co-worker each day. It could be complimenting them on their outfit or a job well done on a work-related project or task. Try to make sure your compliments feel sincere by being specific: “I really like how clearly you explained the process we need to follow in that email. You made my job easier.”

2. Clean the break room

Many people assume that someone else will keep the office organized. But it’s always appreciated when someone else takes the initiative. When you have a few extra minutes or need a mental break, consider using that time to clean up a shared area in the office, whether that's the employee refrigerator, mail room or reception area. Even if nobody says thank you, they will surely notice and appreciate it. Another idea: You can start a fresh pot of coffee.

3. Buy a colleague lunch

Getting lunch with a co-worker can be an enjoyable and refreshing way to break up the workday. Why not also try to use it as a chance to bring extra cheer to someone?

4. Send a “hero gram”

Pretty much everyone loves to be recognized for a job well done. When someone goes above or beyond the call of duty or achieves something notable, you can send your manager or colleagues—or whomever makes the most sense in your workplace—a brief email detailing that achievement and thanking them for a job well done. If nothing else, try to send them a direct “kudos” email to show you noticed their effort and good work. This can go a long way when it comes to building positive relationships with your co-workers.

5. Be a mentor

You’ve probably gained a lot of valuable information and connections through your professional experience. An easy way to be generous, then, is to transfer some of that knowledge to the people you work with who could benefit from it. Perhaps it’s a new employee who is learning the ropes and could use a work friend who helps introduce them to the workplace culture and provides on-the-job insights.

Showing kindness at work will not only make your workplace a happier place, but it will rub off on you and your reputation: People want to be around friendly and considerate people.

About the Author 

Kelly Spors is a freelance writer and editor based in Minneapolis. She previously worked as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering small business and entrepreneurship.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions,or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.