Kindness is a way of showing we care and appreciate each other

Every year, Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th encourages us all to choose kindness.

Since this day is on the horizon, we want to inspire you on ways you can spread kindness among colleagues.

Showing appreciation to colleagues with words of encouragement, a gift or helping them with a task are great ways to show kindness.

Here, VetPartners Senior Business Support Manager Becky Dobell, pictured, shares some inspirational ways to show colleagues you care….

Words of affirmation

Meaningful feedback to a colleague, whether done publicly or privately, is a great way to show appreciation.

Some colleagues may not appreciate being thanked in front of others so writing a thank you message is a kind way to express gratitude and let someone know that you recognise the work they do. In the workplace, colleagues can use these messages to boost morale and give each other peer-to-peer recognition that can help a team become closer. 

Make sure the feedback is more than just “thanks, great job!” Explaining why that person helped you makes it more heartfelt and sincere.

As an RVN, I remember a vet came to me after surgery, where the patient had a very difficult anaesthetic, and said: “Thanks for your help today, you stayed calm in what was a really stressful situation and that made me stay calm so I could focus on finishing the surgery successfully.  I thought the patient might not make it through the surgery and I was already thinking about how I would tell his owner that but thankfully that isn’t the case, so thank you.”

It was really nice and those words have stayed with me all these years. 

Quality time

There are many ways to spend quality time with team members and colleagues so you can express your appreciation.

Holding one to ones and conducting PDRs ensure two-way communication between line managers and their team members, as well as an opportunity to say thank you.

Make sure you maintain eye contact and you’re not being distracted as it is important to listen to others.

Mentoring a colleague on a new skill, such as a surgical technique or understanding the Practice Management System, or helping a student nurse to prepare for their OSCE exams are other thoughtful ways of being kind in the workplace. 

Westway Vets Clinical Director Caroline Scobie, left, is seen here acting as mentor to new graduate vet Amelia Foo, centre.

Acts of service

There are lots of practical ways to show kindness to colleagues and let them know you care.

It could be something as small as helping a shorter colleague who’s struggling to reach something on a high shelf in the practice.

Offering to take over an emergency call for an ambulatory vet struggling with their workload or wellbeing, or seeing a colleague’s consult if they are running over, are other ways of supporting each other and showing kindness.

However, it’s important to ask before you help. If you dive in without asking it could create tension rather than encouragement. Most people say no when asked, so a caveat is to ask again.

Clarify how they want it done and do it their way. This isn’t the time to show them a better way as it won’t be appreciated as help.

Tangible gifts

Giving a colleague a gift that requires thought and planning is a true act of kindness.

It could be a simple gesture like a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates or you could choose something that will have meaning to the receiver who will appreciate the gesture when you say “I saw this and thought of you.”

It could be something fun, something they’d mentioned to you in an earlier conversation, or something for their hobby outside of work. 

You could also nominate a colleague for a VetPartners Nettie in recognition of them demonstrating our values of being respectful, supportive, dedicated, approachable and working collaboratively.  

Here's Clifton Lodge Vets receptionist Bronia Charlesworth, left, with her Nettie certificate and cuddly mascot as a way of rewarding the kindness she showed an elderly client who hurt himself when opening his car boot. Bronia gave him first aid and provided reassurance until an ambulance arrived to take him to hospital.

You can nominate a colleague here: https://www.myvetpartners.co.uk/nettie or by emailing: recognition@vetpartners.co.uk and VetPartners will reward them with a £250 Love2Shop voucher, a certificate and a cuddly Nettie mascot.

Physical touch

Using physical touch to communicate appreciation to colleagues in the workplace is a dilemma.

Some people feel repulsed by the very thought, while to others, it is perfectly acceptable and healthy to give someone a hug.

If people welcome a hug, it’s a kind way to show you care, perhaps sympathise with them, support emotional healing, create a sense of acceptance and communicate a sense of trust and connection.

A handshake or fist bump when a colleague has done something well is another gesture of appreciation or you could celebrate a win with a high five.

If colleagues would like to read more about his topic, they can find further content on VetPartners Learning here: Results for "languages of appreciation" - VetPartners Learning

Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director.

Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk