Pay It Forward

In today's fast-paced work environments where stress and deadlines often drag us down, it's easy to disregard the importance of building positive relationships. By this I mean the ones you spend your 9-to-5 with - your colleagues.

Let’s break it down: Our emotions and energy levels are very much linked, and they play a significant role in our overall wellbeing at work. When we experience positive emotions such as joy, enthusiasm, and contentment, our energy levels tend to be higher, and we are more motivated and focused on our tasks. On the other hand, negative emotions like stress, frustration, and anger can drain our energy, leading to decreased productivity and engagement.

Therefore, it's crucial to recognise the influence of our feelings on our energy levels and productivity in the workplace, and take steps to cultivate positive emotions that can enhance our overall performance and wellbeing.

One simple yet powerful way to contribute to a positive work environment is by making your colleague's day better. Whether it's through small acts of kindness or thoughtful gestures, brightening up your colleague's day can create a ripple effect that promotes teamwork, enhances job satisfaction, and leads to a more harmonious and successful workplace.

Here are some ways to pay that energy forward:

1. Set the tone first thing in the morning
It’s common to feel groggy in the morning at work but change it up by setting the mood right the minute you walk in. For example, a cheerful good morning will make everyone’s day instead of a grunt when greeted in the morning.

2. Give compliments
A genuine compliment can go a long way in boosting your colleague's confidence and brightening her day. For example, you can compliment her work or outfit, or even thank her for something she did that was helpful.

3. Bring in treats!
Who doesn't love a surprise treat? Bringing in some cookies or muffins to share with your colleagues is a simple yet effective way to show your appreciation and bring some joy to the workplace.

4. Take a break together
Taking a short break with a colleague can help alleviate stress and provide an opportunity to bond. Even a quick coffee run or a walk around the block can make a significant difference in someone's day.

5. Keep it real
Make a conscious effort to spread only positivity in the workplace. Just think about it: instead of constantly getting sucked into juicy gossip about your colleagues, you could be spending your time chatting about more exciting things. For example: talk about your weekend plans, your favorite hobbies, or that new restaurant you've been dying to try. Let's all make a toast to leaving the drama at the door and focusing on the good vibes instead!

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash.