“ … show mercy and compassion to one another.” – Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)
Yesterday, we mentioned how kindness seems at odds with the current worldview. In the corporate setting, kindness can indeed be a mark of rebellion when we seek to challenge the status quo and promote a more compassionate tone in boardrooms.
Let’s reflect today on what kindness would mean for your business or corporate space:
- Ethical Practices: Conducting business with integrity and honesty, even when it’s not the easiest or most profitable route, is a profound act of kindness. It builds trust and sets a standard for others to follow. This also extends to treating employees and colleagues with fairness and respect, regardless of their position.
- Employee well-being: Prioritising the well-being of employees by offering mental health support, flexible working conditions, and a healthy work-life balance is a significant act of kindness. It shows that the company values its people beyond their productivity.
- Mentorship: Offering guidance and support to less experienced colleagues can be a transformative act of kindness. Sharing your knowledge and helping others succeed not only benefits them but also fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Inclusive Leadership: Leading with empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, is a powerful way to demonstrate kindness. This approach can create a more harmonious and productive workplace.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Companies that engage in philanthropic activities and give back to their communities exemplify kindness on a larger scale. This can include charitable donations, volunteer programmes, and sustainable practices.
There are also the counters or pitfalls for the lack of kindness:
- High Turnover Rates: A lack of kindness can lead to a toxic work environment, causing employees to feel undervalued and unappreciated. This often results in high turnover rates as employees seek more supportive and respectful workplaces.
- Damaged Reputation: Companies that do not prioritise kindness may develop a negative reputation, both internally and externally. This can affect their ability to attract top talent and can also lead to a loss of trust among customers and clients.
As disciples of Christ, let’s strive to make kindness our daily rebellion.
Read: Proverbs 19:17; Micah 6:8
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 7:1-5; Luke 1:1-25; Leviticus 26:14-46; Leviticus 27
