As we celebrated World Kindness Day on November 13th, we thought it was worth examining how fostering a culture of kindness can transform not just individual wellbeing, but entire organisations. Kindness in 2025 has emerged as a critical leadership competency that directly impacts employee wellbeing, productivity, and bottom-line results.
Why Kindness Actually Matters at Work
Great Place To Work research shows that kindness isn’t just morally right, it’s economically smart. In typical workplaces across Australia, 64 per cent of employees say colleagues care for each other. But at Best Workplaces in Australia that jumps to 96 per cent. Even more striking, employees are 70 per cent more likely to go the extra mile when they feel their colleagues genuinely care.
When employees believe their managers are empathetic, they call in sick less often due to stress. They report less burnout, better mental health, and stronger intentions to stay with their organisation. People who feel empathised with also innovate more and take creative risks.
The Real Cost of Not Caring
The financial impact of not caring runs much deeper. Research shows that organisations with caring cultures see significantly higher performance metrics. At the Best Workplaces in Australia, 91 per cent of employees say management delivers on its promises, compared to just 47 per cent at other workplaces. These organisations also report 88 per cent of employees feeling they have special and unique benefits, versus 45 per cent elsewhere.
The contrast between caring and uncaring workplaces creates clear opportunities for organisations to stand out. Research shows that workplaces prioritising kindness see remarkable improvements in employee engagement and performance. When people don’t feel supported at work, they’re naturally less likely to collaborate effectively or contribute their best ideas.
When employees don’t feel cared for, the consequences are clear. Research shows that employees who believe their organisations and managers are empathic call in sick with stress-related illnesses less often, report less burnout, and have greater intentions to stay with their organisations. Those who feel empathised with also tend to innovate more and take creative risks.
On the flip side, when leaders show genuine care and kindness, the transformation is remarkable. At Best Workplaces in Australia, 92 per cent of employees say people give extra effort at their company. They build stronger relationships with customers and colleagues alike, creating sustainable competitive advantages through genuine human connection.
Learning from Companies That Actually Care
Here’s how some of the best workplaces across ANZ that make kindness practical:
Personal Recognition IHG Hotels & Resorts lets employees “Dress for Your Day” and offers L.O.V.E. Hour (Leave Office Vanish Early) once monthly. These small gestures help employees recharge whilst showing the company values their wellbeing.
Holistic Support Moddex designed their “Thrive at Moddex” program with direct employee input, covering financial wellbeing, mental health resources, and professional development.
Personal Support: Hilton addresses diverse life circumstances through floating leave for religious and cultural events, comprehensive menopause support including specialized leave, extended parental support with superannuation contributions during leave, and flexible policies that recognize different cultural and personal needs across their workforce.
Meaningful Connections: McNab has regular company-wide initiatives like “Tools Down for Safety” days and seasonal campaigns create shared experiences that build team cohesion, while leadership visibility through regular site visits reinforces connection between management and frontline workers.
Your Kindness Challenge
This World Kindness Day, consider starting small:
- Recognise someone’s contribution in a team meeting
- Check in with colleagues about how they’re really doing
- Offer flexibility when someone faces personal challenges
- Celebrate achievements, both big and small
- Create opportunities for meaningful connection
Making It Last
The organisations recognised across the region as Best Workplaces understand that kindness isn’t a one-time initiative. It’s woven into their culture through policies, practices, and daily interactions. They measure empathetic leadership, design systems supporting employee wellbeing, and consistently choose compassion.
The ripple effect of kindness shapes careers, transforms teams, and builds organisations people are proud to join. As Great Place To Work research shows, when employees feel their organisation truly cares, they’re 70% more likely to go the extra mile.
This World Kindness Day isn’t just about marking a calendar event. It’s about recommitting to values that make workplaces genuinely successful. In a world where technology can replicate many human capabilities, our capacity for genuine connection and kindness remains uniquely valuable.
