Topic-Tuesday: Signs of Caring

[Mary Ramirez]

We've all been a position where we are the new person in the department. Or we've had a bad streak of unfortunate events. Trying to handle all of these emotions while staying focused at work can be difficult. But having a co-worker lift your spirits can be the reason why you enjoy going to work. What are some things you do, to lighten the day at work?

For me, I've called a "lunch pow-wow" in my department. I recognized how hard everyone's been working and realized we need to fit in some "fun" here and there. I believe that a small team builder or gathering can reset the mood in the workplace.

I'd love to hear about your experiences! 

[Robin C_]

Great topic!  It's good to remind us that we can make a difference in someone else's life simply by being thoughtful.

1. I keep a candy jar at my desk that’s open to everyone. Sometimes I bring it to meetings.  Sometimes I just take a couple of pieces with me when I go to talk to someone at their desk.
2. If I hear someone mention a topic that’s important to them, I try to remember, and then forward links if I find something new that is related.
3. When I respond to an email (that doesn’t require a certain degree of professionalism), I sometimes include a picture to brighten their day. If I know they’re being pulled in a dozen different directions, I might do a quick Google search “pulled in different directions”, click images, and copy an amusing one into my email.
4. If someone gave a great presentation or solved a tricky problem, I like to send a quick email to say “I really appreciated the great job you did on X” and then say why.  Someone did that for me early in my career and I never forgot what a pleasant surprise it was and how it made me feel.

I'm looking forward to seeing what others do that I can "steal".  

[Mary Ramirez]

Thank you for sharing @Robin C_! I think those are great actions on your behalf. I am a huge fan of pictures or giph's that lighten up the mood. Sometimes a picture speaks more then I can. 

[Kat Warner _TechTime_]

Wow - what great ideas/habits you have there. Also what amazing willpower if you can have a lolly jar on your desk.

[Linette]

Loving this thread so far.

I remember when I worked on a high pressure tech support team, one our manager made arrangements for another team to cover the queue for 30 mins extra and just took us all out for coffee in a local cafe.

It was so unexpected to get 30mins off, and a free coffee, it felt so much more precious than you might expect!

[Mary Ramirez]

@Linette, that's super sweet! It's nice to step back and relax.