Kindness at Work: More Than Just One Day

On Random Acts of Kindness Day, Director of People & Culture, Vanessa Sampson at Locale, pauses to reflect on the importance of everyday kindness throughout the year.

This Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re celebrating the small gestures that make a big difference—not just today, but every day. At Locale, we believe kindness isn’t a fleeting moment; it’s a culture, a way of working, and a commitment to our people all year round.

So, while we love the idea of a national day dedicated to kindness, we’re just as interested in what happens on the other days of the year. What does kindness look like in the workplace? It’s more than a smile or a thoughtful email. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and genuinely cared for.

Kindness in action

At Locale, we embed kindness into our company. How? Here are some ways we show up for each other throughout the year:

1. Recognising milestones – From personal achievements to professional wins, we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the moments that matter.
2. Supporting life’s responsibilities – Whether it’s flexible working for parents and carers, or understanding when life throws curveballs, we ensure our people feel supported both in and outside of work.
3. Being heard and seen – We create spaces for open conversations, ensuring every voice is valued and respected. Feeling truly heard is an act of kindness in itself.
4. Cake and celebrations – Birthdays come with cake and a day off, because everyone deserves time to celebrate themselves.

The power of everyday kindness

In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we recently asked our team what small acts of kindness make their day. Here’s what topped the list:

- A chat – Taking the time to check in and have a genuine conversation can turn someone’s day around.

- Being let into traffic on the daily commute – Which, let’s be honest, feels like winning the lottery!

- Some fun banter – A shared joke or light-hearted moment can be an instant mood booster.

- A stranger’s smile – It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that we’re all connected.

Let’s keep kindness going

Kindness isn’t complicated—it’s often the smallest things that have the biggest impact. Whether it’s a thoughtful gesture, a listening ear, or a workplace culture that prioritises people over policies, kindness should be a daily practice.

So, as we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, let’s challenge ourselves to make kindness a permanent part of our work and lives. Because a little thoughtfulness today can create a workplace that thrives all year round.