13 Small Gestures For When You Want to Show A Colleague You Care

It’s easy to go overboard when buying a gift or trying to show how much you care about someone. You might get so wrapped up in impressing them that you can’t fully convey the message of care and kindness that was intended. But it doesn’t have to be that hard to let a colleague or office friend know you care about them. Sometimes, small gestures of kindness at the workplace go a long way.

Granted, you have to be careful to respect professional boundaries and norms if you are trying to show a coworker that you are thinking of them. That said, we've put together 13 small gestures that are work appropriate and can help you build meaningful relationships.

Why should you make small gestures?

As human beings, we not only communicate verbally, but also through our actions. Sometimes, all it takes is the smallest gesture to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s a small move to show your appreciation to coworkers, or kindness to someone random on the street, engaging in these acts can make the people around you feel good. You’ll feel good, too, because of it.

What is the power of small gestures at work?

Small gestures at work can help you build meaningful relationships with colleagues, possibly extending your network long after you stop working together. This doesn't mean you should expect something in return, but rather understand that strong connections are built by being reliable and creating positive memories—even if it's to hold the elevator door for them.

If you're looking to make new friends—which can be tough as an adult—practicing these small acts of kindness can help you get to know your colleagues on a more personal level.

13 small gestures to show a colleague you care

You can help someone who’s having a bad day. You can strengthen the bonds in your relationships. You can just do it to be nice. It doesn’t take much effort to do these tiny things for others. Here are 13 small gestures work examples to inspire you:

1. Offer a smile

Not only does smiling give you a mood boost, but others who see your smile will feel uplifted as well. When you smile, you share your happiness with others. Make it a true smile, too, one that uses all the muscles in your face. A genuine smile can go a long way for someone having a bad day.

2. Hold the door for someone

It’s one of those manners drilled into us from an early age, and hopefully it’s already a habit for you. When you are entering or exiting a building just before or after someone else, kindly hold the door open for them. It takes just an extra five seconds of time, and makes that person feel good.

3. Write a note

Take a moment to write an email to someone to simply say thank you and that you appreciate them. Slack and DMs are fine too. Notes are personal and give a little piece of yourself to someone else.

This might help: “Thank You For Your Hard Work”: 100 Unique Ways to Appreciate Someone

4. Say “good morning” and ask people about their weekends

Take a moment to say “good morning” or ask your colleagues about their weekends. Many people appreciate the gesture, and it helps build a stronger sense of community. If you're concerned about being intrusive, it's a casual and easy way to start connecting without invading anyone's privacy.

5. Send flowers if the occasion calls for it

Sending flowers is appropriate if someone has had a difficult time, such as a death in the family. It will be appreciated and remembered that you reached out during a difficult time. If you need proof that sending flowers is still one of the best acts of kindness, just look at Beyoncé. The pop star is known for sending floral arrangements to colleagues and friends.

6. Be a good listener

Sometimes we zone out without realizing it. When we’re tired or have things on our mind, it can be hard to truly listen to others. When colleagues open up to us and we don’t really hear what they’re saying, they can feel frustrated and disappointed. By working on your active listening skills, you can focus on really being there for others, all by just simply listening better.

7. Offer your support

It’s hard when people we love go through challenges and struggles, because we may not know how to help them. There are lots of “wrong” things you can say to someone who is suffering. For example, don’t tell someone “it’s OK,” or “you’re overreacting.” Instead, let them know you support them and are here to listen, to help in whatever way they need, or even to distract them with a joke if they need it. 

8. Bring a treat to the office for everyone

9. Share

The simple gesture of sharing can go a long way. Whether it means splitting the last cookie with someone else or donating your time to a group initiative when you weren't asked, it feels good to know you’re helping someone out.

10. Introduce yourself

When you’re meeting new people at work, or someone new has joined the company, introduce yourself. No matter whether you are going to be a close colleague, this small gesture shows someone that you’re interested in getting to know them. It can help you feel less nervous, or you might be that one person who pulls a shy person out of their shell.

Read this next: Introduce Yourself Professionally (and Confidently!) With These 5 Examples

11. Help someone up when you see them fall

There’s always that person, the one who tries to act like they didn’t see anything when you trip and fall down the stairs. Luckily, this situation doesn’t occur very often. But if you do happen to stand witness to someone’s embarrassing moment, be the one to step in, offer your hand, and help them up.

12. Send cards

Go back to the good old days by sending greeting cards to your colleagues. This can be done electronically these days, which makes things easier. When people get married, when someone graduates, birthdays, Christmas, you name it. When you take a little time to personally mail a card to someone, they’ll feel special.

13. Volunteer

If you offer just a few hours of your time to a good cause or a volunteer work event, you might come out feeling like you’ve helped people. It might not seem like such a small gesture, but one night out of your busy schedule could improve the night for many needy people.

The little things

You don’t have to leap and jump over hurdles to make someone feel good. It just takes a smile, a hug or a joke to bring someone out of their shell. Sometimes, the small gestures mean the most because there’s less distraction from the sentiment. Keep practicing kindness in small ways and you will reap the benefits.