Caring & Sharing at Work – Why Small Actions Matter

💛 Happiness grows when we support each other. 💛

Today is the UN International Day of Happiness, and this year’s theme - Caring & Sharing - resonates deeply with me, both personally and professionally.

I work at the intersection of careers, wellbeing, and trauma recovery, supporting people who have faced enormous challenges in their working lives. At Choices, we help women rebuilding their careers after domestic abuse, and one thing is clear: workplace happiness isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about how we show up for each other every day.

For many of us, work can be a source of stability, confidence, and connection. But it can also be a place of stress, exclusion, or even harm - especially for those who have experienced trauma. That’s why I believe we all have a role in making work a little kinder, more supportive, and more uplifting for ourselves and those around us.

Caring & Sharing: What We Can Do

Small actions can change someone’s day, or even their career path. Here are a few things I try to do—and encourage others to do—to foster care and connection at work:

1. Check in on someone 🤝

One of the simplest yet most powerful things we can do is to ask how someone is really doing. I know from experience that just having one person who listens without judgment can make a world of difference.

➡ Try this: Next time you message or email a colleague, add a line asking how they are. A little care goes a long way.

2. Celebrate the small wins 🎉

I’ve worked in spaces where only the big milestones were recognized—but the truth is, every step forward matters. Recognizing someone’s effort, even if it’s just saying, “That was a great idea in the meeting,” can boost confidence and motivation.

➡ Try this: Take a moment to acknowledge someone’s effort today, even if it’s something small.

3. Offer help before they ask 🤲

Not everyone finds it easy to ask for help—especially if they’ve been made to feel like they need to "prove" themselves. Offering help without being asked shows you see and value their efforts.

➡ Try this: If you notice a colleague struggling, ask, “Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?” It could make all the difference.

4. Share knowledge and opportunities 📚

I’ve built my career through collaboration, learning from others, and sharing what I know. One of the best ways to foster a positive work culture is by lifting others up—whether that’s by sharing useful resources, offering advice, or helping someone make a connection.

➡ Try this: If you come across a job opening, training, or useful article, pass it on to someone who might benefit. Success isn’t a limited resource!

5. Be kind to yourself, too 💙

This is one I’ve had to learn myself. Caring for others is important—but so is caring for yourself. If we’re constantly drained, we can’t show up fully for the people around us.

➡ Try this: Set healthy boundaries, take breaks when you need them, and remind yourself that you don’t have to do everything alone.

Happiness Is Collective—Let’s Build It Together

Happiness at work isn’t just about what we do - it’s about how we treat each other. The smallest acts of care can create ripples that change workplace culture for the better.

🌱 Check in.
🎉 Celebrate others.
🤲 Offer help.
📚 Share knowledge.
💙 Be kind to yourself.