Celebrate World Kindness Day: Spread Kindness and Recognition Through NOVAfy

November 12, 2024 / Get Well

As we approach World Kindness Day celebrated on November 13, let’s take this opportunity to spread kindness and compassion in our communities, starting right here at NOVA. Acts of kindness—big or small—create a ripple effect, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. By nurturing kindness, we foster a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and understood.

Why Kindness Matters
When we express kindness, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Research on the science of kindness highlights that small gestures of appreciation not only boost morale but also enhance collaboration and engagement across teams. Kindness at work encourages an environment where we’re more willing to lend a hand, share ideas, and solve challenges together. By integrating kindness into our daily interactions, we build a foundation of mutual respect and camaraderie that strengthens our community.

Recognize Kindness with NOVAfy

Have you noticed?

  • A colleague who helped with a project.
  • A team member who brightened your day.
  • Someone who simply made a difference through a kind word.
  • A knowledgeable office manager who went above and beyond to sort out a complex issue.
  • A leader who regularly checks in to see how they can help.
  • A dedicated colleague who went out of their way to support our student Nighthawks in any of the following ways:
  • A faculty member who stayed after class to help a student prepare for an exam.
  • A counselor who provided extra guidance to help a student navigate a challenging situation.
  • An advisor who personally reached out to students struggling academically to ensure they received the resources they needed.
  • A librarian who spent extra time helping a student locate research materials for a major project.
  • A campus security officer who went above and beyond to make students feel safe and supported.
  • An IT staff member who worked tirelessly to resolve technical issues for students attending virtual classes.
  • A career services advisor who helped a student polish their resume and prepare for an important interview.

Recognizing someone for their hard work and kindness is a small act that makes a big difference, boosting engagement and fostering a true sense of belonging. When you notice a positive effort, don’t hesitate to share your appreciation! Send a quick email, handwrite a personalized note, use the employee recognition tool NOVAfy or post a Team’s Praise. Take a moment to pause, acknowledge the kindness and dedication around you, and let those you serve — or those you serve with — know that you value them and their contributions. A little kindness goes a long way in building a stronger, more connected community.

Recognize Yourself, Too
As we celebrate kindness, don’t forget to extend that same compassion to yourself. Taking a moment to acknowledge your hard work and contributions can be just as powerful. Practicing self-kindness helps us stay grounded, energized, and ready to continue supporting each other.

Let’s Create a Culture of Kindness Together
By recognizing acts of kindness, we build a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and encouraged. Whether you use NOVAfy to share a word of thanks or simply extend a kind gesture in your day-to-day interactions, let’s all contribute to a more compassionate and connected NOVA community.

Image of a classroom bulletin board decorated with construction paper for World Kindness Day. Black background with a globe and construction paper hearts taped to the black background. Letters cut out of a magazine that spell out world kindness day. be kind.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu