Follow our six tips for making a difference at work. The results may not show up in your KPIs but could help you get ahead in your career – and offer plenty of personal rewards.

Check out our six suggestions to help you make a difference at work and brighten a colleague’s day.

 

Praise good work

Be generous with praise. We all like to be recognised for a top effort, so don’t be afraid to let your peers know they’ve done a great job. If you’re a manager, support a workplace culture of publicly recognising employees who do well – it’s a habit that can bring out the best in people.

Assist a new co-worker

Think back to your first few days within the firm. It can be a stressful and isolating time. You have the opportunity to help a new colleague enjoy a smooth transition by offering a helping hand and making them feel welcome.

Take a co-worker to lunch

Take the time to step outside the office for coffee or lunch with a colleague. It’s a great way to develop a rapport with co-workers, and it helps to build camaraderie within your team.

Say ‘thank you’

Who would have thought that two simple words can have such a powerful impact? When a co-worker helps with a project or even something non-work-related be sure to thank them, and return the favour in the future.

Keep the office clean

A work environment should encourage new ideas and productivity, but a cluttered workspace can make it hard for ideas to flow freely. Demonstrate pride in your workplace by taking the initiative to help keep the office clean.

Teach a co-worker

Help a co-worker learn a new skill, whether it’s a simple trick for doing a regular task better or a managing a bigger endeavour with style. They will appreciate your willingness to help their performance, and the gesture will prove to your boss that you’re a team player.

This article originally appeared as 6 Ways to make a difference at work on blog.roberthalf.com.