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Over two thirds (68.9%) of workers say that they are made happy by goodwill gestures from their colleagues, with a further 84.2% stating that they return the favour. This is according to new research from the UK’’s independent job board, CV-Library, which also found that 91.9% believe that these gestures help them to build relationships with co-workers.

The survey, which explored the attitudes of over 1,100 UK workers, found that the majority of employees (90.5%) believe that these gestures make the workplace a more enjoyable place to be. So, if you want to embrace the ‘Season of Goodwill’ in your business this December, these are the top ten gestures that employees say make them happy around the workplace:

1.       A colleague giving them support (58.6%)

2.       A colleague making them cups of tea or coffee (43.3%)

3.       Being complimented on their work (32.7%)

4.       Being offered constructive feedback (28.2%)

5.       Being greeted with a smile everyday (26.6%)

6.       A colleague helping out when work becomes overwhelming (24.1%)

7.       Being taught new things (19.8%)

8.       A colleague bringing in snacks for the team (13.8%)

9.       A colleague covering their shifts for them (3.5%)

10.   Being sent funny emails (3.3%)

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library comments: “Work can be extremely stressful, but it’s clear from our findings that small gestures can help to alleviate pressures and brighten an employees’ working day. Whether that’s lending a helping hand, offering a shoulder to cry on or simply making a colleague a cup of tea; these acts of goodwill can go some way to making an employee feel happier and more confident about tackling their day-to-day workload. Encouraging this culture in your workplace can help to boost morale, improve staff wellbeing and ultimately, help with overall productivity.”

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Furthermore, when asked what goodwill gestures they make for colleagues, respondents cited that they give them support (67.2%), make them cups of tea or coffee (43.2%), compliment their work (34.9%), offer constructive feedback (26%) and greet them with a smile everyday (23.1%).

Biggins concludes: “As we’re now entering the festive season, it’s a great time to think about what more you could be doing for your employees and the best practice attitude and behaviours that you should be promoting. We all appreciate these kind acts when they happen to us, so why not take the steps to brighten your workers day this December: Christmas is all about giving, after all!”