One simple Act of Kindness can really brighten someone’s day! It’s a great tool for the workplace to encourage teamwork as well as employee recognition and retention. Random Acts of Kindness can improve your work atmosphere and boost your motivation. Below are some tips to quickly brighten your colleagues’ workdays.

1. Give Recognition – Employee recognition gifts can help keep team members motivated and let them know that you think they are doing a good job. Some ideas – a gift card to a store or restaurant they like or even a monthly subscription box.

2.  Start a Workplace Kindness Calendar – Each week, a different team member can volunteer to bring in breakfast treats, organize a donation drive, or do something else that inspires kindness and community at work. Or, for more ideas, download this calendar from randomactsofkindness.org >> Kindness Calendar

4. Thank You Notes – Giving a thank you note to someone who helped you meet a deadline, showed you how to work through a process, or who is supportive at work is really easy. It’s also great to receive recognition for the work you’ve done! Include a message of positivity, a joke, or an inspiring quote. (Just make sure it’s appropriate for work.)

5. Bring a Little More Positivity into the Workplace – Instead of complaining about traffic or construction, try to say something positive at least once a day when making small talk.

7. Bring in a Slow Cooker of Soup or a Treat for the Office – If you work in an office, you know that people love to eat!  Make your coworkers’ day and bring a bit of comfort from home, into the office.

8. Write a Positive LinkedIn Review for Your Coworker – There’s no better way to share your support for those in your industry than sharing it with other professionals on social media.

9. Set out a Candy Dish – Having a stocked candy dish will encourage people to stop by just to say hi and grab a piece of candy.   

Some other fun ideas:

• Make a fresh pot of coffee
• Clean the microwave (even if it isn’t your mess)
• Hold the door open for the person behind you
• Give a compliment
• Leave a favourite coffee or soda on a co-worker’s desk
• Send a note to the boss describing something spectacular that a colleague has recently done at work
• Help an officemate with a difficult or unpleasant task without being asked
• Brush ice or snow off coworkers’ cars in the parking lot
• Ask a newbie out to lunch
• Pass on your favourite books

Download the Random Acts of Kindness Calendar from http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-at-work here >> CALENDAR

Sources:
https://www.cratejoy.com/box-insider/acts-of-kindness-employee-recognition-ideas/
https://liveandlovework.com/2012/12/21/52-ways-to-show-kindness-at-work/

Business trips can induce stress in the calmest among us. First, there’s the getting there; travel by plane, train or car can take its toll and leave us exhausted. Then, we adapt to being in a new place, or settle in somewhere familiar. Finally, we have to perform the job we were sent there to do.

The logistics can be taxing, so preparedness is key. Take much of the guess work out of your next business trip with this guide.

How to Prepare for a Business Trip

1. Sleep essentials. On a long-haul commute, sleep is the difference between arriving refreshed or burnt out. Invest in a neck pillow, an eye mask and earplugs.
2. Smart luggage. Avoid clunky baggage and, if possible, checked luggage altogether. Who needs a lost suitcase before a big meeting? Travel with a lightweight carry-on for shorter trips to make your commute hassle-free.
3. Away messages. To avoid any confusion with colleagues and clients, set your voicemail and email away messages before leaving. For urgent matters, always provide an alternate contact in your message.
4. Will your health insurance cover you in another province or country? Ask your provider or human resources what coverage you’ll need while away.
5. Portable phone and tablet chargers. Stay connected to your business and home life by keeping fully charged on all your devices, no matter where you are.
6. Foreign essentials. If you’re visiting another country, research which currency, adapters, phone plans and visas you might need. Nobody likes surprises after a long flight.

Heading to a new country on your next trip? Check out Inc’s complete list of Foreign Business Travel essentials.

When some think of Canada, they may think of the cold, Olympic winning hockey teams and Tim Hortons.  Little do they know, there is so much more than that!

Canada was founded on July 1, 1867, and was part of the British colonies. From there Canada has grown as a country and is now home to over 38 million people.

Here are 10 Facts About Canada, the Hockey loving, Tim Hortons drinking country.

1. Roughly 30% of Canada’s land area is covered by trees.

2. The Maple Leaf flag did not become the official flag of Canada until February 15, 1965 – almost 100 years after becoming a country.

3. In Banff National Park (located in Alberta), there are wildlife bridges over highways for the wildlife to cross the road safely.

4. Montréal is the largest French speaking city in the world, outside of France.

5. Canada produces 77% of the world’s Maple Syrup.

6. Foods that Canada considers to be theirs, include Peameal bacon, poutine, maple syrup and Timbits.

7. Canada holds two Olympic records: 1. The most gold medals won by a country in a winter Olympics and 2. The most gold medals won by a host country in a winter Olympics.

8. The Royal Canadian Mint created a coin that has a face value of $1 Million, the coin is made of 99.99% gold and weighs 220lbs.

9. Canadians eat 55% more Kraft Dinner than Americans do.

10. There are 47 National Parks located across all of Canada. There are no shortage of places to discover!

Canada is the home to many great places, people, athletes, entertainers, animals, and beautiful sights to see!