The workplace isn’t exactly known for being a warm and fuzzy place. Stress, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of profit usually take priority over things like employee happiness. But what if that’s the wrong approach?On this episode of Keep Going, I talked to Shereen Eltobgy, the Chief of Belief at Kindr Workplaces—a new initiative that aims to make kindness a core part of company culture. It sounds idealistic, but it’s rooted in hard science. Studies show that happier employees lead to better productivity, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately, more successful companies. So why aren’t more businesses making this a priority?The Zappos ExperimentShereen’s journey into workplace happiness started in an unlikely place—Zappos. Before it became an e-commerce giant, Zappos was just another online shoe retailer. But under Tony Hsieh’s leadership, the company made a radical bet: culture matters. Employees weren’t just workers; they were part of something bigger. Their values were aligned with the company’s mission, and their well-being wasn’t an afterthought—it was the strategy.The results were undeniable. Zappos employees weren’t just showing up for a paycheck—they believed in what they were building. And happy employees translated into happy customers, which translated into serious business success.That’s what Kinder Workplaces is trying to replicate: a workplace culture where people don’t just survive—they thrive.Can Kindness Scale?This is where most skeptics come in. It’s easy to build a strong culture when you’re a small, fast-growing company like Zappos was in its early days. But what happens when you’re a legacy company that’s been around for 50 years? What happens when your employees are there just to collect a paycheck?According to Shereen, it’s possible—but it starts with leadership. She’s seen firsthand how large organizations, including a 60,000-person healthcare company, completely transformed by prioritizing connection, resilience, and empathy. The CEO led the charge—not with empty buzzwords, but by actually showing up for employees, making culture a company-wide priority. The result? A massive jump in customer satisfaction and engagement.The Business of HappinessFor years, companies have talked about employees being their greatest asset. But when times get tough, that’s often the first thing that gets ignored. Stress and burnout are treated as unavoidable side effects of high performance. But the research—and real-world case studies—prove otherwise.When people are engaged, valued, and supported, they work harder, innovate more, and stay longer. It’s not just good for morale—it’s good for business.Shereen calls it mindful kindness—a structured, intentional way to integrate kindness into leadership, communication, and even sales. It’s not about random acts of kindness. It’s about changing how companies operate from the ground up.How to Start (Without Losing Your Edge)For founders, CEOs, and managers who think this all sounds nice but impractical, Shereen offers a reality check: kindness doesn’t mean weakness. It doesn’t mean ignoring deadlines or letting things slide. It means leading in a way that brings out the best in people.Some simple, actionable ways to start:* Reduce judgment—on yourself and others.* Speak more kindly—to employees, customers, and even competitors.* Prioritize well-being—physical, mental, emotional. Happy people work better.* Shift the bottom line—not just profit, but the human bottom line.It’s a mindset shift, and it’s one that more companies are starting to embrace.Keep Growing, Keep Glowing, Keep GoingAt the end of our conversation, Shereen left us with a simple mantra: keep growing, keep glowing, keep going.The world is changing. AI is automating tasks, traditional hierarchies are breaking down, and employees want more than just a paycheck. They want purpose, connection, and meaning.Companies that figure this out will win. The ones that don’t? They’ll keep struggling with retention, engagement, and burnout.So the question isn’t “Should we focus on kindness?” The question is “Can we afford not to?”If you want to learn more, check out bekindr.org—and maybe start thinking about how a little kindness could go a long way in your own company. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe
