Kindness Makes Us Better Together: What a New Study Says About Being Nice

In today’s fast-paced and self-centred world, kindness can seem like an underrated virtue, although we are all well aware that it is a good thing. Smile at a stranger, help someone carry their groceries, and say thank you. It feels nice. But beyond just feeling good, what if those small acts made people more cooperative? That is exactly what a group of researchers from SWPS University in Poland and Tel Aviv University set out to explore. 

And their findings? Pretty powerful! 

The research, led by psychologists Olga Białobrzeska, Aleksandra Cisłak-Wójcik, and Ilan Roziner, looked at how small, everyday acts of kindness affect how connected we feel to others and how that sense of connection influences our willingness to cooperate. Hence, not only is kindness good for the soul, but it also plays a key role in promoting teamwork and social harmony. 

What Was The Study About? 

Two studies were conducted as follows: 

Study 1: Everyday Kindness and Cooperation 

In the first study, around 460 people (aged 18 to 67) were part of the sample. Questionnaires assessing participants’ tendency to perform everyday kind actions, such as smiling, expressing gratitude, and speaking in a warm tone, were conducted. The researchers also noted participants’ sense of social belonging and willingness to cooperate. Here’s what they found: the more people engaged in small, kind behaviours, the more they felt like they belonged—and the more open they were to working together with others. Kindness, it turns out, builds bridges. 

Study 2: Kindness in Group Settings

The second study was more hands-on. About 160 first-year university students were divided into small teams of 52 and asked to complete a task. Half of the teams were told to approach the task with kindness, that is, to deliberately be friendly, use warm body language, and listen to each other. The other half purely focused on finishing the task, with no extra effort being put in being nice. Unsurprisingly, the teams that practised kindness felt more satisfied with how they worked together. Additionally, they even said they would cooperate again in the future. 

How Does This Matter? 

Although kindness is often seen as an emotional strength, this study acts as a reminder of the strategic value it holds. We are likely to work well with others when we feel an emotional connection with them. And that connection often starts with something as simple as being kind. Being nice is not just “feel-good” behaviour; it directly influences how well groups function and collaborate. 

What is especially interesting is how the study challenges the old idea that being kind is a weakness. You have probably heard it before: “Nice people get walked all over,” or “You have to be tough to get ahead.” Instead, it reframes kindness as an impactful force that can improve bonds, satisfaction and effectiveness. 

Other Research That Backs This Up 

This is not the first time that science has pointed out the power of kindness and connection. In this section, we will build upon the existing knowledge in social neuroscience and behavioural science. One example is oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone.” Past research has shown its linkage to feelings of trust and bonding. Studies have shown that it encourages cooperation and support among individuals, especially when released during social interactions. 

Another interesting research used brain scans to show that when people cooperate, especially during joint problem-solving tasks like games or gift exchanges, their brain activity becomes more synchronised. This brain alignment or neural synchrony is responsible for people feeling connected and in sync with one another. 

Finally, there is a ripple effect to kindness as well. Studies have indicated that when we see someone do something nice for someone else, we tend to pay it forward. This creates a ripple effect, where one act of kindness can start a chain reaction of helpful behaviour, which can spread throughout a group or even a community. 

Practical Implications 

The applied aspect of this research is pretty straightforward: little acts of kindness can matter a lot! 

At workplaces, when leaders create a kind and respectful culture, better teamwork and less stress among employees have been reported. Incorporating kindness as a fundamental workplace value tremendously enhances work productivity. At schools and universities, teaching kindness to students can reduce bullying and make the classroom atmosphere more positive.

Classroom activities that reward helpfulness and empathetic behaviour can lead to increased peer kindness. At a broad level, social programs that promote community-based kindness initiatives, such as volunteerism, neighbourhood engagement, etc., can build stronger and more trusting communities can be built. 

Conclusion 

We live in a time when it is pretty easy to feel disconnected. We rush through days, get lost in our phones, and forget how important it is to simply be nice to the people around us. This research offers a refreshing reminder on the value of kindness: kindness is not just a feel-good add-on; it is a powerful force for cooperation and connection. So the next time you wonder whether it is worth the effort to be warm, patient, or thoughtful, the answer is: absolutely. It is not just the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do!

FAQs 

1. What counts as “everyday kindness” in this study? 

Everyday kindness refers to small, thoughtful behaviours that show warmth and consideration—things like smiling, expressing gratitude, using a polite tone, or actively listening when someone speaks. These don’t require much effort but can make a big impact on how others feel and how well we connect. 

2. Does being kind mean people will take advantage of me? 

That is a common worry, but this study found the opposite. People who were kind and warm were seen as more cooperative and built stronger connections. Rather than being a weakness, kindness in social and team settings helped people work better together and feel more satisfied. 

3. Can kindness influence teamwork or productivity? 

Yes. The second part of the study involved student teams working on a shared task. The teams that were instructed to act kindly toward each other reported better group satisfaction and a stronger sense of cooperation. This has direct implications for workplaces and classrooms. 

4. Is there a scientific explanation behind why kindness helps cooperation?

There is. Neuroscience research shows that kindness and social bonding release hormones like oxytocin, which increase trust and promote cooperative behaviour. Other studies also show that brain activity can synchronise when people engage in kind or collaborative behaviour, strengthening connection and understanding. 

5. How can I apply this research in daily life? 

Start small. Use names when greeting people, say thank you, listen more attentively, and smile when interacting with others. If you are part of a team, foster an environment of kindness—these small changes can ripple out and improve group dynamics, relationships, and collaboration.