Kindness at Work: A Four-Part Lunch Series

This 2026 workshop is designed to support ASU faculty & staff well-being, strengthen workplace relationships and foster a healthier organizational culture. Kindness at Work is a four-part lunch and learn series designed to support well-being, strengthen workplace relationships, and foster a healthier organizational culture at ASU.

Kindness at Work creates space for de-stressing, meaningful connection, and informal relationship-building across roles and departments. The series offers a scalable, practical approach to strengthening psychological safety, resilience, and institutional trust—key protective factors for employee engagement, retention, and a healthy campus climate.

Lunch will be provided. Register for one workshop or for all four!

February 5, 2026: Kindness begins with self-support

Sustainable kindness starts with self-respect, self-compassion, and internal safety.

Learn mindfulness and self-kindness practices to manage stress, recover from setbacks, and clarify values and priorities at work. This session focuses on how to develop an internal “safe base” that supports regulation and resilience within demanding academic and administrative environments.

February 12, 2026: Kindness through mentorship & appreciation

Kindness builds trust, continuity, and belonging across roles and generations of work.

This session explores the role of mentors, colleagues, and institutional allies in resilience and growth. Join us as we reflect on sources of support and identify meaningful ways to express appreciation and strengthen relationships across roles, ranks, and departments.

February 19, 2026: Everyday kindness among colleagues

Culture is built through everyday interactions, not grand gestures.

We will examine how small, intentional acts—presence, listening, humor, and appreciation—shape departmental and institutional culture. This session emphasizes balanced, realistic kindness that acknowledges both strengths and imperfections in others.

February 26, 2026 : Kindness with boundaries in challenging relationships

Kindness is strongest when paired with boundaries and courage.

We will address how to navigate difficult workplace relationships with clarity and care. Join us as we explore how kindness can coexist with firmness, limits, and self-protection within complex institutional systems.

Facilitated by: Natalie Gruber, EdD

CSRD Health & Democracy Fellow

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Center for the Study of Race and Democracy