Kindness As Prevention: Building a Safer UC Davis Workplace
Small actions that strengthen safety, trust, and respect at work
Quick Summary
- Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th and practicing acts of kindness towards colleagues can help prevent workplace violence incidents.
Kindness As Prevention: Building a Safer UC Davis Workplace
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a reminder that small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day, and in our workplace safety.
At UC Davis, workplace violence prevention isn’t only about policies and reporting procedures. It’s also about creating a culture where every employee feels respected, heard, supported, and safe.
Kindness is prevention.
Why Kindness Is a Critical Part of Workplace Violence Prevention
Many workplace incidents begin with everyday stress, frustration, or feelings of being unheard. When those emotions build, they can escalate.
Practicing kindness at work can:
- Reduce emotional tension and stress
- Increase psychological safety and trust
- Strengthen team relationships
- Encourage early communication of concerns
- Decrease isolation or resentment
How Kindness Reinforces CPI Skills and Workplace Violence Prevention
The Workplace Violence Prevention Department offers Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training, which provides practical tools for preventing and de-escalating conflict. When we apply those skills consistently through everyday acts of kindness, respect, and care, we strengthen our culture of safety across UC Davis.
Key CPI Principals we practice every day:
- Supportive Approach: calm, respectful interactions reduce defensiveness
- Early intervention: addressing concerns early prevents escalation
- Integrated Experience: our behavior influences others' behavior
- De-escalation Skills: listening, empathy, and nonjudgemental communication
Kindness in Action
- Everyone: Acknowledge others, express gratitude, listen fully, and offer help.
- Teams: Share appreciation, celebrate success, and support one another.
- Leaders: Lead with respect, address tensions early, and recognize effort openly.
February Kindness and Safety Challenge
Commit to one intentional act of kindness each workday. Small actions build trust, reduce stress, and help prevent conflict, supporting a safer UC Davis workplace for all.
Additional Resources
- Mental Health First Aid class: Sign Up Now!
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP)
- Counselor drop-ins
- Support U Peer Responder Program: [email protected]
- Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program
- Workplace Violence Prevention Program
- Contact the Workplace Violence Prevention Unit: [email protected]