World Kindness Week · November 9–15, 2026 · Theme: “Small Acts, BIG Impact!”
World Kindness Day & World Kindness Week Workplace Activities & Team Challenges
Simple, low-lift kindness activities for any team this World Kindness Week, inspired by Elsie Lincoln Benedict's practical kindness. Free to use, with nothing to buy.
Why workplaces need this
Elsie built kindness into institutions: the Benedict School of Opportunity and the International Opportunity League were designed to keep doors open to anyone willing to learn. Workplaces can do the same in small ways — making it normal to notice, thank and include each other. Research summarized by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley explores how kindness and gratitude affect wellbeing and relationships.
Five team kindness challenges
Challenge 1
15-minute lunch & learn
Share the story of Elsie at Columbus Circle and one of her sourced quotes, then ask: what does kindness with a backbone look like on our team?
Challenge 2
Team kindness count
Everyone logs small kind acts in a shared channel from November 9 to 13; read a few aloud on World Kindness Day.
Challenge 3
Sincere notes
Each person writes one specific thank-you note to a colleague whose work usually goes unnoticed.
Challenge 4
Stand-up draw
Draw one act from our 30 Small Kindness Acts list at the start of each stand-up during World Kindness Week.
Challenge 5
Digital pledge board
Set up a shared board where each person posts one kindness pledge for the week.