This is part of a series of articles on Social Excellence in the workplace called “The Relationship Business Series.” Because after all, we’re all in the relationship business. For more helpful content like this, sign up for (free) The 21 Days of Social Excellence.

by Matt Mattson

I just want people to feel loved at work.

Is that crazy to say? Love. At work?

Do you feel loved at work?

I really do think it's possible for people to feel that.

[PAUSE] Did you think this article was about romance in the office? Sorry. I’m not great at clear article titles. Ooopsy. #clickbait [RESUME]

As I was saying... I really do think it's possible for people to feel love at work.

Someone just has to break the ice. Someone just has to give love first.

Here are ten ways you can give LOVE to others at work (and yes, this list is inspired by the book, "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.

Words of Affirmation: Offer sincere and specific compliments to your colleagues, acknowledging their unique strengths and contributions. For example, tell a team member, "Your attention to detail on that project really impressed me. You have a remarkable ability to spot even the tiniest errors."

Acts of Service: Help alleviate a colleague's workload by offering assistance or taking on a task without being asked. For instance, surprise a coworker by saying, "I noticed you've been swamped lately. Let me take care of that report for you so you can have some breathing room."

Quality Time: Set aside dedicated time to connect with your coworkers on a personal level. Arrange a lunch or coffee break to engage in meaningful conversations unrelated to work. Show genuine interest in their lives and actively listen to their stories, thoughts, and aspirations.

Gifts: Thoughtfully select small tokens of appreciation to show your colleagues that you value them. For example, give a coworker a book related to their hobbies or interests, accompanied by a note expressing why you think they would enjoy it.

Thoughtful Gestures: Show kindness through thoughtful gestures that cater to your coworkers' preferences and interests. For example, if you know a colleague loves a particular type of tea or coffee, surprise them with their favorite beverage one morning. This simple act shows that you pay attention to their preferences and care about their well-being.

Acts of Inclusion: Create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Include coworkers in conversations, invite them to social events, and ensure they have a voice in team discussions. For instance, actively seek input from introverted colleagues who may be more reserved.

Encouragement and Support: Be a source of encouragement and support for your coworkers during challenging times. Offer words of motivation and reassure them of their abilities. Share a heartfelt note with a colleague who's facing a tough deadline, saying, "You've got this! Your dedication and talent will see you through."

Mentorship and Guidance: Offer your knowledge and experience to mentor colleagues who may benefit from your guidance. Provide constructive feedback, share insights, and empower them to grow professionally. Taking someone under your wing and investing in their development is a powerful expression of love.

Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate important milestones and achievements of your coworkers. Send them a congratulatory email, recognize their accomplishments in team meetings, or organize a surprise celebration to honor their successes.

Random Acts of Kindness: Engage in unexpected acts of kindness to brighten someone's day. Leave a positive and uplifting note on a colleague's desk, bring in treats for the team, or offer to take on a task they dislike. These small gestures can make a big impact and create a culture of love and kindness in the workplace.

*BONUS* Say “I Love You:” I know this stretches the boundaries of some folks (and some workplaces). But I'm personally a big believer that the more we express our true feelings of platonic and natural human love for people, the more we can break free from the bonds of societal expectations that keep us all safely arms-distanced from each other. Don't share this bonus recommendation with HR.

Remember, demonstrating love at work is about creating an environment where people feel valued, appreciated, wondered about, noticed, and like they matter. Lots of folks have life backgrounds that never gave them those feelings. Your little gestures might mean a lot more than you know.