Recently in the news we learned that many anonymous donors are paying the layaway balances of families less fortunate enabling them to fulfill their holiday hopes.
(Anonymous Donors Pay Off Kmart Layaway Accounts)

What I like most about this story is the spirit of “paying it forward” that comes to life.  This concept, while often plentiful at the holidays, truly is one that can be applied year-round not only in one’s personal life but also in the work place.  The beauty of the concept is that the gesture need not be a grand one for it to leave a lasting impression on fellow employees or the organization as a whole.

I firmly believe that paying it forward in the workplace – whether it be offering to help someone with a one-time project, being a person’s back-up while they are out of the office, or sharing a positive attitude can be inspiring to others and inherently encourage them to pass it along.  Employers can benefit by encouraging these types of pay it forward acts of kindness as a work environment that fosters teamwork and support is a happier, more engaged place to be.

Maybe my sentiments are overly filled with the joy of the season but none of the things I mentioned cost any of us anything – and these are the types of rewards from which our co-workers and employers can benefit way beyond the holiday season.  So, embrace the pay it forward mentality beyond December and you may just reap the rewards yourself.