The ROI of kindness in the age of AI

When we think about return on investment (ROI) in business, the mind often jumps to numbers: revenue, productivity, or efficiency. But in today’s world shaped by AI, automation, and relentless change, the human qualities that sustain performance are just as vital.

One of the most underestimated? Kindness.

Let’s make business a bit kinder!

Kindness in the workplace is NOT about being “soft” or lowering standards. It’s about creating psychological safety, where people feel respected, valued, and supported. Research consistently shows that employees who feel positive and cared for are:

• 31% more productivity (Wharton Executive Education)

Kindness reduces stress, fosters collaboration, and strengthens resilience, all qualities teams need to thrive in high-pressure corporate environments.

Where AI Fits In

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work: automating tasks, analyzing data, even predicting behavior. But AI lacks the human capacity for empathy, compassion, and authentic connection. It’s a machine, clever at how it works, yet not a human being.

I am thinking, and what a paradox: could it be that the more AI takes over repetitive and technical work, the more valuable kindness becomes.

How?

A manager who leads with empathy will outperform one who relies only on data.

A team that collaborates with mutual respect will adapt faster to AI-driven change.

A brand that treats its customers with kindness builds loyalty, shows transparency, that no algorithm can replicate. Doesn't it ring true:

"AI does the processing; kindness creates the trust."

So, the ROI of Kindness, can it be measured? Indeed it can as studies suggest.

• Reduced employee turnover = Lower recruitment and training costs.

  
  

• Improved decision-making = Calm, respectful environments reduce stress responses, leading to clearer thinking (a better and fun work environment!)

  
  

• Increased innovation = Teams are more willing to share ideas when they don’t fear judgment. I love a good brainstorm, and naturally that should allow for everyone to speak freely, no matter how crazy or irrelevant the idea and input, sometimes that triggers a new direction, a new thought, and new path to take forward.

  
  

• Customer loyalty = People remember how they were treated long after they forget the technical details.

Is it fair to say that kindness isn’t a distraction from performance, and a multiplier instead?

Let’s look at mindfulness here, the practice of paying attention, with awareness and without judgment. It cultivates the inner conditions that allow kindness to flourish: patience, presence, emotional regulation.

Through simple micro-practices; a pause before reacting, a moment of gratitude, a few deep breaths in a meeting, we all can learn to shift from autopilot to intentional action (with practice!). That shift makes it easier to respond with kindness rather than reactivity, even under pressure.

I truly believe that in the age of AI, the leaders who will thrive are those who combine technological intelligence with emotional intelligence.

AI delivers speed II Mindfulness delivers clarity II Kindness delivers trust.

Together, they create workplaces where people and technology elevate each other. The ROI of kindness isn’t just about profit margins, it’s about building organizations that last. In a future where AI handles the algorithms, our humanity is the real competitive edge.

:)