Kindness in academic workplaces tied to stronger institutional identity and well-being

A new study highlights the importance of kindness in academic workplaces, especially as many health professionals face increasing levels of burnout. Kanoho Hosoda, director of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), led the research, which was recently published in PLOS One.

The study found that receiving kindness boosts well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens institutional identity, while giving kindness has less impact. Key elements of kindness, such as feeling safe and acknowledged, promote positivity and inclusion in higher education.

Hosoda’s study advances the science of kindness by showing that academics who receive kindness have stronger institutional identity, better well-being and less stress. These individuals are also more likely to perform acts of kindness themselves. It also demonstrates that kindness—both given and received—can be reliably measured in students and faculty.

“We wanted to develop measures of kindness,” Hosoda explained. “When I say ‘let’s be kind to each other,’ we want tangible, specific actions we can implement.”

Surveying higher education experiences

The study defines kindness as actions that affirm dignity and social inclusion, based on 10 dignity-affirming metrics, including trust, autonomy, understanding, inclusion, fair treatment, acknowledgment, safety, and acceptance of identity.

To gather insights, Hosoda surveyed 182 higher education members about their experiences with these elements. She hopes these findings will encourage the JABSOM community to foster a kinder environment.

Hosoda acknowledged that JABSOM is already on a positive trajectory, thanks to faculty members such as Martina Kamaka, Dee-Ann Carpenter, and Vanessa Wong, who create safe spaces for students through Learning Communities, providing support within the rigorous curriculum.

As the principal investigator of a two-year NIH grant, Hosoda understands the challenges of navigating higher education and believes in the importance of community.

“Sometimes you feel like a lone wolf going through your Ph.D.,” she said. “JABSOM has created communities that promote these dignity elements.”

Connecting kindness to Hawaiian values

Hosoda connects her research to the Hawaiian value of ALOHA, which includes kindness (Akahai), unity (Lōkahi), and humility (Haʻahaʻa). She believes that if kindness is nurtured in medical education, it will extend into clinical practice, benefiting the broader community.

“I want to see growth in kindness from students, faculty and staff, ultimately impacting society in Hawaiʻi,” she said.