We’ve all been there. Your coworker looks like they’ve aged five years since Monday. The vibes are low. Maybe they’re stressed, grieving, or just got off a tough Zoom call with That Client. You want to help. But… workplace boundaries are real.
So how do you show you care without triggering an awkward HR chat?
🪴 1. Start with small, safe kindness.
Sometimes the best support is quiet but consistent:
- Refill their water bottle.
- Drop a kind note: “You’ve got this.”
- Give space, but don’t isolate them.
You don’t need a grand gesture. Just human decency. (It’s free and shockingly underused.)
😅 2. Use humor as a pressure release—not a punchline.
A well-timed laugh can change the whole day. That said, this is not the time for sarcasm or dark humor unless you know their style.
Instead:
- Send a silly meme.
- Share a wholesome TikTok.
- Leave a Ploppal on their desk with a note:
“I give a sh*t about you.”
They’ll get a laugh—and a reminder they’re not alone.
🧸 3. Respect their signals.
If they brush it off or seem distant, don’t push. Let your gesture land and give them room to respond however they need. Support isn't about getting credit—it's about being present.
✨ Bottom line?
Work is hard. Life is harder. And sometimes the kindest, most professional thing you can do is remind someone they’re not invisible.
Empathy belongs in the workplace—and yes, so does a cute poop plushie with wings.
Heather
Founder, Ploppals
