AN EVALUATION OF PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE OF “KINDNESS WORKS HERE”, A KINDNESS AND SELF-COMPASSION WORKSHOP FOR HEALTHCARE AND NON-HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Aim: To evaluate the experience of a workshop based on kindness and selfcompassion theory amongst healthcare and non-healthcare professionals in Ireland. Method: Participants were recruited for the workshop through the health service and a mental health promotion initiative, to which a variety of workplaces are affiliated. All participants completed a 3-hour workshop based on kindness, compassion and self-compassion literature. A bespoke quantitative and qualitative feedback survey was completed post workshop. Qualitative data was compiled and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The workshop’s content was reported as relevant to the workplace by 84.8% of participants and considered useful at work by 85.3%. A further 74.8% of participants reported it was very likely thatthey would implement kindness strategies at work in future. Thematic analysis revealed three master themes; Everyone should be exposed to these ideas; Making the science of kindness relevant and understandable; Experiencing a culture of kindness. Discussion: Increasingly research on kindness and compassion in healthcare suggests that education and promotion of these concepts serves to improve professionals’ and organisations’ wellbeing. Kindness Works Here was perceived as relevant and acceptable. Future research should focus on working with management, creating a culture of kindness in workplaces and larger randomised evaluations of the workshop.