Work Actually: Is Better with a Little Love

It comes in many shapes and sizes: the love you feel for your partner, your pet, your friends, your family—or even that song you’ve played on repeat so many times that Spotify is starting to worry about you.

Anyway, what i’m trying to say is that love doesn’t just show up in the obvious places. Without meaning to quote Hugh Grant in Love Actually, Love is everywhere—even at work. Yes that’s right, even that fluorescent-lit, Slack-filled, meeting-packed space you call your workplace.

Now, I’m not saying that you need to write love poems about spreadsheets or declare undying devotion to the office coffee machine (although, let’s admit it, some days it feels like the MVP). But love exists in the workplace in different forms.

Some people deeply love what they do—whether it’s designing products, managing teams, or tip-tapping vigorously on their computer keyboards. Others might not feel as strongly for the job itself but love the perks that their job provides them with: the pay-check, the flexible hours, or the daily dose of office chit-chat. Then there are those who don’t exactly love the job or the perks but find value in simply doing something—or in the social connections their workplace offers.

Whatever your relationship status with your work—true love, mild affection, or “it’s complicated”—there’s always room to bring a little more love to your workplace and the people in it.

So, call me the Corporate Cupid, because I’m here to bring you some actionable heartwarming advice to get that blood pumping—or at least make your workplace a little more lovable for everyone around you.

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

Begin each workday by reflecting on one thing you’re grateful for about your job—whether it’s a supportive colleague, an interesting project, or simply the coffee machine in the break room.

2. Give Genuine Compliments

Take a moment to recognise and acknowledge a colleague’s contributions. A simple “You did an amazing job on that presentation” or “I really appreciate your help yesterday” can brighten someone’s day.

3. Personalise Your Workspace

Add items to your workspace that bring you joy, like photos, plants, or a favourite mug. A personalised space can make work feel more like your space.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it’s finishing a task, solving a tricky problem, or getting through a challenging meeting, take a moment to celebrate—even if it’s just a silent cheer or sharing the success with your team.

5. Surprise a Colleague with Kindness

Bring someone their favourite coffee, write a quick note of appreciation, or send a funny meme to make their day a little better. Small, unexpected gestures go a long way.

6. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Remind yourself why you chose your job or field in the first place. What excites you about it? Revisiting your core motivation can reignite your passion.

7. Take Five for Connection

Each day, spend five minutes connecting with a colleague. Whether it’s a quick chat about their weekend or asking how they’re doing, these small conversations foster stronger relationships.

8. Share the Love Publicly

Use team meetings or Slack channels to publicly appreciate a colleague’s work. Highlighting others efforts not only lifts them but creates a culture of recognition.

9. Make Time for Fun

Suggest a team activity, like a lunch outing, an afterwork, or a fun theme day. Injecting lightheartedness into the workday builds camaraderie and joy.

10. End Your Day on a Positive Note

Before leaving work, write down one thing that went well during the day. Focusing on the positives can help you leave with a sense of fulfilment.

Many of these suggestions are already intertwined with Hyper island’s corporate methodology and reflect the values we strive to embody as an organisation. By embracing these practices, you’re not just fostering a more positive environment—you’re creating a culture of care and collaboration that makes workplaces thrive.

So, why not take a moment today to spread a little love around your workplace? Whether it’s a positive reflection, a simple gesture, or a shared laugh, these acts of connection can do wonders for your work-love relationship—and maybe even inspire those around you to do the same.

Can you feel it? Your heartbeat is accelerating, your eyes widen and your pupils dilate. Your breath is starting to pick up in pace. You notice how you’re starting to lightly sweat, and you suddenly feel focused and unfocused at the same time. In this moment, every sensation feels magnified—every beat, every breath, every touch. You close your eyes as a warmth spreads across your skin. Now imagine channeling that energy into your workplace.