I’m pretty proficient with computers, and frequently asked by my coworkers for help with computer problems. These range from troubleshooting Excel formulas to finding certain queries on our Oracle database. Usually these are at crisis moments for my coworkers, and they need my help immediately. Even if I’m busy at the time, I’ll stop what I’m doing in order to help with their problem. I do this because of the many benefits of being helpful:

1. It helps your standing in the company

Helping not only creates grateful coworkers, but the good karma generated by your graciousness can put you in good standing with management. Instead of having to blow your own horn, a happy coworker may do it for you. It’s nice to be the “go-to” guy.

2. It helps the company directly

When you take the time to teach someone a new skill, you’ve increased your company’s combined intelligence. The person you’ve helped now has a new skill, and hopefully will pass it along to someone else in need.

3. It helps save future time

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

- Chinese Proverb

Teaching your coworkers will save you time in the future. If you’ve taken the time to educate them properly the first time, they won’t need to bother you again for that particular subject.

4. It helps your self-esteem

Even if you’re having a lousy day at the office, a little unconditional giving can do wonders for your mood. It might be the only good thing that you’ll accomplish all day, and can be a boost to your ego.

Rather than being the self-promoting guy everyone in the office despises, give a little of yourself, and the benefits of your altruism should follow.

“A large part of altruism, even when it is perfectly honest, is grounded upon the fact that it is uncomfortable to have unhappy people about one.”

- H.L. Mencken

Okay, so maybe Mencken was right, and we help others for selfish reasons. In any case, it’s better to have happy coworkers than unhappy ones, so get busy helping.

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