A supportive workplace can be hard to come by. For many people, work is a major source of pressure, tension, and even loneliness, which makes the behavior of colleagues and managers especially important. Since so much of our time is spent on the job, a little consideration can completely change how someone experiences their day. Professional skills matter, obviously, but so does having people around who are patient, thoughtful, and willing to treat others with basic compassion. The stories below come from people who experienced that kind of support firsthand and remembered it long after the moment had passed.