I don’t have to tell you how much the “workplace” has changed over the past few years. It’s become more remote, more hybrid, more virtual, more individualized. What hasn’t changed is the fact that success is still generally measured in terms of productivity, efficiency, and bottom-line results. I’m not here to tell you that these things aren’t important. But let’s stop and spend a minute talking about another very important success factor for businesses and individuals: empathy. Defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, empathy is a powerful tool that can transform workplace dynamics, foster collaboration, and build a more positive and inclusive environment. Let’s explore how to make empathy central to how you show up at work, allowing you to contribute to building a more compassionate and thriving workplace.
Empathy is not just a “soft skill”; it’s a key ingredient of meaningful connections and collaboration. Research has shown that workplaces with a high level of empathy experience increased employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved team dynamics. But empathy doesn’t just “happen”. Sure, some people are more naturally inclined than others, but just like any skill it requires practice and intention to get better at it and to make it a habit. Here are a few elements to focus on in your quest to be a more empathetic colleague.
Listen Actively: One of the fundamental aspects of empathy is active listening. Instead of simply hearing words, make a genuine effort to understand the emotions and perspectives behind them. Put away distractions, maintain eye contact (yes, even over Zoom), make an effort to show that you are fully present in the conversation. Nod your head to show understanding; ask follow-up questions to dive deeper into a topic or to make sure you understand what was said. Listen to understand and to truly hear the other person, not just to find your moment to respond. Let it be about the person you’re talking to, and make an effort to make them feel heard and understood.
Take Another Perspective: Empathy involves stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. At this point we’ve all seen each other’s homes, pets, kids, and hoodies in our video meetings. So we know our co-workers have lives. Practice perspective-taking by making those lives fully real in your mind and considering the challenges, experiences, and emotions of the people you’re working with. Imagine how they might see a situation differently from how you see it – then see if you’re right by asking them! “Hey, I’m thinking about an approach to this situation, but I’d love to get your perspective on what makes sense to you.” See how we asked them for their opinion BEFORE offering ours? That’s on purpose. It doesn’t apply any pressure for them to agree with you and it creates more freedom to share their actual thoughts. Practicing seeing things from someone else’s perspective will enable you to respond in a more thoughtful and considerate manner, which in turn will build deeper and more trusting relationships – both professional and personal.
Practice Vulnerability: Create an environment where “saying what’s true” is encouraged, even when it’s not a constant exercise in cheerleading. Model behavior that says it’s OK to disagree; it’s OK to not be at your best all the time; it’s OK to take some time for self-care. Establishing a culture of vulnerability and transparency allows and encourages people to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, which is the single most impactful element in building psychological safety. And creating this type of safety for the people you work with is going to deepen your relationships, improve your collaborations, and unlock innovation and creativity in everything you do.
Recognize and Validate Emotions: Until the robots come for us all, the fact is that we’re all human and we all have emotions. Empathy means acknowledging and validating people’s emotions and emotional responses, even (especially?) if we don’t agree with them or necessarily understand them. Whether someone is celebrating a win or facing a challenge, take the time to recognize their feelings. Offer words of encouragement, celebrate achievements, and provide support during difficult times. You don’t even have to know what to say. Something as simple as listening and saying “Wow, I had no idea you felt this way” or “That sounds like a lot. Is there anything I can do to help?” or “I’m so sorry. I’m here for you” can be the most important moment in someone’s day. Strive to make those important moments that make people feel heard, understood, and valued.
Lead by Example: Whether you’re a leader or a team member, lead by example in demonstrating empathetic behavior. When people see you putting empathy into action, it will become contagious. It looks good on you, and people will see it and want it to look good on them, too. Encourage your colleagues, through words and actions, to prioritize empathy.
Making empathy central to how you show up at work is not just a personal development goal (though it’s a pretty great one); it’s a commitment to building a workplace culture that values compassion, understanding, and connection. Make practicing empathy a part of your daily goals. And please remember that this is a skill and not an innate gift. It’s OK to not get it right all the time. Be kind to yourself, make mental notes on what you’ll do differently next time, and move on. Because empathy can be directed inward too. And maybe, in the end, that’s the best place to start.
How do you practice empathy at work or in other aspects of your life?
HR Dave 