Empathy has always been one of the most important characteristics in the workplace. However, now it seems to be taking on greater meaning and becoming a priority for people who want to hold a leadership position.
Showing empathy is very positive for the psychology of individuals, but new research shows its importance for all areas of a business. People who assume leadership and power positions must demonstrate a combination of many skills in order to create conditions of calm, commitment and happiness in a workplace and, of course, to achieve better performance from employees. Empathy is at the top of this list of skills.
Empathy contributes to positive outcomes
As we go through difficult times, struggle with fatigue, or feel that our work does not fulfill us and therefore we are not satisfied with it, empathy can become a "tool" and contribute very positively both on an individual and collective level.
A new survey of 889 employees by Catalyst, a global nonprofit organization focused on the position of women in the workplace, highlighted the spectacular impact of empathy and its results:
In innovation: When employees reported being treated with kindness and calm, they were more likely to think and have innovative ideas.
In work engagement: 76% of people who received positive and empathetic behavior showed more commitment to their work compared to 32% who received the opposite.
For employees who stay with a company: More than 50% of women who participated said they were unlikely to consider leaving a company that respected them.
Inclusion and sense of safety: 50% of participants reported that their work environment did not exclude people and was inclusive, so they felt safer and more comfortable in it. In contrast to 17% who stated that there was discrimination in their work environment, and therefore a lower sense of safety.
In personal and professional life: When women felt that their employers and managers showed more empathy, they stated - at a rate of 86% - that they were better able to balance their personal and professional lives.
In mental health: According to this research, when employers, managers, and supervisors showed higher levels of compassion and empathy, employees reported fewer problems related to stress or anxiety. Their mental health, in other words, was much better compared to employees who were led by leaders who were not empathetic.
How to show empathy in the workplace
There are two ways to show empathy. One is to understand what you would think if you were in the other person’s shoes, and the second is to think about how you would feel. Of course, this alone is not enough, as a person in a position of authority would be completely successful if they expressed their concerns and then waited to hear the concerns of their employees. You don’t have to be a mental health expert to be successful. A humane and respectful attitude is enough. Ask questions that show interest and show genuine attention.
Empathy may not be a new discovery, but now it takes on a whole new meaning, as new data suggests it is the most dynamic characteristic of those who want to climb the career ladder - and beyond.
Source: Maire Claire
