Three ways to show empathy in the workplace
There is real power in showing empathy and kindness to those around us, as we all want to feel understood and valued in the workplace. Showing empathy doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it can have a huge impact on team culture, personal wellbeing and overall team success.
Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s thoughts and feelings and to see things from others’ perspective. Workplaces where it is embraced and modelled have an atmosphere of support and cooperation, and this flows through to how teams interact with each other when collaborating on projects.
So how can leaders model empathy in the workplace in a genuine and real way?
Validation
If your team member is telling you about something difficult happening for them, listen carefully and do your best to offer support and validation. Feeling heard and validated can help build a relationship of trust and mutual support. I have been lucky to work with some very generous and kind people, and receiving their empathetic support has made such a difference to me.
Flexibility
Is someone in your team going through a rough time? Are they struggling to juggle their commitments? Consider if there is some flexibility you can offer - work from home, different hours, some time off, postponing a deadline or commitment. It’s not always possible to take away ‘work stress’ immediately when it’s deadline or project related, but there are small ways to alleviate some of the pressure and show your team member that you understand and actively want to help them.
Coffee!
Not everyone is a caffeine fan, but the essence of this suggestion is that making a small gesture can have a huge impact. Buy your colleague, team member or manager a coffee, a hot chocolate, a cupcake or whatever you think they will enjoy. The best gestures are spontaneous and well timed - a box of ice blocks for your team on a hot day, a coffee for a colleague who is run off their feet. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference!
Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives. - Oprah Winfrey