Whilst leadership styles in business vary from one to the next, especially since COVID 19, one character trait that is becoming essential in the workplace is empathy, and rightly so.
For too long workplace empathy has been overlooked as just a “soft skill”, opposed to a talent that does have measurable outcomes. The positive impact it has on people means empathetic leaders are often the ones with the most productive and loyal teams.
In fact, according to a recent study*, 93% of employees reported they would stay with an empathetic employer, and 60% would actually accept a lower salary to stay with them. Resulting in 92% of HR professionals believing that a compassionate workplace is a major factor for employee retention.
How to achieve authentic empathy.
Displaying empathetic leadership in your business can take many shapes and forms and can be an evolving process.
Below are some actions leaders can adopt to be more empathetic:
- Be open, fair and transparent – managers should have an open-door policy and open communication channels encouraging employees to speak when they need to, without judgement or any repercussions
- Encourage opinions to be shared – this will foster psychological safety and help team members work collaboratively
- Have regular one-to-ones – where genuine interest is shown in their feelings, and recognition given where it’s due
- Participate in team building exercises – get to know your employees as whole people
- Tell your employees/teams you care. Don’t assume they know
Why you should be more empathetic?
By embracing a more empathetic approach, it helps leaders understand the root cause behind poor performance and allows them to help struggling employees improve and excel. When their teams feel understood, cared for and appreciated they’re more willing to work harder for themselves and each other. It also has a positive impact on employee retention.
It’s important to remember that introducing empathy into all that you do doesn’t necessarily happen naturally or overnight, but through consistency and patience. But once this is ingrained in your organisational culture and ethos, it will come as second nature and will make the world of difference to your employees.
If you would like to discuss how we could help better equip the leaders in your organisations, whether it’s those just stepping into management positions or existing leaders honing their skills, then please get in touch.
*Businessolver’s State of Workplace Empathy
