Empathy isn’t a fleeting trend or a corporate checkbox; it’s the heart of human connection. And as we close out Mental Health Awareness Month and step into the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month, it’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on the role empathy plays in our lives.
At Thrive, we define empathy as the ability to truly appreciate and respect the perspectives of everyone we encounter: colleagues, clients, candidates, and suppliers alike. It’s that moment when we pause, lean in, and say, “I hear you,” rather than simply “I understand.”
Why Empathy Matters in the Modern Workplace
In an era where inboxes overflow and deadlines loom large, taking the time to listen can feel like a luxury. Yet, research continuously shows that empathetic organisations enjoy higher engagement. An article from People Management highlights that 93 per cent of employees are more likely to stay with a compassionate employer, while 82 per cent would consider leaving their role for a more empathetic organisation.
When people feel genuinely seen and heard, they bring their best ideas and their most authentic selves to the table. That boost in creativity, passion, and collaboration ripples out to benefit every project and every partnership.
Active Listening: The First Step to True Connection
Empathy begins with active listening. This means putting away distractions, making eye contact (even on a video call), and asking open-ended questions.
As a matter of good practice, encourage your staff to “check in” with their team. If a group setting doesn’t feel right, try brief one-on-one sessions instead. Encourage managers or leaders to carve out just two minutes per person - for example, at the start of the week or just before a key project kicks off - to send a quick, private message or grab a coffee chat and ask how they are really doing.
These small, individual touchpoints build trust, show you genuinely care, and signal: your well-being matters. Other powerful ways to check in can be read here.
Walking in Their Shoes: Real-World Applications
Seeing the world from another person’s perspective can reshape how we support one another. Think about someone about to give a big presentation: instead of assuming they’ve got it all under control, you walk them through the steps, clear up any sticky bits, and remind them it’s okay to take a breath.
Or consider a customer service representative handling a frustrated client: you don’t fire off a script, you model asking a couple of open questions to uncover what’s really worrying the caller and validate their feelings. Even on the shop floor or in the field, teaming up to tackle a new machine or a tricky deadline side-by-side sends a powerful message: we’re in this together.
Cultivating an Empathy-First Culture
One of the simplest yet most eye-opening ways to build empathy is through Work Shadowing. Once a quarter, invite pairs of colleagues from different departments or roles (say, someone from customer support and someone from product development, for example) to spend a half-day shadowing each other’s work.
Afterward, they reconvene to share one key insight about the emotional highs and lows they observed: what surprised them, where stress points emerged, and how small adjustments might create a more supportive experience. This brief role swap not only reveals hidden challenges and opportunities but also fosters a culture of genuine curiosity and connection, no matter your industry or job type.
Looking Ahead: Empathy as a Springboard
At the end of the day, empathy is the secret ingredient that transforms transactions into relationships, building trust, sparking innovation, and delivering service excellence that truly resonates.
And as we embrace Pride Month and celebrate diverse identities, our commitment to empathy becomes more vital than ever: by staying curious about experiences different from our own, we empower ourselves to be better allies and champions for change.
